Fast and Rapid EV Charging in the UK

What are the Different Types of Rapid Chargers?

Ultra-rapid and rapid charging points in the UK are the fastest way to charge an electric vehicle. These are usually found as part of an en-route charging infrastructure at motorway service stations and other businesses close to major roads.

Rapid charging points supply high-power alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) to an EV’s battery, enabling it to charge in the shortest time possible. Depending on the vehicle’s model, the type of charger, and other factors, rapid chargers can charge an empty battery up to 80% full in as little as 15 minutes. However, for the majority of new EVs, an empty-to-full charge on a typical 50 kW rapid charger will take approximately an hour.

The kW power rating of rapid or fast charging stations represents the maximum power output, though it’s worth noting that not all electric vehicles are compatible with rapid chargers. Plugging a non-compatible vehicle into a rapid charger will only achieve the same charging efficiency as the next-fastest power output that the vehicle is compatible with.

The charging speed of a unit will tail off significantly once a battery reaches 80% charge, which is why this is used as a marker for estimated charge times. This reduction in charging rate helps to both maximise the efficiency of a charging session and protect the vehicle’s battery.

There are various types of rapid charger models manufactured and maintained by different providers in the UK’s public charging network. Here’s a brief look at some of the most common types of chargers to help you understand their nuances and find the right EV charging station for you.

Rapid AC Chargers

Rapid AC chargers use Type 2 connectors and provide a power output of 43 - 50 kW. Their configuration allows them to charge typical EVs up to 80% in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s capacity and the state of charge when it’s first plugged in.

Ultra-Rapid DC Chargers

The ultra-rapid category provides a power output of 100 kW or more. These chargers typically go up to a maximum charging speed of 350 kW, with features designed to minimise the total charging time despite total battery capacities increasing in newer models of EVs.

For EVs compatible with ultra-rapid DC chargers, the total time required for an empty-to-full charge can be as low as 20-30 minutes, making ultra-rapid DC chargers one of the best options for fast en-route top-ups.

Tesla Superchargers: What You Need to Know

Tesla Superchargers aren’t just for Tesla drivers anymore—if you own a CCS-enabled electric vehicle, you may be able to take advantage of Tesla’s growing charging network. However, there are some important details to keep in mind before plugging in.

Non-Tesla EVs can only charge at Tesla Superchargers equipped with CCS connectors. If the Supercharger post has two cables or an installed adapter, only the CCS connector is compatible with other electric vehicles. It’s worth noting that vehicles must fully comply with CCS communication and safety protocols to use the Supercharger network—any that don’t meet these standards won’t be able to charge.

While Tesla’s Supercharger network provides fast and efficient charging, it’s a good idea to confirm availability and compatibility ahead of time. Keep an eye out for signage at Supercharger stations and ensure your EV is equipped with the correct CCS port or adapter for a hassle-free experience. Tesla’s expansion into supporting non-Tesla EVs offers greater convenience for drivers, giving you access to one of the UK’s most reliable charging networks.

Speed and convenience

While lower-power home chargers and destination charging points typically take several hours to deliver an empty-to-full charge, many rapid chargers can get a battery up to 80% charge in just 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the specifics of the vehicle and charging point models.

The speed of rapid charging is often a major selling point for people who drive a conventional vehicle and are still deciding whether or not to make the switch to an EV. 

Drivers who are accustomed to refuelling quickly at petrol stations can enjoy a similar experience using en-route rapid chargers, helping to keep their vehicle charged and ready for a longer stretch of time and reducing their downtime during longer journeys.

Practicality for longer journeys

Rapid charging can be particularly convenient if you often take long journeys using your EV. 

With the majority of rapid EV charging stations installed near A-roads and in motorway service stations, and the national infrastructure growing all the time, it’s easy to plan long, ambitious road trips around the location of rapid charging stations, where you can keep topping up your battery and avoid range anxiety.

Though it’s generally easy to find rapid chargers near any major motorway in the UK, you can use EV charging map apps to navigate to your nearest public charger or plan a longer route with several stops.

Zapmap

Zapmap: Android | iOS  is one of the most popular EV charging apps in the UK, and comes with features for locating nearby charging points and filtering them by a number of variables such as rapid charging availability, nearby facilities, and more.

The app isn’t charged to any one charging network, meaning you can use it to access charging points from many different manufacturers and enjoy greater variety compared to services operated by EV charging providers themselves.

Zapmap’s community features invite users to share their experiences with public charging points and other data points, as well as a route-planning feature that will automatically add charging stops for a planned journey in the most convenient points.

PlugShare

PlugShare: Android | iOS offers many of the same features as Zapmap, including a detailed charging point locator map covering several different manufacturer brands, as well as community features where users can post reviews and help each other out with details about particular rapid EV charging stations.

When searching for chargers, PlugShare allows you to filter by speed, plug type, and provider, allowing you to plan your journeys around your preferences and needs of your vehicle.

Unlike Zapmap, which focuses its service on the UK, PlugShare has international coverage, giving you the option to plan longer trips and find rapid EV chargers abroad.

Octopus Electroverse

Octopus Electroverse: Android | iOS collates rapid charger data from several providers it maintains partnerships with, including EVBOX, Osprey, and Shell Recharge. It can be used either as a standalone app, or through preinstalled infotainment software like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Octopus’s partnership with its EV charging providers means you can pay for your charging session at multiple locations directly through the app, rather than having to sign up for multiple accounts, order RFID cards, or take other steps to access certain charging networks.

The company also offers two separate subscription plans that give you a flat percentage discount on all public charge points when you pay through their app, making it one of the better options if you want to prioritise charging economy and make sure you’re getting a cheaper kWh rate compared to pay-as-you-go prices.

Google Maps

Though Google Maps: Android | iOS isn’t strictly an EV charging app, it does have an increasing number of features that allow you to find convenient, rapid charging solutions, providing access to details such as a charging station’s location, charging speed, and the kinds of connection points that are available. Though Google Maps doesn’t offer the same breadth of community features from apps like PlugShare and Zapmap, the standard Google reviews allow you to compare your options based on the experiences of other drivers, and it's simple, intuitive interface makes it a good option for anyone looking for a more simple, no-frills app that they won’t have to spend time learning how to use.

Managing State of Charge (SoC) for Long-Term Battery Health

Rapid charging is a convenient way to top up your EV battery quickly, especially on longer journeys. While it’s perfectly safe to use, regularly charging to 100% and keeping the battery at a high SoC for extended periods can gradually impact battery longevity over time. 

To help maximise your EV’s battery lifespan, many manufacturers recommend keeping your charge level between 20-80% where possible, reserving full charges for longer trips when you need maximum range. By following this best practice, you’ll enjoy consistent performance and long-term reliability from your EV. 

Managing Heat for Optimal Battery Performance

Modern EVs are designed with advanced thermal management systems to regulate battery temperature, ensuring safe and efficient charging even at high speeds. As rapid charging transfers more power in a shorter time, some heat generation is natural - but nothing to worry about. 

To further optimise battery efficiency, many EVs will automatically adjust the charging speed as they near full capacity, helping to protect the battery and maintain peak performance. If you’re regularly using rapid chargers, pre-conditioning your battery before charging (a feature available in many EVs) can also help enhance charging efficiency and minimise unnecessary heat build-up.

Keeping Charging Efficiency High

Rapid charging is an incredibly useful tool when you’re on the go, and modern EVs are built to handle it with ease. To ensure consistent charging efficiency, manufacturers design EV batteries to adjust power intake dynamically, balancing speed and safety to maintain long-term health. 

For drivers looking to get the most out of every charge, occasional slower charging, such as using a home charger overnight, can help support battery longevity. This blend of everyday home charging and rapid top-ups when needed is the best approach to keeping your EV in peak condition for years to come. 

EVs are engineered to be highly resilient and rapid charging is a key part of their design. By following simple best practices like managing SoC, optimising temperature control, and mixing up your charging methods, you can keep your EV running efficiently while enjoying all the benefits of electric driving. 

Don’t rely solely on rapid charging

While rapid charging is convenient, using it too often can speed up the process of battery degradation. To avoid long-term damage to your battery, it’s a good idea to combine rapid charging with more gradual methods and reserve rapid chargers for en-route charging when you need a quick top-up in the middle of a journey.

Prioritise charging stations with dynamic charging

Many newer models of rapid chargers feature dynamic charging, which will adjust the level of power transfer based on variables like your battery’s temperature and its SoC. This feature will both optimise your charging session for efficiency and protect the battery from damage caused by excessive heat.

By researching the rapid charger models that use dynamic charging and prioritising these over alternatives, you’ll be able to take advantage of its safety measures and prevent damage to your battery.

Avoid rapid charging in extreme weather

Extreme ambient temperatures can make it harder for your vehicle to regulate its battery temperature and speed up degradation. This is especially true for hot weather, but charging in freezing temperatures can also hurt the battery’s functionality over time. Whenever possible, try to use rapid chargers in mild weather to preserve your battery’s health.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines

Your EV’s owner’s manual should come with charging recommendations regarding maximum charging rates, ideal SoC levels, and the frequency with which you use rapid chargers. Be sure to familiarise yourself with these guidelines and adhere to them when using rapid chargers to maximise your battery’s longevity.

Use scheduled charging

If your EV has scheduled charging features, you can use these to set charging times based on your daily driving habits and restrict charging to the times when you need it. This will help you avoid overcharging while also giving you greater control over your car’s charging cycle, helping you save money by restricting your charging to off-peak periods.