Everything New EV Drivers Need to Know About Staying Powered Up
Introduction
If you’re considering buying your first electric vehicle (EV), you’ve probably realised: charging is the biggest new habit you’ll need to learn.
Unlike popping into a petrol station for a five-minute refuel, charging an EV involves different speeds, connectors, locations, and a bit of forward thinking. But don’t worry—it’s far easier than it first appears.
In this guide, we’ll break down how, where, and when to charge your electric car so you can hit the road with confidence (and a full battery).
The Basics: How Electric Car Charging Works
Charging an EV is essentially filling a battery with electricity—similar to charging your smartphone, just on a bigger scale.
How it works:
- You connect your EV to a charging station (at home or in public).
- Electricity flows into the car’s onboard charger, which then stores energy in the battery pack.
- Charging speed depends on the charger’s power output and your car’s maximum charging capability.
That’s it! Plug in, power up, and drive.
Different Types of Charging
There are three main types of EV charging speeds:
1. Slow Charging (AC, up to 3kW)
- Typically from a standard 3-pin domestic plug or a basic home unit.
- Charging time: 8–12 hours for a full charge.
- Best for overnight home charging or emergency top-ups.
2. Fast Charging (AC, 7kW–22kW)
- Most common type for home wallboxes and public chargers.
- Charging time: 3–6 hours depending on charger speed and battery size.
- Ideal for home setups and workplace charging.
3. Rapid Charging (DC, 50kW–350kW)
- Found at motorway services, petrol stations, and dedicated fast-charging hubs.
- Charging time: 20–60 minutes to 80% charge.
- Best for long-distance travel or quick top-ups.
Important:
- Not all EVs can accept rapid charging speeds—check your car’s specifications.
- Charging rates slow down automatically after 80% to protect the battery.
Where to Charge: Home vs Public Charging
Home Charging
Most EV owners do the majority of their charging at home. It’s convenient, cheaper, and easy to fit into your daily routine.
To charge at home:
- Install a dedicated wallbox charger (usually 7kW) for faster, safer charging.
- Use a smart charger to schedule charging during off-peak electricity hours and save money.
- Ensure your home’s electrical system can support the setup (qualified installers will advise).
Public Charging
If you can’t charge at home—or need a top-up while out—public charging networks are growing rapidly.
Public charging locations include:
- Supermarkets and shopping centres
- Car parks and street-side charging points
- Petrol stations and motorway services
- Hotel car parks and gyms
Apps like Zap-Map, PlugShare, and Chargemap help locate chargers nearby, show availability in real-time, and sometimes allow direct payment through the app.
Charging Connectors: Which Plug Do You Need?
Just like with mobile phones, EVs and chargers have different types of plugs—but it’s less confusing than it sounds.
Common connector types:
- Type 2 (Europe standard) – used for most AC chargers and EVs.
- CHAdeMO (older rapid charging standard) – found on some Nissan and Mitsubishi models.
- CCS (Combined Charging System) – modern rapid charging connector used by most brands (BMW, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Tesla in Europe).
Tip: Your EV will come with the correct cables for home and public charging—check what rapid connector it supports for longer trips.
How Long Does Charging Take?
Charging time depends on:
- Your car’s battery size (measured in kilowatt-hours, kWh)
- The power output of the charger you’re using
- How full your battery is when you start charging
Example charging times:
| Battery Size | Home Wallbox (7kW) | Rapid Charger (50kW) |
|---|---|---|
| 40 kWh (small car) | 5–6 hours | 45 minutes (to 80%) |
| 60 kWh (mid-size SUV) | 8–9 hours | 60 minutes (to 80%) |
| 90 kWh (large vehicle) | 12+ hours | 90 minutes (to 80%) |
You’ll quickly learn that you don’t always need to fully charge—just like you don’t fill up your petrol tank every night.
When Should You Charge?
The best time to charge depends on your routine, but here are a few tips:
Home charging:
- Charge overnight when electricity rates are often cheaper (especially on EV-friendly tariffs).
- Top up little and often—keeping your battery between 20% and 80% is healthier long-term.
Public charging:
- Plan ahead for long trips—identify fast-charging stops along your route.
- Charge while you shop, work, or exercise—turn downtime into charging time.
Remember: It’s rarely necessary to arrive with 0% or leave with 100%.
How Much Does Charging Cost?
Charging costs vary depending on:
- Where you charge (home, workplace, public)
- Your electricity tariff
- The speed of the charger
Typical costs:
- Home charging: ~£5–£15 for a full charge depending on battery size and electricity rates.
- Public fast charging: ~30p–70p per kWh (costs more for rapid chargers).
Many employers, supermarkets, and shopping centres offer free charging to customers or staff.
Pro tip: Charging at home is almost always the cheapest option.
Smart Charging: The Future Is Now
Smart chargers allow you to:
- Schedule charging during off-peak times to save money.
- Monitor your energy use through an app.
- Integrate with solar panels if you generate your own electricity.
Smart charging is better for your wallet and the electricity grid—especially as more people switch to EVs.
Common Charging Myths (Debunked)
Myth: Charging takes too long to be practical.
Reality: Most charging happens while you sleep, shop, or work—you don’t notice it.
Myth: Public chargers are impossible to find.
Reality: New chargers are being installed rapidly, especially in Europe, the UK, and North America.
Myth: Frequent fast charging damages the battery.
Reality: Occasional rapid charging is fine. Regular, everyday home charging is ideal for battery health.
Final Thoughts
Charging your electric vehicle is simple once you know the basics. It’s less like a petrol stop—and more like charging your phone: plug in when you’re not using it, and you’re good to go.
With a bit of practice, charging becomes second nature—and the combination of low running costs, convenience, and zero emissions will make you wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.
So whether you’re topping up at home or hitting a rapid charger on a road trip, just remember: it’s easier than it looks—and a lot more satisfying too.
