Complete Guide on Electric Vehicle Charging
Summary
At Dick Lovett, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of EV charging. Packed with essential details, practical advice, and insider tips, this guide is designed to empower you to make informed decisions with confidence. Whether you’re exploring different charger types, learning how to pay at charging stations, calculating charging costs, or looking for battery health best practices, you’ll find everything you need right here.
Exploring the UK’s EV Charging Network
Before diving into how to charge your electric car, it’s important to first grasp how the charging ecosystem operates. Unlike refuelling a petrol or diesel car, charging an electric vehicle offers much more flexibility and convenience.
Gone are the days of solely relying on petrol stations. With nearly 1 million EV chargers installed across public and private spaces in the UK, and that number growing rapidly each year, there’s never been a better time to embrace the ease of electric driving. These chargers collectively support an estimated half a billion miles of motoring every day, ensuring EV drivers can confidently plan their journeys.
Charging points can be installed in diverse locations, from home driveways to workplace car parks, and public spaces like supermarkets and leisure centres. This convenience is designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, allowing you to charge your EV while shopping, working, relaxing, or even sleeping.
Most chargers found in these locations are lower-powered, catering to vehicles parked for extended periods. However, for longer journeys, high-powered en-route chargers at motorway service stations provide rapid charging to get you back on the road quickly and efficiently.
For most EV owners, charging happens in one of three key locations:
- Home: Overnight charging at home is one of the most convenient and cost-effective options.
- Workplace: Many employers now offer charging points as a benefit to employees.
- Public Destinations: Facilities like shopping centres and gyms often provide public charging options.
This combination of charging options forms what we call the ‘EV charging ecosystem’, providing flexibility for drivers and a clear solution to range anxiety. With public chargers growing by 30% year-on-year, the UK is rapidly building an infrastructure that’s designed to keep pace with increasing demand.
Finally, when using public or workplace charge points, it’s important to follow EV charging etiquette, particularly at public and workplace charge points. Being mindful of others ensures a smooth and pleasant experience for all EV drivers.
At Dick Lovett, we’re here to help you navigate this evolving charging ecosystem and enjoy the full benefits of electric driving. From choosing the right EV to understanding how and where to charge, we’ll ensure you’re set for a seamless journey.
Home Charging
Home charging is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to charge your electric vehicle. With a dedicated wall charger installed on your driveway or in your garage, you can plug in overnight and wake up to a fully charged battery. Many EV drivers also take advantage of EV-specific electricity tariffs to reduce costs during off-peak hours.
For those without a home charger, charging via a standard three-pin plug is an option but is slower and less efficient than a dedicated charger.
Public Charging
Public charging stations are available in a wide variety of locations, from supermarket car parks and leisure centres to motorway service stations. These points are ideal for topping up while you shop, run errands, or travel long distances. Public chargers typically range from slower destination chargers (around 7 kW) to high-powered rapid chargers (43 kW or more) designed for quick top-ups during longer journeys.
Many public charge points support contactless payments, apps, or subscription services, giving you flexibility and convenience while on the go.
Workplace Charging
For those who commute, workplace charging is a great way to keep your EV topped up while you work. Many businesses now offer EV charging points as an employee perk, contributing to a greener commute and lowering costs.
If your workplace hasn’t yet installed charging facilities, you might suggest it as an investment. Government schemes such as the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) can help businesses cover the costs of installation.
MINI Cooper Electric
Battery
40.7kWh
20-80% Charge
0-100% Charge
Porsche Macan Electric
Battery
95kWh
20-80% Charge
0-100% Charge
Preserving Your EV’s Battery Health
Taking proper care of your electric car’s battery is key to extending its lifespan and maximising performance. While EV batteries are designed to last, a few simple habits can help you avoid unnecessary degradation and keep your car running efficiently for years to come.
Avoid Fully Depleting or Overcharging
Keep your battery level between 20% and 80% whenever possible. This reduces strain on the battery, much like with your smartphone, and helps maintain its long-term health.
Charge Smart
Use a dedicated EV charger at home or work for efficient, safe charging. Ultra-rapid chargers are convenient, but frequent use can accelerate battery wear. Save them for when you’re on the go and need a quick top-up.
Drive Smoothly
Gentle acceleration and braking not only optimise your driving efficiency but also help preserve your battery’s capacity. Additionally, keeping your battery within its optimal operating temperature range—typically between 15°C and 30°C—can improve mileage and prevent unnecessary strain during longer drives.
Let Your Battery Cool
After a long drive, allow your battery to cool down before plugging it in to charge. Charging immediately can lead to overheating, which may degrade the battery over time.
Plan for Battery Degradation
All batteries degrade over time, but the impact is often negligible. For example, studies show that most EV batteries lose only about 2-3% of their capacity annually. To help visualise this, here’s a general estimate of how battery capacity might change:
| Years of Use | Estimated Capacity |
| 1 Year | ~97-98% |
| 5 Years | ~85-90% |
| 10 Years | ~70-80% |
This means even after a decade of use, most EV batteries still provide significant range and functionality.
Schedule Charging During Off-Peak Hours
Use a smart charger to set charging times for off-peak hours when electricity demand and temperatures are lower. This saves energy, reduces costs, and helps your battery last longer.
For more insights on battery health, particularly when considering a second-hand EV, check out our guide to buying a used EV to make a confident and informed choice.
Charging Your Electric Car Made Simple
Charging your electric car might feel a little daunting at first, but it’s easier than you think. Before long, it’ll become second nature – just like plugging in your phone at the end of the day. Whether you’re charging at home, at work, or on the go, understanding the process lets you focus on what really matters: enjoying the benefits of driving electric.
At Dick Lovett, we’re here to make your switch to an electric vehicle as seamless as possible. From choosing the right charger to offering tips for maintaining your battery, we’re with you every step of the way.
Ready to embrace the electric lifestyle? Let us help you hit the road with confidence – explore our New & Used Electric Cars today!
Jump to section
