As electric cars continue to grow in popularity, one of the most important considerations for owners is how and where to charge their vehicles. While some may have concerns about the availability and accessibility of charging stations, the reality is that the charging infrastructure is rapidly expanding in the UK. In this guide, we will explore the various types of charging options available, as well as provide some tips for electric car owners on how to charge their vehicles efficiently and cost-effectively.
Types of Charging Options
When it comes to electric car charging, there are three main types of charging options available:
Home Charging
Home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective way to charge your electric vehicle. This involves installing a dedicated charging point at your home, which can be done by a qualified electrician. Many electric cars come with a cable that can be plugged into a regular household socket, but this is not recommended for regular use as it can be slow and potentially hazardous. A dedicated home charging point can fully charge most electric cars in around 4-8 hours, depending on the car and the charger’s power output. Some electric car manufacturers and energy suppliers offer discounted or even free home charging points as part of their packages.
Public Charging
Public charging stations are becoming increasingly common in the UK, with more than 35,000 public charging points available as of early 2021. These charging stations can be found in various locations, including shopping centres, car parks, and roadside locations. The majority of public charging stations are run by independent operators or energy suppliers, and some may require a subscription or payment to use. It’s important to check before you arrive whether the charging point requires a membership card or app to use, and to ensure that your electric car is compatible with the charging station’s connector type.
How many public charging points are there in the UK?
At the end of April 2023, there were 42566 electric vehicle charging points across the UK, across 24909 charging locations. This represents a 37% increase in the total number of charging devices since April 2022
Rapid Charging
Rapid charging is the fastest way to charge your electric vehicle, typically providing an 80% charge in around 30-45 minutes. Rapid chargers are available at public charging stations, motorway service stations, and some supermarkets. These chargers use a more powerful DC (Direct Current) charge, which can quickly replenish the battery. Rapid charging is useful for long journeys or for a quick top-up when you’re out and about, but it can be more expensive than home or public charging.
Tips for Efficient and Cost-Effective Charging
Charge at Night
Electricity prices tend to be lower at night, which means that charging your electric car overnight can be more cost-effective than during the day. Many electric cars have built-in scheduling features that allow you to set a charging schedule, so you can take advantage of cheaper electricity rates.
Charge to 80%
Charging your electric car to 100% can take longer and may cause the battery to degrade faster over time. Experts recommend charging your electric car to around 80% capacity on a regular basis, as this is sufficient for most daily driving needs and can help prolong the life of the battery.
Monitor Charging Times
If you’re using a public charging station, keep an eye on the time and try to avoid overcharging. Most public charging stations will charge per hour or per kWh, so it’s important to be aware of the costs and to move your car once charging is complete to avoid any additional fees.
Be Prepared
It’s always a good idea to plan your journey in advance and to check the availability of charging stations along your route. Many electric cars have built-in navigation systems that can show you nearby charging stations, as well as their availability and charging speeds. Additionally, make sure you have the right cables and adapters for the charging stations you plan to use.
Consider a Smart Charger
Smart chargers can be programmed to charge your electric vehicle at off-peak times when electricity prices are lower. This can help you save money on your electricity bill in the long run. Additionally, some smart chargers also offer features like remote monitoring and control, allowing you to manage your charging sessions from your smartphone or computer.
When choosing a smart charger, make sure it is compatible with your electric vehicle and has the appropriate power output for your home. You may also want to consider whether it offers additional safety features such as overload protection and automatic cut-off. It’s also important to have your smart charger installed by a qualified professional to ensure it is set up correctly and safely.
Know the Types of Charging Connectors
There are different types of charging connectors used in electric cars, and it’s essential to know which one your car uses. The most common types of charging connectors in the UK are Type 1 and Type 2 connectors.
Type 1 connectors have five pins and are commonly used in older electric car models, while Type 2 connectors have seven pins and are used in most modern electric cars. However, some electric cars may have different connectors depending on the manufacturer, so it’s crucial to check your car’s manual to know which connector to use.
It’s also important to note that charging connectors are not interchangeable, meaning a Type 2 connector cannot be used on a Type 1 electric car and vice versa. Therefore, ensure that you have the correct connector before you start charging your car.
Use a Dedicated Charging Point
While it’s possible to charge your electric car from a regular power outlet, it’s not recommended as it can be hazardous and cause damage to your car’s battery. The best option is to use a dedicated electric car charging point.
Dedicated charging points are designed specifically for electric cars and offer faster charging times and more convenience. They are available in different types and power ratings, and you can install them at your home or workplace.
In the UK, at the time of writing, the government provides grants of up to 75% towards the cost of installing a charging point at your home or workplace. Additionally, some local authorities offer free or discounted charging points in public places.
Be Mindful of Public Charging Etiquette
Using public charging points is essential for longer journeys or if you don’t have access to a dedicated charging point. However, it’s important to be mindful of public charging etiquette.
Some charging points may have time limits, and it’s considered rude to leave your car plugged in after it’s fully charged, preventing others from using the charging point. Therefore, once your car is fully charged, unplug it and allow others to use the charging point.
It’s also good practice to park your car in a designated charging bay, so other drivers can easily identify the charging point. Avoid parking in charging bays if you don’t intend to charge your car as it can cause inconvenience to other electric car drivers.
Electric car charging can seem daunting at first, but with the right information and preparation, it’s easy and convenient. Knowing your car’s range and battery capacity, understanding the different types of charging connectors and using a dedicated charging point are some of the ways you can make electric car charging a hassle-free experience.
Moreover, as the UK government is committed to increasing the number of charging points across the country, electric car ownership is becoming more accessible and affordable. By adopting electric cars and sustainable energy, we can contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations.
