Electric Vehicle Charging Speeds Explained
Published Date: 19th Sep 2024
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, understanding the various charging options available can help new car buyers make informed decisions about their EV purchase and charging needs. With nearly 54,000 public electric car chargers in the UK at the end of 2023 and a significant investment in high-speed public chargers, EV owners have more options than ever for keeping their vehicles powered up. This article will help you understand the different levels of EV charging—slow, fast, rapid, and ultra-rapid—explaining what each type does, how quickly it charges, and where you're likely to find these chargers.
Slow Charging: The Basics for Home and Workplace Use
What is Slow Charging?
Slow chargers are the most basic and typically use a standard 3-pin domestic plug socket or a dedicated wall box. They're ideal for home or workplace settings where vehicles can be left to charge for longer periods, such as overnight or during an entire workday.
Charging Speeds and Time
- Power Output: Typically 3-6kW, with some lamp-post installations offering up to 6kW.
- Charging Time: A full charge takes approximately 8-12 hours, making slow chargers best suited for overnight charging.
- Connector Types: Common connectors include the three-pin domestic plug (3kW), Type 1 (3-6kW AC), Type 2 (3-6kW AC), and Commando (3-6kW AC).
Best For
- Home Use: This option is perfect for drivers who can plug in overnight or during long periods of inactivity, such as while at work.
- Safe and Affordable: A dedicated home wall box offers safer and faster charging than a regular plug socket. It usually costs around £800, and grants are available for renters or flat dwellers.
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Fast Charging: Convenient for Day-to-Day Needs
What is Fast Charging?
Fast chargers are a step up from slow chargers and are the most common type found in the UK, making up over half of the public charging network. They deliver power at 7-22kW and are commonly located in places like supermarkets, car parks, and leisure centres, where cars can charge while drivers go about their day.
Charging Speeds and Time
- Power Output: Typically 7-22kW.
- Charging Time: A 7kW charger can fully charge an EV in 4-6 hours, while a 22kW charger can do so in 1-2 hours.
- Connector Types: Fast chargers typically use Type 1 (7kW AC), Type 2 (7-22kW AC), and Commando (7-22kW AC) connectors.
Best For
- Public Spaces: Ideal for charging while shopping, working out, or running errands.
- Home Use: A 7kW home unit costs about £1,000, while a 22kW unit may run around £1,500. Both units provide faster home charging than the slow options.
Rapid and Ultra-Rapid Charging: The Fastest Option for Long Journeys
What are Rapid and Ultra-Rapid Chargers?
Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are the fastest charging options available and are typically found at motorway service stations and other strategic locations along major routes. They provide direct current (DC) directly to the vehicle, bypassing its onboard charger to speed up the process.
Charging Speeds and Time
- Power Output: Rapid chargers provide between 43kW and 50kW, while ultra-rapid chargers offer 100kW, 150kW, or even up to 350kW.
- Charging Time: The charger can charge an EV up to 80% in just 20-60 minutes, depending on its power output.
- Connector Types: Rapid chargers use Type 2 (43kW AC), CHAdeMO (50kW DC), CCS (50-350kW DC), and Tesla Type 2 (150kW DC).
Best For
- Long-Distance Travel: Perfect for quick top-ups on the go, especially during long journeys.
- High-Speed Charging: Rapid chargers are designed to get you back on the road as quickly as possible, making them ideal for motorway stops.
Making the Right Charging Choice
- Daily Commuters and City Drivers: Level 2 (fast) chargers offer a convenient and efficient option for regular use at home or public locations, making them ideal for everyday needs.
- Long-Distance Travellers: DC Fast Charging is essential for reducing downtime on long journeys, allowing for quick top-ups during pit stops.
- Occasional Drivers or Short Commutes: Slow charging might be sufficient if you drive less frequently or have shorter commutes, as you can plug in overnight without worrying about speed.
The Growing EV Charging Network in the UK
The UK's charging network continues to expand rapidly, with a significant increase in the availability of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. As EV technology and infrastructure evolve, charging your vehicle is becoming faster and more convenient. Whether you're charging at home, work, or on the go, understanding your options can help you make the most of your EV experience, ensuring you're never left waiting too long to get back on the road.
Key Points:
- Different Charging Levels: Understand the three main EV charging levels: Slow (3-6kW), Fast (7-22kW), and Rapid/Ultra-Rapid (50-350kW). Each offers varying charging times and suitability for different situations.
- Home Charging Options: A dedicated wall box charger is much better than a standard domestic three-pin plug for convenient home charging. Home chargers typically offer 3.6kW to 7kW speeds, and grants are available to help cover installation costs.
- Public Charging Network: The UK has a growing public charging network with over 53,000 chargers, including many high-speed options, making EVs increasingly practical for long journeys and everyday use.
- Fast Charging Availability: Fast chargers (7-22kW) are commonly found at supermarkets, car parks, and leisure centres. Depending on the charger type, they provide a full charge in 1-6 hours.
- Rapid and Ultra-Rapid Charging: These are the fastest options available. They are located at motorway service stations and major roads and can charge up to 80% in as little as 20 minutes, perfect for longer trips.
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