How do EV Charge Points work?

Charge Points can be installed at: homes with a garage or driveway; at workplaces; on residential streets; in town centres; public car parks and ‘destinations' such as shopping centres or motorway service stations.

Charge Points vary as to how quickly they can charge an electric vehicle (EV).

Rapid Charge Points are the quickest way to recharge a vehicle, typically recharging to 80% in around 30 minutes. However, Rapid Charge Points are the most expensive to use (like expensive petrol or diesel fuel at motorway services), and they cannot be installed at home.

Slow Charge Points are often the cheapest to use and are suitable for use when vehicles are parked for several hours, such as overnight or during working hours.

Fast Charge Points are a happy medium and ideal when vehicles are parked for a few hours.

The speed your vehicle recharges will be affected by the speed of the Charge Point and how fast the vehicle itself can recharge. When buying or leasing an EV, especially older EVs and some plug-in hybrids, you should find out its maximum charging speed. Depending on the vehicle and its connector types, you may be able to top-up at at Rapid Charge Points but not take full advantage of their maximum charging speed.