Types of EV Charging

We all know that electric cars need charging, and that it is as simple as just plugging in to a charging point connected to an electricity supply, but there are a range of options, sizes and features to consider. 

How can I charge an electric car?

How you charge an electric car will depend on where you are; home, work or in a public space. 

How do I charge my car at home?

If you are lucky enough to have off-street parking, charging your electric vehicle (EV) at home is easy with the installation of a dedicated home charger. This method is notably the most convenient, especially for overnight charging. Typically, these chargers are equipped with their own cable, simplifying the process to a mere plug-in to initiate charging.

A specialised home charging station will provide:

• Integral safety mechanisms to safeguard you, your home and your vehicle.
• Respectable charging rates, offering 10-30 miles of range for every hour connected.
• Features for energy tracking and software updates, provided it's Wi-Fi compatible.
• Usually includes a permanently attached cable for immediate charging.
• Might also feature a universal ‘Type 2’ socket and cable, facilitating charging at your workplace or public locations.

How do I charge my car at work?

Charging your electric vehicle while at work offers significant convenience, if your workplace allows, mainly because your vehicle is typically stationary for a long time throughout the day.

When you charge at work, you can expect:

• Comparable charging rates to what you would find with home charging solutions.
• The presence of universal 'Type 2' connectors, necessitating that you bring your own charging cable for your vehicle.
• The occasional need for an RFID swipe card or a mobile app to initiate the charging process.

How do I charge my car in a public space?

There will be times when the charge from your home station isn't sufficient to get you to your destination, so you will need to use public charging stations. These are commonly located at places like service stations, supermarkets, and shopping parks, among others.

Utilising public charging will:

• Allow drivers to conveniently charge their vehicles while on the move.
• Typically necessitate bringing your own charging cable for use.
• Often operate on a pay-as-you-go basis, requiring users to either download an app, visit a website, or use a pre-registered RFID card, depending on the network.
• Sometimes offer free charging as a perk for customers of the location.
• Feature available locations on websites like Zap-Map, making it easier to plan your stops.

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