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The Electric Zone

How do you charge an electric car and how much will it cost you? Find out everything you need to know about making the switch to an electric car today. We regularly post information and updates on electric cars, legislation you need to be aware of and everything in between to help you on your journey to making the switch.



Electric Vehicle Ecosystem Report

Over the Summer Novuna Vehicle Solutions’ surveyed 2,000 drivers across the UK, as well as government and respected third-party sources, to find out if the demand for charging solutions can keep up with the rapid rise in EV sales. Download now to see our key findings.

Take a road trip in an electric car

With so many amazing places on our doorstep, travelling abroad shouldn't have to cost the earth, or harm it! So why not take a road trip in you electric car?  Our very own Jonny Berry decided to take a road trip to Switzerland this summer in his Tesla Model Y. Watch now to see how he got on. 


Understanding the different charge point speeds

There are 4 types of charging slow, fast, rapid and ultra-rapid. Slow charging is between 3kW-6kW and is generally used at home with a 3-pin plug, however the recommended use of a 3-pin socket to charge your electric car varies by manufacturer. Always read the manufacturer guidelines on charging your car with a 3-pin socket or if you want to charge regularly from home, a dedicated home chare point unit it recommended. When out and about, you will find 3 main charge speeds.

Fast (7-22kW)

This category covers charging from 7kw through to around 22kw and tends to cover both home charging units and out of home charging points.

Rapid (50+kW)

When you’re out on the road and need a top-up, a rapid charge is a great option. These charging points can top you up from empty to 80% full in around 30 minutes.

Ultra rapid (100+kW)

Ultra Rapid is the next-generation of rapid charge. Supercharger is the name Tesla has given to its charging network. Only available to Tesla drivers, these chargers can deliver a 200-mile range in just half an hour.


Electric charging and a woman Electric charging and a woman

Charging your EV at home

One of the best ways to charge your car is at home. Like all plug-in devices such as your phone or tablets, you can leave your car to charge overnight, so it's ready to go the next morning when you are.

To help the adoption of electric cars, the government offer  the EV Charge point Grant, which provides funding of up to 75% towards the cost of a domestic charge point.

However, this grant does now only apply to flat owner-occupiers and those who are living in rented accommodation. For further information on how to apply or find out if you are eligible, visit the government website below.

Check eligibility
Electric Cars Charging Electric Cars Charging

Charging in public

Whilst most EV drivers opt for home or workplace charging, there are are currently over 30,000 public charge points across the UK that you can also use when you are out and about or travelling to keep your battery topped up.

Zap-Map regularly keeps updates this number so you can track the UK charge point growth each month. There are also a number of free charging locations at many supermarkets including Tesco, Aldi, M&S and Lidl varying from fast to rapid charge speeds. You can also use Zap-Map to search for charge points all across the country to help plan your journeys and make sure you get to a charge point when you need to.

Find EV Charging

Charging connectors 

As with charging speeds, the connector cables used to charge your electric car will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, but the most common charging types are found below.

Type 2

This is the standard for European and Asian vehicles from 2018 onwards and can charge at a level of up to 43 kW.

CCS

Widely used in Europe, this is a version of type 2 connector with two additional power contacts. It allows very fast charging. This socket is always combined with either a Type 2 or a Type 1 socket.

CHAdeMO

Mainly used in older vehicles and the Nissan Leaf (100% electric BEV) and the Mitsubishi Outlander (partially electric PHEV).


How long do EVs take to charge?

The charging time will vary from vehicle to vehicle, depending on the battery size and the charging speed. To get a general idea, you can use the following equation. Find out more about electric car charging with our free download.

How long an EV takes to charge

Charging apps for public charging

Some charge points will allow you to plug and pay with contactless payment, however some charge point providers require an app so you can register and pay for your charge. We've listed some of the most popular charge providers with links to their apps for quick and easy download.

💡 TOP TIP: keep all your apps in one folder on your phone so you can find them quickly and easily when out and about!


What happens if you breakdown in an electric car?

If you run out of charge when you're out and about, our breakdown partner will be there to give you a boost. The RAC EV boost vans are the only recovery vans that can give you a 10-mile boost to get you to the nearest charge point.

Electric vehicles usually have to wait for a recovery truck, but the RAC high-tech vans can lift all four wheels off the ground, saving you time and protecting your vehicle. The RAC patrols are trained to know your electric car inside out. So you’ll be in safe hands with our experts.

Want to add maintenance and breakdown onto your electric car lease?


Need some more detail? 

Download our free guides and get all the knowledge you need to help make the switch to electric.

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