Electric Vehicle Charging
Electric vehicles are the future of transportation, and as more and more people switch to this eco-friendly mode of transport, the demand for electric vehicle charging stations is only going to increase. If you're new to the world of electric vehicles, you may have some questions about charging stations. How do they work? Where can you find them? How long does it take to charge your car?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about electric vehicle charging stations. From the different types of charging stations, to the best practices for charging your car, we'll equip you with all the knowledge you need to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Charging your Electric Vehicle at home
When it comes to charging your electric car at home, the process is quite similar to how you charge your mobile phone. Typically, you'll find yourself doing the majority of your charging in the evening or overnight after you're finished driving for the day. Simply plug in your car and let it charge overnight. Once it reaches full charge, the vehicle will automatically stop charging and using electricity.
To recharge your electric vehicle, you have the option to use a regular three-pin socket at home.
However, if you want faster charging, you can install a home charging Wallbox. The Wallbox should be positioned near your designated parking area and connected to your home's primary power source. This set-up requires private off-street parking.
Home Wallbox units come with varying power ratings, most frequently 3.4kW or 7.4kW. The Wallbox with a 7.4kW rating can fully charge a Corsa Electric in roughly seven and a half hours.
Installation process for a home Wallbox
If you're in the market for a new electric or plug-in hybrid car, you have three options for Wallbox providers: British Gas, PodPoint, or Octopus Energy. Residential prices start at £599, and more information on each provider can be found below. A pre-installation survey will be conducted to ensure a seamless process on installation day. Once your Wallbox is up and running, your installer will guide you through the uncomplicated charging process.
Hive Alfen S-Line, with British Gas
Installed by: British Gas
Solo 3, with Podpoint
Installed by: PodPoint
Ohme Home Pro, with Octopus Energy
Installed by: Octopus Energy
How long does an electric car takes to get a full charge at home charging?
The duration of a full charge relies on the capacity of your home Wallbox. In the event that your Wallbox has a power rating of 7.4kW, it will require about 7.5 hours for a Corsa Electric to gain 100% charge, starting from zero.
Opting for a high-powered charger can significantly reduce the charging time of an electric vehicle. For instance, the bp Pulse network offers 100kW chargers that can replenish the battery of a Mokka Electric or Corsa Electric in just 30 minutes from 0-80%.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
The cost of charging your electric vehicles overnight may vary depending on the electricity tariff you are on. Nonetheless, certain electricity providers extend unique tariffs that enable customers to enjoy reduced electricity expenses when charging their electric vehicles during night.
It is highly recommended to explore different options and discover the most suitable energy plan for your needs. Our collaborator, Octopus Energy, has developed the Intelligent Octopus tariff, aimed at efficiently charging your vehicle during night time hours, taking advantage of affordable and environmentally-friendly energy sources.
Charging your Electric Vehicle in Public
In recent times, UK public charging facilities have rapidly expanded on motorways and major A roads, ensuring that every driver is never more than 25 miles away from a convenient rapid charge-point.
To find your nearest public charging stations, download the Electroverse app to charge with over 650,000+ public charging points across the UK.
Using the Tesco electric charging network
Vauxhall’s partnership with Tesco partnership with Tesco now gives you £675 in PodPoint credits to get a year’s free charging (c. 5,900 miles) on all new Vauxhall electric vehicles purchased between 16 February and 16 September, 2024. As part of the collaboration, Tesco will upgrade all of its charging bays with a co-branded livery for Vauxhall and Tesco.
Boasting the UK's largest retail EV charging network, Tesco offers 2,700 bays across 619 stores, powered by PodPoint. The stations range in power, having a mix of 7kW, 22kW, 50kW, and 75kW charging stations.
More than 70% of people in the UK live within a 10-minute drive of a Tesco shop, making driving an electric vehicle easier and more convenient for drivers across the country.
Types of Public Charging Stations
1. Domestic Charging Points
(up to 3kW)
It is not advisable to use domestic charging points regularly as they take more than 20 hours for a full charge, depending on the car's model, due to their limited speed.
2. Fast Charging Points
(7-22kW)
Certain vehicle models can be fully recharged within a time frame of 3 to 4 hours, while the majority of charging stations available to the public boost fast charging capabilities.
3. Rapid Charging Points
(43, 50, or 120kW)
These charging points can charge the vehicle up to 80% of capacity in approximately 30 minutes.
How long does an electric car takes to get a full charge at Public Charging Points?
Charging your device at home consistently ensures a predictable charging speed, whereas in public settings, charging points can offer varying speeds. Public charge-points typically provide two types of chargers: fast chargers and rapid chargers.
The charging process for a Corsa Electric can be accelerated by utilizing fast or rapid chargers. Usually operating at 22kW, fast chargers can provide an 80% charge in approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. Whereas, rapid chargers, commonly spotted along motorways or major A roads, can range from 100kW and achieve an 80% charge in just half an hour. To understand the impact of different power outlets on charging speed, our charging time simulator can be utilized.
When you're on the move, the Octopus Electroverse map proves to be incredibly valuable. It conveniently allows for instant identification of the closest charging stations, offering crucial information on their charging speed and current user reviews from fellow electric vehicle enthusiasts who have utilized those stations.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a public charge point?
Typically, public charging via rapid chargers tends to be the costliest option, with a complete charge for a Corsa Electric amounting to £11.50 at an average rate of £0.23 per kWh. Nevertheless, this remains more economical compared to refuelling a petrol or diesel tank entirely. Hence, opting for an electric vehicle still yields cost savings even at the priciest public charging stations.
When you charge your vehicle in public, you may encounter various charging networks, which might require the use of a mobile app to initiate the charging process at a public charging station. This is where the Octopus Electroverse map tool becomes exceptionally useful. It enables you to easily navigate through the charging options, filtering the available chargers and discovering their associated costs.
You can easily locate your favorite places to charge your electric vehicle in your vicinity, with a few public rapid chargers being complimentary. Furthermore, your vehicle will seamlessly connect with all popular public charging stations, eliminating the need for purchasing any extra charging gear for public charging purposes.
