EV Charging Explained: Chargers, connectors, and best practice

Electric cars are becoming a more common sight on UK roads, but for many drivers, one of the main barriers to adoption is around EV charging. 

And that's completely understandable. With various cables, chargers, apps, and public networks, EV charging is more complicated than simply filling up at the petrol station, especially when that's what you're used to. 

The good news is that once you understand the basics, charging an electric car is pretty straightforward. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what EV charging is, the different types of chargers, the main connector types, where you can charge, and the best habits to follow to keep your EV running smoothly.

EV charging, is erm, when you charge an electric car by adding electricity to the battery. 

Instead of filling up with petrol or diesel at a station, you plug the electric car into a charging point, and the magic of Nikola Tesla does the rest. The electricity then flows into the car’s battery, giving you the range you need to drive.

You can charge an EV in a few different places, including: 

• At home
• At work 
• On the street
• At supermarkets/shopping centres 
• At motorway services
• At dedicated EV charging hubs

Although this may seem daunting for a newcomer, EV charging quickly becomes part of your normal routine. Rather than waiting until the battery goes flat, you'll plug into charge when it's convenient, whether that's overnight at home, when in the office, or at the services during a long drive. 

Think of it like charging your phone. You don't wait until you're down to 1%, you charge it when it fits around your day. 

Before we delve into charger types, it's worth explaining the difference between AC and DC charging. 

• AC charging is slower and is commonly used for home and workplace charging. With AC, the car converts the electricity into a form the battery can store, hance why it takes longer. 
• DC charging is faster and usually found at rapid and ultra-rapid charging points. With DC, the power goes directly into the battery, which helps speed things up. 

There are three main tiers of EV chargers in the UK: slow, fast, and rapid/ultra-rapid. 

It can get a bit complicated when people mention different connectors, but worry not. It's much less confusing than it sounds. 

Most modern EVs in the UK use two main connector types: 

• Type 2 for slower AC charging 
• CCS for rapid and ultra-rapid charging 

Type 2 is the standard connector across the UK and Europe. You'll use it for: 

• Home charging 
• Workplace charging
• Public fast charging 

If you have a home wallbox, it will likely use a Type 2 connection. 

For everyday EV driving, Type 2 is the connector most drivers will become familiar with.

CCS stands for Combined Charging System. This is the main connector used for rapid and ultra-rapid DC charging in the UK and Europe. 

If you pull into a motorway charging station and use a rapid charger, there’s a good chance you’ll be using a CCS connector.

The good thing about rapid and ultra-rapid chargers is that the cable is usually attached to the charger. So, in most cases, you don’t need to get your own cable out of the boot.

If you've not driven an electric car before, one of the main decisions you'll have to make is whether you rely on the public charging network, or install a home charger. 

The answer usually depends on your lifestyle, where you park, and how often you drive. 

Home charging is the most convenient option if you have a driveway or suitable off-street parking. 

For many EVs, home charging allows for an ideal charging routine. You get home, plug the car in, and it charges while you sleep.

The main benefits include: 

• It's convenient 
• You can charge overnight when rates are cheaper 
• It's more affordable than public charging 
• You start the day with more range 

Home charging is particularly useful if your driving pattern is predictable. For example, if you're a commuter and you drive 15 miles to work during the week, you probably won’t need to charge from empty to full every night. You’ll simply top up as needed.

Public charging is useful when you’re away from home, travelling longer distances, or don’t have access to a driveway.

Public charging points can be found in lots of places, such as: 

• Supermarkets & retail parks 
• Motorway services 
• Car parks 
• Residential streets 
• Dedicated EV charging hubs 

It's more varied than home charging, as different networks have different prices, apps, payment options and charger speeds. 

That said, the public charger network has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and is improving all the time. 

The cost of charging an electric car depends on where you charge, your electricity tariff, the size of the battery and the charging network you use. 

Home charging is usually the cheapest, especially if you can charge overnight on an EV-friendly tariff. 

Public rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are usually more expensive, but they're useful when you need to add range quickly. 

For more information on EV charging costs, head over to our guide: Electric Car Charging Costs. Electric Car Charging Costs

Unfortunately, there's no single answer to how long it takes to charge an EV. There's lots of variables in play, such as:

• Size of the battery 
• Speed of the charger 
• The car's maximum charging rate
• Outside temperature 
• How much charge is already in the battery 

If you only drive 20 or 30 miles a day, such as when commuting to work, you may not need to charge every night. You might simply top up a few times a week, depending on your car's range and your routine. 

As a rough guide, a slow charger should top your battery up to 80% overnight, usually around 6 to 8 hours. 

While rapid and ultra-rapid charging is better for topping up during a journey, and can add plenty of range in less than an hour. 

Read an EV's manufacturer handbook or browse EVs online, and you'll often see charging times quoted from 20% to 80%. 

This may seem strange, but it's because EVs charge fastest when the battery is at a lower or medium state of charge. Once the battery gets close to full, charging often slows down to protect the battery, therefore, 20-80% is the sweet spot and most efficient. 

Of course, there will be times when charging to 100% makes sense, such as before a long drive. But for everyday use, it's recommended to charge within 20% and 80%. 

Good charging habits can help make driving an EV easier, cheaper, and more convenient. 

Here are some simple best practice tips to consider during your lease term: 

EV charging is easy once you're used to it, but there are a few common mistakes new drivers can make. 

• Assuming every charger is the same 
• Confusing charger speed with actual charging speed 
• Charging to 100% every time

EV charging can work brilliantly for some, but it depends on how and where you drive. 

If you can charge at work or home and drive short distances daily, it's usually easy to fit into your routine. However, if rely on public charging and rack up the miles on the road, you'll need to plan more carefully. 

Charging an EV is simpler than most people think. Once you’re familiar with your car’s range and habits, it becomes second nature, especially with home charging or regular top-ups. 

And if you’re still unsure, leasing an EV is a fantastic way to get started. You can drive the latest EVs with the latest tech without the long-term commitment. 

Explore our latest electric car lease deals and find your perfect match today.