When you’re suddenly plugging in instead of filling up, there comes a whole host of questions and queries. Charging time is always a top priority when buying a used EV, but there’s also plenty to understand about protecting your battery and different charger types. But charging an electric car doesn’t have to be complicated. With this detailed guide put together by CarSupermarket.com’s experts, you’ll have all the information you need to whizz away worry free.
Common charging points explained:
Home Chargers: Typically the slowest option, with power outputs between 3kW and 9kW. Depending on your EV’s battery size, a full charge from nearly empty can take between 6-12 hours, which is ideal for overnight charging. Plus, it keeps your running costs down, so your EV is ready to go each morning without breaking the bank.
Fast Chargers: Located in public areas like shopping centres and car parks, fast chargers offer a quicker boost compared to home charging. They typically add around 15-30 miles of range per hour, making them a great option for topping up while you go about your day.
Workplace Chargers: Many companies are installing EV charging stations for their employees. Check with your workplace to see if they offer charging facilities, which can be a convenient option for charging during your working hours.
Hotels and Restaurants: Charging stations at hotels and restaurants are designed for longer stops. These locations provide an opportunity to charge while you stay overnight or dine, making it easier to keep your vehicle charged during trips.
Rapid chargers usually use tethered cables, which are permanently connected to the charger. This means you can take the cable from the charging unit and attach it to your car to start charging – like you would fill up with fuel at a petrol station. Meanwhile, standard public chargers – and your home charging point - will require you to use an untethered cable. These cables normally come with the EV when you buy it and are stored in the boot or under the bonnet. You will need to plug one end into your car and the other into the charging point.
Standard Plug (Slow Charging)
Dedicated Home Charger (Fast Charging)
Fast Chargers (AC)
Rapid Chargers (DC)
Ultra-Rapid Charging
Workplace Charging
Destination Charging
Electric cars sold in the UK are compatible with most standard public chargers, so you can plug in your untethered cable and charge no problem.
For rapid chargers that use tethered cables, there will normally be two cables available. These will typically be the two most common connectors, CHAdeMO and CCS (Combined Charging System). Be sure to check your connection type before heading to a rapid charger, particularly if you have an older EV.
CCS is quickly becoming the standard charger for new EVs, so this likely won’t be something you’ll need to consider in the future.
While CCS is growing in popularity, there are still a range of different types of connectors across different EV makes and models. Identify the connector on the end of your cable to determine its type:
A 7-pin connector commonly used in European EVs and charging stations. It has a larger, oval shape and is the standard in the UK for both AC and DC charging.
An extension of the Type 2 connector with additional pins for rapid DC charging. It resembles a Type 2 connector but includes two extra pins below for fast charging.
Used for DC rapid charging, particularly in older Japanese EVs. It has a distinct round shape with multiple pins, making it different from Type 1 and Type 2 connectors.
A 5-pin connector often found in older or non-European EVs. It features a round shape with a single latch and is becoming less common in the UK as it is phased out.
EV batteries are predicted to last well over 100,000 miles, and even up to 200,000, so most drivers won’t need to worry about a replacement for 15-20 years. However, electric car batteries do lose around 2% of their capacity each year, very gradually reducing the overall range. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to minimise how much capacity and therefore range your EV loses over time.
Regularly charging your electric car to 100% can actually have a negative impact on its range over time. Imagine that your EV battery will get exhausted from being crammed full of power every night. Avoid leaving it on charge every night if you can and aim to keep the charge somewhere between 20% and 80%. Some EVs will also let you choose when it should stop charging, so the power is cut off after a certain period of time, protecting the battery. While rapid chargers are handy from time to time, you should avoid using them frequently. Batteries prefer to sip rather than slurp.
Running out of power is just as embarrassing as running out of petrol or diesel. The bad news is that you’ll also be taking some long-term life out of your battery. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to avoid running flat. Keep an eye on your battery charge and get to a charging point when you’re approaching 20%. There’s really no excuse when you can likely charge at home
Like anyone, EV batteries don’t tend to cope well with extreme temperatures. Leaving your electric car in direct sunlight during the summer or out in the cold during the winter can gradually reduce its battery capacity. If you can, park it in a garage. If you don’t have that luxury, use a car cover to protect it from the elements.
It might not be the easiest given how much instant power you’ll have in an electric car, but driving sensibly will give your battery the best possible chance of a long lifespan. Be as gentle as possible with the accelerator.
So, you’re all clued up when it comes to charging an EV. The next step is to browse our full range of used electric cars and get in touch with our experts if you have any further queries on charging times, batteries, or anything else.
There has never been a better time to sell or part-ex your car