Simplifying motoring with a switch to electric? That's the plan, yet many drivers feel overwhelmed by charging types, connector confusion, and network pricing that seems to change weekly.
In this guide, we will cover what actually matters in the UK including real costs, safety warnings you need to know, and practical decisions that will save you money and hassle.
Table of Contents
UK Connector Types
Type 2 (AC Connector)
Type 2 is the standard AC connector used across the UK and Europe. It handles slow to medium-speed charging at home, workplaces, and destination locations.
Every new electric car sold in the UK comes with a Type 2 port. This seven-pin connector can deliver up to 22kW, though most home installations use 7kW.
You'll find Type 2 connectors at shopping centres, hotels, car parks, and on-street charging points throughout the UK.
.png)
CCS2 (DC Fast Connector)
CCS2 (Combined Charging System 2) adds two extra pins below the Type 2 connector for DC fast charging. It's the European standard for rapid charging.
This connector handles everything from 50kW rapid charging up to 350kW+ ultra-rapid speeds. All new EVs sold in the UK include CCS2 capability.
CCS2 chargers are found at motorway services, charging hubs, and major retail locations across the country.
.png)
CHAdeMO (Legacy Connector)
CHAdeMO is a Japanese DC fast charging standard that's being phased out in the UK. Only the older Nissan Leaf and some Japanese vehicles use this connector.
New EVs no longer come with CHAdeMO ports. The connector is larger and less efficient than CCS2.
If you own a CHAdeMO vehicle, check charging locations carefully as fewer new installations include this connector type.
.png)
Tesla Connector (Europe)
Tesla vehicles sold in Europe use the standard CCS2 connector, unlike Tesla's proprietary system in America.
This means Tesla cars can charge at any CCS2 charging point, and other EVs can use Tesla Superchargers with the right payment method.
Tesla's approach in Europe eliminates compatibility issues and simplifies charging for all drivers.
Charging Speeds Explained
Slow Charging (3-7kW)
Slow charging uses AC power and works through your car's onboard charger. A 3kW connection provides 12-15 miles of range per hour.
Most UK homes can install 7kW charging, giving 25-35 miles per hour. This covers daily driving needs for most people.
Fast Charging (7-22kW)
Fast AC charging is perfect for destination stops. Shopping centres and workplaces typically offer 7-22kW charging speeds.
These speeds provide 25-80 miles of range per hour, ideal for topping up whilst you're doing something else.
Rapid Charging (50-150kW)
Rapid DC charging bypasses your car's onboard charger to deliver power directly to the battery. 50kW provides meaningful charging in 30-45 minutes.
150kW chargers can add 10-80% charge in 15-20 minutes for most modern EVs. This covers nearly all rapid charging needs.
Rapid charging works best when your battery is below 80%. Charging speed reduces significantly above this level.
Ultra-Rapid Charging (150kW+)
Ultra-rapid chargers offer 150kW to 350kW+ speeds, though few cars can actually use the maximum power available.
Even cars that support ultra-rapid charging only achieve peak speeds briefly, usually when the battery is nearly empty.
These chargers are expensive to use but essential for long-distance travel on busy routes.
Types of Chargers
Home Chargers
Home chargers typically provide 7kW AC charging through a dedicated wall-mounted unit. They use Type 2 connectors and require professional installation.
Smart home chargers can schedule charging during cheap electricity periods and integrate with solar panels for maximum savings.
Tethered units include built-in cables, whilst untethered units require you to provide your own charging cable.
Workplace Chargers
Workplace chargers usually offer 7-22kW AC charging, perfect for topping up during the working day.
Many employers provide free charging as a staff benefit. Others charge at cost or slightly above to cover electricity expenses.
Workplace charging reduces reliance on expensive public rapid charging for daily driving needs.
Destination Chargers
Destination chargers are found at hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, and leisure facilities. They typically provide 7-22kW AC charging.
Many supermarkets offer free charging to attract customers. Cinema car parks increasingly provide charging during film screenings.
These chargers work perfectly for activities lasting 1-3 hours, providing useful range whilst you're occupied elsewhere.
Public AC Chargers
Public AC chargers include on-street posts, car park units, and community charging hubs. They typically offer 7-22kW charging speeds.
Payment methods vary from contactless cards to smartphone apps and RFID cards. Pricing ranges from free to 50p+ per kWh.
Reliability can be inconsistent, so always have backup charging locations planned for important journeys.
Rapid DC Chargers
Rapid chargers are found at motorway services, retail parks, and dedicated charging hubs. They provide 50-150kW DC charging.
These chargers are essential for long-distance travel but expensive for regular use. Expect to pay 40p-80p per kWh.
Tesla Superchargers offer excellent reliability but charge premium prices. Now open to all EVs with CCS2 connectors.
Ultra-Rapid Chargers
Ultra-rapid chargers provide 150kW+ speeds at motorway services and major charging hubs. They're the fastest option available.
Ionity and Gridserve focus on ultra-rapid charging but charge premium prices. Expect £0.69-£0.79 per kWh without subscriptions.
These chargers are essential for busy routes during peak periods but overkill for most charging needs.
Where to Find Each Type
Home Installation Options
Most UK homes can accommodate 7kW AC charging using single-phase supply. Three-phase supply allows 22kW but requires expensive electrical work.
Professional installation costs £800-£1,500 for basic systems. Smart chargers add £100-£300 but enable cheap-rate charging.
Check if your electrical system needs upgrading before installation. Consumer unit replacement can cost an additional £500-£2,000.
Workplace and Destination Locations
Tesco stores often provide 7-22kW charging at 28p-40p per kWh. Many other supermarkets offer free charging to attract customers.
Hotels increasingly install destination chargers for guest convenience. Premier Inn, Travelodge, and independent hotels expand charging options.
Shopping centres, leisure facilities, and restaurants add charging to encourage longer visits and customer loyalty.
Public Charging Networks
BP Pulse and Shell Recharge provide extensive coverage including destination and rapid charging. Quality varies significantly between locations.
Pod Point focuses on destination charging at supermarkets and retail locations. Often provides competitive pricing.
Char.gy specialises in on-street charging for residents without driveways. Converts lamp posts and installs dedicated posts.
Use our EV station finder to locate all these charging networks and compare prices in your area.
Motorway and Rapid Charging
Tesla Superchargers offer 150kW+ charging with excellent reliability. Now open to all EVs, though premium pricing applies.
Gridserve operates major charging hubs at motorway services with 150-350kW speeds. Clean facilities with shops and cafes.
Ionity provides ultra-rapid charging across Europe with consistent branding and experience. Expect premium pricing but reliable service.
Regional Coverage Patterns
London and Southeast England enjoy excellent coverage with frequent charging options. Street charging expands rapidly.
Scotland benefits from government support with improving coverage, though Highland areas require careful planning.
Wales and Northern England see rapid infrastructure growth, though rural areas still need more development.
Safety Requirements
Professional Installation
Never attempt DIY electrical work for EV charging. Only Part P certified electricians should install home chargers.
All installations must comply with BS 7671 wiring regulations. This isn't optional - it's legally required for safety and insurance.
Installation certificates provide legal protection and insurance validation. Keep these documents safe for house sales and claims.
Fire Safety Considerations
EV charging points require careful positioning away from combustible materials. Zurich Insurance recommends 10 metres from combustible walls.
Underground charging needs enhanced fire detection systems. Lithium battery fires burn extremely hot and produce toxic gases.
Commercial installations must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, requiring proper risk assessments.
Electrical Safety
Proper earth bonding and RCD protection are essential for all installations. Verify adequate cable ratings for the charging load.
Regular inspection of cables and connections prevents dangerous faults. Report any damage immediately to qualified professionals.
Know how to safely disconnect charging in emergencies. Keep appropriate fire extinguishers nearby for electrical fires.
Adapter Safety
Cheap adapters can kill. Only buy adapters from reputable suppliers with proper certifications.
Tesla's official CCS adapter costs £200+ but includes proper safety systems. Cheaper alternatives often lack protection circuits.
CE marking alone isn't sufficient - verify genuine product certification before using any charging adapter.
Real Costs
Home Charging Costs
Economy 7 tariffs provide overnight electricity at 7p-15p per kWh. Standard rates reach 25p-35p per kWh during peak hours.
Octopus Energy offers EV-specific tariffs with rates under 3p per mile for overnight charging. Smart chargers maximise these savings.
Home charging typically costs half the price of petrol for equivalent journeys. This represents the biggest EV advantage.
Public Charging Costs
Zapmap data shows rapid charging averages 76p per kWh. That's roughly 23 pence per mile for typical EVs.
Tesla Superchargers charge 40p-60p per kWh, making them cheaper than most alternatives. Reliability justifies the premium.
Destination charging varies wildly from free (many supermarkets) to 50p+ per kWh at premium locations.
Hidden Costs
Overstay fees catch drivers unexpectedly. Networks charge £10-£20 per hour after charging completes.
RFID cards cost £2-£5 each but provide cheaper rates than contactless payments. Regular users benefit from network subscriptions.
Connection fees on some networks add £1-£2 per session regardless of energy consumed.
Cost Comparison by Type
| Charging Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home charging | 8p per mile (with cheap-rate tariff) |
| Destination charging | 10p-20p per mile |
| Rapid charging | 20p-25p per mile |
| Petrol equivalent | 13p-17p per mile |
Which Type to Choose
For Daily Driving
Install a 7kW smart home charger for daily needs. This covers most driving without expensive electrical upgrades.
Tethered chargers prove more convenient than untethered options. Built-in cables eliminate wrestling with heavy connectors.
Smart charging features enable automatic overnight charging during cheap-rate periods, halving your charging costs.
For Workplace Charging
Use workplace charging when available to reduce reliance on expensive public charging. Many employers provide this free.
Combine workplace and home charging to minimise public charging costs. This covers most weekly driving needs.
Don't rely solely on workplace charging - always have home backup options available.
For Long-Distance Travel
Rapid charging works best for journeys over 150 miles. Plan stops at reliable networks like Tesla or Gridserve.
Charge before you need to rather than waiting until nearly empty. This provides more options and reduces stress.
Always have backup charging locations planned. Primary chargers fail unexpectedly during peak periods.
For Urban Drivers
On-street charging suits drivers without home parking. Char.gy and other networks expand lamp post charging.
Combine on-street charging with destination charging for shopping and leisure activities.
Consider rapid charging for weekly top-ups if on-street options aren't sufficient for daily needs.
Cost Management Strategy
Avoid rapid charging unless necessary. Home charging costs 8p per mile whilst rapid charging hits 23p per mile. (We have heard of some home-charging tariffs being as little as 3p per mile).
Network subscriptions benefit regular users. Monthly fees typically cost £7-£15 but provide significant per-kWh savings.
Use apps like Zap-Map to find cheapest charging options and avoid overstay fees through real-time monitoring.
Final Recommendations
Essential Equipment
Every EV driver needs a reliable Type 2 charging cable for public AC charging. Buy quality cables with proper certification.
Download Zap-Map for real-time charging point availability and pricing - essential for journey planning and cost management.
Consider a Tesla CCS adapter if you don't drive a Tesla. Provides access to the most reliable rapid charging network.
Key Safety Points
Only use certified electricians for installation work. Verify they specifically understand EV charging requirements.
Inspect charging equipment regularly and report damage immediately. Don't use damaged cables or connectors.
Understand emergency disconnection procedures and keep appropriate fire safety equipment nearby.
Future-Proofing
800V vehicle architecture enables faster charging speeds. Consider this when choosing your next EV.
Install appropriate electrical capacity for future upgrades. Adding circuits later costs more than initial installation.
The UK charging network expands rapidly. What seems limited today will improve significantly over coming years.
Understanding these fundamentals ensures you benefit from cleaner, cheaper motoring whilst staying safe and compliant with all requirements.
Motorfinity
At Motorfinity, we pride ourselves on offering exclusive discount across all makes and models. Whether you're looking for efficiency, style, or cutting-edge technology, our selection is designed to meet every need.
To know more about the EV Charging , explore our detail guide on the topic.
You can choose from Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Hire Purchase (HP), and leasing deals. Each option provides flexibility and benefits tailored to different driving habits and budgetary needs.
Are you eligible?
Our nations Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience.
Related Reads
OTA Updates in Cars
Estimated Read Time: 2 min 30 sec
When we think of the latest automotive advancements, images of high-speed electric vehicles and self-driving cars often come to mind. However, one of the less-discussed yet profoundly transformative innovations..
Read More
What are Hybrid Cars
Estimated Read Time: 2 min
Hybrid cars, also known as hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), differ from other vehicles in that they use more than one means of propulsion: a petrol or diesel engine along with an electric motor.
Read More
How to Charge Electric Vehicle at Home
Estimated Read Time: 2 min
With the price of petrol, diesel and other fuels continuing to skyrocket, it’s not surprising that electric and hybrid vehicles have soared in popularity. Removing the need to rely on fossil fuels also has huge environmental benefits,
Read More