Electric Car Charging
From home charging points to public charging points - there's a range of ways that you can charge an electric car. Discover everything you need to know so you can power up and go.
How are electric cars charged?
Instead of combustion engines, EV’s receive energy from a battery. This energy is then converted into power by an electric motor to drive the wheels.
Much like the battery in your smartphone, electric car batteries will need to be recharged as their energy depletes. This can be done by plugging into an electric power source using a tethered or untethered cable, or a domestic three-pin socket.
Where can I charge an electric car?
Electric cars give you the flexibility to charge at home or in public. Find out more to see which one is right for you.
Home charging point
If you like the convenience of charging at home, then installing a charge point is a great option. While they do have upfront installation costs, they are faster than using a standard three-pin plug.
Another great benefit is that you can utilise overnight electricity rates and keep your running costs low.
Public charging point
If you need access to faster charging, public charging points can be found at most supermarkets and motorway service stations.
They offer a range of speeds from slow and fast to rapid and ultra-rapid. While faster chargers are a great way to minimise downtime they can carry a higher cost.
Charging infrastructure is also constantly improving. This means that more and more public charging points are now popping up on our roads.
Electric car charging stations near me
With over 30,000 charging points across the UK and new ones being added every year, charging your electric car has never been easier. View a live map of local charging points by clicking the button below.
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Want to know more about electric cars? Explore our Electric Car Hub and find all the information you need – from charging and maintenance to incentives and more.
Electric car charging FAQs
What is the cost of installing an electric car charging point?
The cost can vary, but the RAC estimates that it’s roughly between £800 and £1,000. If you rent or own a flat with no access to off-street parking, there is support available. The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) covers up to £350 of the costs of installing a home charging point.
Find out more about grants and incentivesShould I plug in my EV every night?
It’s recommended not to charge your electric car every night as this can deplete the battery. Most manufacturers suggest keeping the battery topped up between 20-80% for optimal performance.
Can you charge an electric car at home with a normal plug?
Most EVs come with a standard three-pin plug so you can power up without having to install a home charging point. But this can take longer and isn’t the most convenient method of charging.
What is the cheapest way to charge an electric car at home?
By charging overnight, you can make use of lower energy rates and significantly reduce your running costs. This also means that your electric car is ready to go first thing in the morning.
Is it free to charge an electric car at motorway services?
To help you get back on the road quicker, most motorway services now have rapid chargers. However, these can come at a premium with higher costs.