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Welcome to the world of electric vehicles (EVs, for short). Whether you’ve just bought your first EV or you’re thinking about making the switch, it’s an exciting milestone in your driving journey.

As champions of sustainable technology, we’re quite the EV geeks. So, we thought we’d use this guide to answer all your questions around “What is EV charging?”, helping you hit the greener road with confidence.

Get to grips with the basics of EV charging

Let’s start things off by getting to grips with the basics.

EV charging is how you refuel your electric vehicle. It works by transferring electricity into the car battery. Just like you how plug your phone in to charge, you’ll plug your EV in charge too.

Unlike traditional petrol or diesel refuelling, EV charging can be more convenient. You can charge your car at home, at work (if they’ve got chargers, of course) or while you’re on the go. That’s pretty cool, if you ask us.

Different types of EV chargers

EV chargers come in different shapes and speeds. The type of charger you use will depend on your vehicle model and how quickly you want to charge.

There are different connector types:

●      Type 1 - This connector is found on older electric cars. These days, an adapter is usually included to make it compatible with Type 2 connectors. Type 1 EV chargers have a circular five-pin design that can’t lock.

●      Type 2 - Most electric cars in the UK use a type 2 connector for AC charging. Type 2 EV chargers have a circular 7-pin design and can lock in place when connected. These connectors also offer faster-charging rates than type 1.

●      CHAdeMO - This connector is used for rapid DC charging and is typically found on Japanese car models like Nissan.

●      CCS - This connector type is becoming more popular for modern EVs. It combines Type 2 AC charging with additional DC pins for rapid or ultra-rapid charging.

Knowing which connector your EV uses will make charging smoother as you’ll know which chargers are compatible with your EV.

Fun fact: CHAdeMO is short for “charge for moving” and is a pun for “O cha demo ikaga desuka” in Japanese which means “Let's have a cup of tea while charging”.

AC vs DC charging

AC chargers (alternating current chargers) are commonly used for slower charges. Because of this, AC chargers are often the standard EV charger for homes and workplaces.

DC charging (direct current chargers) are used for rapid or ultra-rapid charging. You’ll usually find these chargers at public charging stations where you want to quickly charge your EV before getting back on the road. You may also find DC chargers at workplaces where they need to quickly charge fleet vehicles.

AC charging is an ideal choice when you have more time whereas DC chargers are best for a fast charge.

Charging speed options

Different charging stations also offer different charging speeds. Charging speeds vary from slow to ultra-rapid.

●      Slow chargers (3-7 kW) - Best for when you have a long dwell time such as home or overnight charging.

●      Rapid chargers (50–75 kW) - Best for quick stops during longer journeys.

●      Ultra-rapid chargers (100-150+ kW) - Best for busy drivers who need to recharge fast in between journeys.

At evyve, we offer a range of charging stations including AC, DC, rapid, and ultra-rapid options to suit your needs.

Places where you can charge your EV

EVs are becoming increasingly popular. As EV popularity rises, so does the number of places where you can charge your vehicle.

From charging at home to on-the-go, you’ll find plenty of places to recharge your car.

Home charging

Install a home charger so you can charge your EV from the comfort of your own home.

The UK Government offers an EV chargepoint grant to help homeowners living in flats and rented accommodation install an EV charger.

Some car manufacturers also offer a free home charger with the purchase of a new EV. So, if you’re still shopping around for the perfect EV, it’s worth seeing which cars come with a home charger.

Public charging

You might find you can get by just fine without installing a charger at home. Public charging stations can be found in all sorts of places. From retail and leisure car parks and shopping centres to motorway service stations and housing developments.

You can use roaming apps like ZapMap to locate public charging stations, including our network of nationwide evyve charging stations.

Workplace charging

Many businesses now offer EV charging for employees or their fleet vehicles. Check with your employer if they offer workplace charging. Be sure to check if it’s free for employee use too!

If you’re looking to install EV charging at your workplace, we offer fleet charging infrastructure. Get in touch to learn more.

How EV charging works

Charging your EV will vary slightly depending on the charger you use. Typically, EV charging works by plugging in your vehicle (using the correct connector for your car), following the on-screen instructions on the charging stations, and waiting for your battery to power up.

Exact processes vary by station. But most stations, like ours, are intuitive and user friendly.

EV charging tips for first-time EV drivers

Let’s wrap up with some quick-fire EV charging tips…

1. Know your range – Understand how far a full charge can take you. Knowing your range will help you plan recharges more efficiently.
2. Plan charging stops – Map out charging points for long journey to take the stress out of travelling.
3. Understand costs – Public charging stations offer different rates. Be sure to check the cost before charging publicly.
4. Charging etiquette – Be mindful of other users. Leave charging stations in tip-top state and don’t hog the charger when your car is fully charged.

Your EV journey starts here

Hopefully this guide has set your mind at ease by answering all those “What is EV charging?” questions swimming around your brain.

With a little practice EV charging will become second nature. Have fun exploring local charging options and embracing a greener driving experience. Remember, our friendly team at evyve is here to make your EV experience easy and enjoyable with reliable, renewable-powered charging stations.

Take a look at our charging station map to find your nearest evyve location.