Charging guide
Electric vehicle (EV) charging is a new concept to all first time EV owners. It is not quite as simple as filling up with petrol; charging speeds, connector types, and understanding your vehicle specification, are all important considerations. But don’t worry, we’ve created a series of simple guides to explain the world of EV charging.
These guides will help to explain the ins and outs of charging on public networks, charging at home, charging at work, as well as some of the more detailed points around EV charging in general.
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EV charging explained
EV chargers are classed as rapid or ultra-rapid, fast and slow or standard, depending on their speed.
- Low speed and Standard – often used at residential properties and on residential streets, including lamppost column charging.
- Standard and Fast – this is the power of chargepoint often used in residential or destination areas, including public car parks.
- Rapid and Ultra Rapid – these are often installed in short stay areas, such as petrol stations or Motorway Service Areas. These are also often useful for electric taxi recharging.
| Use | Referred to | AC | DC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long stay home, work or destination charging | Slow | Under 3.5kW | |
| Standard | 3.5kW to 7kW | ||
| Fast | 7kW to 23kW | 10kW to 22kW | |
| Short stay on-route, or opportunity charging | Semi-rapid | 43kW to 44kW | 22kW to 50kW |
| Rapid | 50kW to 62.5kW | ||
| Ultra-rapid | 62.5kW to 500kW |