Before you start
- An electric or plug-in hybrid car and its charging cable
- A home charger or suitable socket (for home charging)
- A charging app, card or contactless bank card (for public charging)
Charging speeds explained
Charging power is measured in kilowatts (kW), and battery size in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A 60 kWh battery charged at 7 kW takes roughly 9 hours from empty to full. Real times vary because charging slows as the battery fills, and in cold weather.
| Type | Typical power | Range added per hour (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard household socket | 1.4–2.3 kW | 8–15 km (5–10 miles) | Occasional or plug-in hybrid use |
| Home or workplace AC charger | 7–11 kW (up to 22 kW on three-phase) | 40–60 km (25–40 miles) at 7 kW | Overnight charging |
| Public AC post | 7–22 kW | Depends on the car’s onboard charger | Shopping, work, hotels |
| DC rapid or ultra-rapid | 50–350 kW | 10–80% in about 20–45 minutes | Long journeys |
Method 1 Know your connector
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Step 1: Check the charge port
Open your car’s charging flap and check your manual. AC and DC charging may use the same socket or two parts of one socket.
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Step 2: Europe, UK and many other regions
Type 2 for AC charging and CCS2 (Combined Charging System) for DC rapid charging. Some older cars use CHAdeMO for rapid charging.
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Step 3: North America
J1772 for AC and CCS1 for DC, with many manufacturers moving to the Tesla-designed NACS (SAE J3400) connector. Adapters let many cars use other networks, but only use approved adapters.
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Step 4: Public cables
Rapid chargers have tethered cables. Many AC posts are “untethered”, so you must use your own Type 2 cable, kept in the boot.
Method 2 Charge at home
Never use a household extension lead or cable reel to charge an EV. They can overheat and cause fires.
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Step 1: Install a dedicated charger
A wall-mounted home charger (wallbox) is faster and safer than a household socket. It must be installed by a qualified electrician, who will check your home’s electrical supply. Ask about government or energy supplier grants where available.
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Step 2: Choose a smart charger
Smart chargers let you schedule charging, track costs and use cheaper off-peak electricity or solar power.
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Step 3: Plug in and schedule
Plug the charger into the car, then set a charging schedule in the charger’s app or the car’s settings, for example midnight to 5 am on an off-peak tariff.
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Step 4: Set a charge limit
Set the car’s charge limit to about 80% for daily use, unless your manufacturer recommends otherwise (some LFP batteries are fine at 100%).
Method 3 Charge at a public charger
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Step 1: Find a charger
Use your car’s built-in navigation or apps such as PlugShare (worldwide), Zap-Map (UK) or the charging network’s own app. Check the connector type, power, price and whether it’s working before you go.
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Step 2: Park and plug in
Park in the charging bay, unlock your car’s charge port, and plug in the cable firmly. For untethered posts, connect your own cable to the car and the post.
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Step 3: Start the session
Follow the screen: tap a contactless bank card, scan the QR code, start it in the network app, or tap an RFID charge card. Some cars start automatically when plugged in (plug-and-charge).
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Step 4: Monitor the charge
Track progress in the car or app. On rapid chargers, charging slows after about 80%, so it’s usually quicker to stop and continue the journey.
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Step 5: Finish and move on
Stop the session in the app or on the screen, unplug, put the cable back, and move your car so others can charge. Many networks charge overstay or idle fees.
Troubleshooting
The charger won’t start
Check the cable is pushed in fully and the car is unlocked, try another payment method or the app, and restart the session. Call the support number on the charger if it still fails, and report it in the app.
Charging is much slower than expected
Your car’s onboard charger limits AC speeds, cold batteries charge slowly, and power drops above 80%. Some sites share power between bays.
The cable is stuck in the car
End the session and unlock the car; the cable usually releases on unlock. Check the manual for the emergency cable release.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
Multiply the kWh you add by the price per kWh. Home charging on an off-peak tariff is usually the cheapest; public rapid charging costs the most.
Can I charge an electric car in the rain?
Yes. Connectors and chargers are designed to be weatherproof and only energise once the car and charger confirm a safe connection.
Can I charge without a driveway?
Yes, using workplace chargers, public on-street chargers, supermarket chargers or rapid hubs. Don’t run cables across pavements without your local authority’s permission.
Summary
Learn your car’s connector, install a dedicated home charger with a qualified electrician, and charge overnight on a cheap tariff with an 80% limit for daily use. Away from home, find chargers with an app, plug in, start the session by app, card or contactless, and move your car when you’re done.
