EV Charger Types: A Guide

What Exactly is EV Charging?

When electric vehicles (EVs) first came onto the market, there were few public places to charge them. This quickly changed as the demand for EVs increased and more people began to invest in this type of vehicle. Today, there are a variety of ways to charge an EV, and the process is relatively simple.

First, you’ll need to find a charging station. These can be found at public parking facilities, petrol stations, and even some private residences. Once you’ve located a station, you’ll need to connect your EV to the charging port. This is usually done using a cable that is attached to the charging station. Once the connection is made, the charging process will begin automatically. The amount of time it takes to charge an EV varies depending on the size of the battery and the type of charger being used. However, most EVs can be fully charged in just a few hours.

Types of EV Chargers

There are three main types of EV chargers: slow, fast and rapid.

Slow Chargers

A slow charger is capable of charging at speeds up to 6 kW AC. In the UK, slow chargers are the second most popular type of charger, but they should only be used as a last resort (i.e. when all other options aren’t available). A battery can take anywhere up to 12 hours to recharge with a slow charger. You should also avoid connecting a three-pin charger to an extension lead.

Fast Chargers

A 7kW to 22kW AC charger is the most frequent form of house charge point. Fast chargers are available on the public charging network as well. The Zap Map reports that fast chargers are the most easily accessible type in the United Kingdom. With a seven- to eight-hour recharge time, a 7kW fast charger will replenish an EV battery in six to eight hours, while a 22kW connection takes three hours. BP Pulse, Pod Point, and the Gridserve Electric Highway are some of the most popular rapid charge networks in use today.

Rapid Chargers

Direct current (DC) rapid chargers, which can charge an electric vehicle in around 50 minutes, are rated at 50 kW. They generally refill an EV battery to 80% in around 40 minutes and are most often found at service stations.

The most popular networks include BP Pulse, Charge Your Car, GeniePoint, the Gridserve Electric Highway, and Shell Recharge.

Ultra-Rapid Chargers

Ultra-rapid DC chargers can charge an EV battery much faster. 350kW chargers are becoming increasingly more prevalent in the UK. In about 20 minutes, ultra-rapid chargers can charge a battery to 80%.

Less prevalent than rapid charging stations, ultra-rapids are usually found at motorway service areas. The Gridserve and Ionity networks offer this charger.

Public and Work-Place EV Charging Points

If you can’t charge your vehicle at home, or if you need a boost during the day, you’ll most likely use one of the increasing number of public electric vehicle charging stations. Alternatively, you can charge at work or a combination of both.

Charging an electric vehicle at work, supermarkets, shopping malls, gyms, carparks, and other places is usually the same as home charging. They typically have a 7.4 kW rating and provide 25-30 miles of range in an hour.

Recharge While You Shop

Some supermarkets now have EV charging stations in their car parks. Sainsbury’s, for example, offers free electric vehicle charging at all of its stores with parking facilities. The supermarket has also said that it wants all new stores and developments to include EV chargers where possible.

IKEA is another retailer that has installed electric vehicle chargers in some of its UK locations.

Charging an Electric Vehicle on the Go

If you’re out and about and need to recharge your vehicle, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, always try to find a charger that is compatible with your vehicle. Second, be sure to check the charger’s output before you connect your vehicle.

As technology continues to develop, there will be more and more ways to charge an electric vehicle on the go. Wireless charging is one example. This method uses electromagnetic induction to transfer energy from a charging pad to the battery of an electric vehicle.

PPVS EV Charger Installation Services

At PPVS, we offer a complete EV charger installation service. We can help you choose the right charger for your needs and install it in your home or workplace. We also offer maintenance and repair services for all types of EV chargers.

For more information about our services, contact us today.

Guide to EV Charger Types

EV chargers come in a variety of different EV charger types, so it helps to learn about each to decide which option is right for you. The choice you make will largely depend on how quickly you need to charge your EV and where you’ll be installing the EV charger. Below is a breakdown of the different types of EV chargers:

Type 1 Chargers

Type 1 chargers, also known as Level 1 chargers in the UK, utilise a standard 230-volt AC plug. These chargers typically operate with a 13-amp single-phase connection and deliver around 2.3 kW of power, which translates to approximately 8 to 10 miles of range per hour of charging.

Type 1 chargers are best suited for overnight charging at home, especially for EV drivers with shorter daily commutes or as a secondary charging option. For a completely depleted battery, it usually takes about 12-15 hours to fully charge an EV using a Type 1 charger.

The primary advantage of Type 1 chargers is their convenience. However, they have a relatively slow charging rate, which may not be suitable for users with higher daily mileage needs.

Type 2 Chargers

Type 2 chargers, also referred to as Level 2 chargers, are equipped with a 230-volt supply but are generally more powerful than Type 1 chargers. They support higher amperage, up to 32 amps, providing power outputs between 7 kW and 22 kW. This level of power can add about 25 to 75 miles of range per hour of charging.

Type 2 chargers are increasingly common in both residential and commercial settings across the UK as they strike a good balance of accessibility and fast charging. Installing these at home typically requires a dedicated circuit and may involve upgrading your home’s electrical system to handle the higher power demand.

The key benefit of Type 2 chargers is their faster charging capability, which is ideal for quickly replenishing the battery. One of the biggest hurdles for this type of charger is the initial cost of the charger and installation, which can be significantly higher than for a Type 1 charger.

Choosing the Right Charger for Your Needs

Making the right choice when it comes to installing an EV charger can be difficult, as you’ll want to make it a worthwhile investment that lasts. So, when it comes to choosing the most appropriate EV charger for your circumstances, try to factor in the following:

• Vehicle Compatibility and Requirements: Ensure the charger is compatible with your EV’s charging system and matches the vehicle’s specifications.

• Daily Driving Range and Charging Time Needs: Evaluate your typical daily driving range to determine whether a slower charger suffices or if a faster charger is necessary.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and regular maintenance by qualified professionals are essential for the safe and efficient operation of your EV charger. It’s important to ensure that installation adheres to the latest UK electrical standards and that the charger is regularly inspected and maintained. That’s why you really can’t perform this type of installation – or maintenance – without a qualified professional. At PPVS, our team is highly experienced in working with all types of EV chargers, so we can help you regardless of your setup.

Future Trends and Innovations in EV Charging

EV charging technology is pushing the envelope in terms of what it can do and how far it can go. There’s a significant push to get more out of EV technology, which will improve the uptake of a more sustainable method of transportation for the masses. Looking ahead, we can expect to see advancements in things like ultra-fast charging technologies that promise to deliver hundreds of miles of range in a quicker time period.

How we charge our EVs will likely change in the future, too, which will hopefully bring with it faster charging speeds. Emerging technologies include wireless charging, which allows an EV to charge over a pad without physical cables, offering unprecedented convenience and simplicity.

As the UK intensifies its efforts to promote EV adoption, evolving policies are likely to continue bolstering the development of EV charging infrastructure, benefiting both current and prospective EV owners.