Discover everything you need to know about EV charging, from powering up at home to public charging stations.
If you've recently bought your first electric car or are thinking of buying one, exploring the different charging methods is key.
One of the great benefits of EVs is their lower running costs but finding the right charging method could reduce those costs even further.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about charging an electric car.
What are the different ways to charge an electric car?
You have a few different options when it comes to charging an EV. It's important to weigh these up to help you find the most convenient and cost-effective option for you.
Home charging
Home charging is a great convenient way to charge your electric car. You can use the three or five-pin plug provided with most cars, or choose to install a home charging point. The latter is a more efficient way to charge your car and will allow you to charge your car considerably quicker than on a standard plug.
One of the major benefits is being able to charge overnight. This means your car is ready to go when you wake up and you can also take advantage of lower electricity rates at night. Most energy suppliers offer special tariffs for EV owners that provides them with cheaper electricity overnight for this reason.
Public charging
If you decide to charge in public, you won't be short on choice! There are now 80,000 UK charging points as of September 2025, according to Zapmap. You'll find a mixture of slow, fast, and rapid chargers at locations across the country.
The UK's top charging networks include:
- Podpoint
- Gridserve
- IONITY
- BP Pulse
- InstaVolt
How to install a home charging point
There's a wide range of providers that now offer home charging point installation. It's estimated by Carwow that it typically costs £500-£1,000 to install a standard 7kW charger but the price can vary.
However, there is support available from the government with the EV Chargepoint Grant.
You could be eligible for savings of up to £350.
You can apply, if you:
- Own and live in a residential property
- Rent and live in a residential property
To qualify, you'll also need to own an eligible vehicle and have access to your own private off-street parking.
If you only have on-street parking then you would need to install a cross-pavement charging solution.
Different types of electric car chargers
When deciding how to charge your electric car, there's a range of charging speeds available depending on your budget and how quickly you need power.
Slow chargers - up to 3.6kW
Most electric cars will come with a standard three or five-pin plug to charge at home. If you don't want to install a home charger, or don't have access to off-street parking, this could be your best option but it's important to note however that it's also the least efficient option in terms of time.
Fast chargers - 7-22kW
A fast charger is a great option for charging overnight. A lot of home chargers are 7kW and allow you to charge up in a few hours.
Rapid chargers - 43-50kW
If you need to quickly charge up on the go, a rapid charger is your best option. These types of charges can be found in supermarkets and roadside service stations. While they are generally more expensive, some cars can be charged up to 80% in just half an hour.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
The cost of charging an electric car will depend on whether you charge at home or in public. If you are charging in public, you'll also need to consider the charger's speed - generally you will pay a premium for fast and rapid chargers.
Data was recently published by leading UK EV charging provider, PodPoint, on the electric car charging costs in the UK. These are calculated based on EVs with a 60kWh battery and 200-mile range.
You're looking at around £13 to charge at home based on costs of 24.5p/kWh, with public charging coming in at around £26 and rapid charging typically costing atound £20 for half an hour.
If you are looking for a cost-effective way to charge an electric car, keep your eyes peeled for free charging stations. These may be found in car parks and supermarkets, as well as at hotels and attractions. Many workplaces also offer staff free charging during working hours.
Apps like Zapmap and PlugShare can help you locate your nearest free charging point.
Electric cars at Vertu
Discover your next EV with the help of our friendly team at Vertu. With our wide selection of manufacturers including BYD, CUPRA, PEUGEOT, Hyundai, and Vauxhall - there's a car for all budgets.
Many of our dealerships also have accreditation from the Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme. This means that you can be confident that we're electric vehicle experts and get support throughout the entire journey.
Find your local dealership today and book a test drive to start the first step in your electric car search.
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