A Complete Guide to Charging an Electric Car
Switching to an electric car is now easier than ever, thanks to the UK’s rapidly growing EV charging infrastructure. Whether you’re charging at home, work, or on the go, here’s everything you need to know to keep your EV battery topped up.
Where Can You Charge Your EV?
- At Home: Charging at home is the cheapest and most convenient option for many EV owners. You can:Use a standard 3-pin plug: Known as “trickle charging,” this is very slow (up to 3kW) and best for emergencies.Install a Boxergy EV charger: These 7kW units can fully charge a typical EV overnight and are far more efficient than a regular socket. Some homes with three-phase electricity can even support 22kW chargers. Home charging is the cheapest and most convenient way to charge your EV. Boxergy can install a high-quality EV charger for your home and set everything up so you could pay as little as 7p per kWh by charging during off-peak hours. This not only saves you money but ensures your car is ready whenever you need it. Need an ev charger? Contact us today.
- At Work: Many workplaces now offer EV chargers in their car parks, often free to use. These are usually fast chargers (up to 22kW), perfect for adding range while you work.
- In Public: Public charging points are becoming increasingly common at supermarkets, car parks, service stations, and even dedicated EV hubs. These range from 7kW fast chargers to ultra-rapid options exceeding 100kW.
Electric Car Charging: How to Find an EV Charger Near Me
Planning ahead is essential for EV drivers, especially on long trips. Here’s how to locate chargers:
- In-Car Systems: Many modern EVs have built-in navigation showing nearby chargers.
- Apps & Websites: Tools like Zap-Map and apps from charging networks provide live updates on charger availability, speed, and costs.
- Google Maps: A growing number of general navigation apps now display EV charging locations.
- Public Charging: What You Need to Know. Public chargers vary in speed and setup. Some are tethered with cables attached, while others require you to use your own. Most stations allow payment via apps or contactless cards.
Electric Car Charging: Pro Tips
- Move your car once it’s charged to free up the space for others.
- Confirm the charging session has started before leaving your car.
Types of EV Chargers
- Slow Chargers (Up to 3kW): Ideal for overnight charging but slow for larger EV batteries.
- Fast Chargers (7-22kW): Common in public spaces and great for a full charge in a few hours.
- Rapid Chargers (50kW+): Perfect for quick top-ups, with some models capable of charging from 10-80% in under 30 minutes.
Connectors
- Type 2: The most common connector for home and public charging.
- CCS: The standard for rapid charging, handling speeds up to 350kW.
Charging at Home
A AlphaESS or Zappi EV charger is the most practical solution for home charging. At Boxergy, we install high-quality, affordable smart EV chargers designed to make home charging convenient and cost-effective. With the right setup, you can charge your electric car for as little as 7p per kWh, giving you a significant cost advantage compared to traditional fuels. Don’t have off-street parking? Check for public chargers nearby or inquire about under-pavement solutions.
Charging Costs & Networks
Charging costs vary depending on the network, charger speed, and time of use. Many networks, like BP Pulse and Pod Point, offer subscriptions for discounted rates. Some chargers are still free to use, particularly at workplaces and supermarkets.
How Long Does Charging Take?
Charging time depends on the battery size and charger speed. For example, a 60kWh battery would take:
- 20 hours on a 3kW charger
- 8,5 hours on a 7kW charger
- 24 minutes on a 150kW rapid charger
Electric Car Charging: Final Tips for EV Drivers
- Always plan your routes and charging stops in advance.
- Take advantage of smart tariffs for cheaper home charging overnight.
- Keep a charging cable in your car for flexibility at untethered points.
With more chargers and better technology, driving an electric car is becoming increasingly convenient, cost-effective, and sustainable.
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