How to Charge An Electric Car
Summary
We’ve put together an extensive series of guides focused on how to charge an electric car. We’ll tell you how to charge an electric car in public, provide you all you need to know about electric car charging at home, where to find your nearest charging point, and more.
The Charging Ecosystem
The electric vehicle market in the UK is growing quickly – and the charging ecosystem is racing to match demand by increasing the number of public charging points. Concerns about running out of charge – often called range anxiety – during a journey or not having access to enough EV charging points can now be dismissed. Electric car drivers can feel confident that, when out and about on the road, they can get to multiple EV charge points quickly and conveniently.
Let’s look at the numbers. In the UK, the charging ecosystem is consistently evolving, expanding, and improving. In 2024, ChargeUK reported that there were over 930,000 chargers in the UK, including home, public, and work chargers.
But, while having a home charger is an excellent option, you don’t need to have a home chargepoint installed to drive an electric car. ChargeUK has said that a new public charging point is installed every 25 minutes, while according to Zapmap, the number of public charging devices passed the 70,000 mark during 2024, at a rate of 1,872 new devices added every month. Maintaining that pace, there will be 300,000-plus public charge points in the UK by 2030. That’s rapid growth and reinforces the commitment to the future development of EVs.
Of course, service stations have designated EV chargepoints but they’re also now widely available just about everywhere. It’s common to find public charging points in on-site car parks at supermarkets, retail parks, leisure centres, pubs, hotels and more.
Charging an Electric Car at Home
For many EV drivers, electric car charging at home is the most convenient, cost-effective option. While charging an electric car at home using a 3-pin plug is possible, the charging speed will be slow and it’s recommended that you have a dedicated chargepoint or wallbox installed.
We’d suggest consulting a qualified electrician, who can advise on the best location for your home chargepoint, and the type of wallbox most suitable for your EV. Many home energy providers offer low tariffs, so you can charge your car overnight at a cheaper rate.
Learn more about how to charge an electric car at home here.
Charging an Electric Car at Work
If your employer or place of work has electric charging points installed, this is usually seen as a genuine benefit for EV drivers. You can drive to your employer’s location, park in a space next to a designated electric chargepoint, and power up your vehicle while you work – so it’s all good to go at the end of the day when it’s time for home.
Costs for charging an electric car at work can vary; some employers may offer it for free as an employee benefit, while others will charge. And, of course, other colleagues may also want to charge their EV during the day so availability can also vary. But, it’s a great option to have.
We’ve got more info on workplace EV charging here.
Charging an Electric Car at Public Destinations
Supermarket car parks, service stations, coffee shops, and more – many different types of public places are now installing electric charging stations as the network in the UK widens to cope with the growing number of EVs on the road.
Even if you have a wallbox charger at your home, it’s possible that you’ll need to charge your EV at a public destination at least sometimes, so it’s worth knowing how to charge an electric car at a charging station for when you do.
Read more about how to charge an electric car in public with our in-depth guide here.
How Do I Pay for Charging My Electric Car?
We know that driving an EV is said to be cheaper to run than a car with an internal combustion engine, but how much does it cost to charge an electric car, and how do you pay?
That varies, depending on the charger you use. If you have a wallbox at home, you’ll ultimately pay for the electricity you use to charge your car via your energy bill. If you’re using a public charger, some chargepoints have a contactless payment system. Others require you to download their app and create an account; once set up, you’re ready to go. To get an idea of how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle compared to fuelling a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle, check out our blog.
If you’re asking, ‘where can I charge my electric car for free?’ there are still some free EV charging devices in the UK, including at selected supermarkets.
Read more details on how you could access free EV charging in our detailed guide.
What EV Charging Equipment Do I Need?
Charging an electric car doesn’t have to be complicated. Modern EVs are designed with ease of use in mind, and getting set up with the right equipment has never been simpler.
When you buy or lease an EV, your vehicle will usually come with a charging cable, most often a Type 2 charger, which has become the standard across European vehicles. This cable is portable and untethered, meaning one end plugs into the public charger or home charge point, and the other into your EV’s power inlet. Some vehicles might also include a three-pin plug for occasional use, although this isn’t the most efficient charging option.
For home charging, there’s now a growing number of reputable home charger installation providers, making it easier than ever to get a charge point set up at your home. Whether you’re looking for faster charging speeds or the convenience of charging overnight, these services ensure you’re ready to make the most of your EV.
If you’re considering a used EV, be sure to check if the charging cables and equipment are included with the vehicle.
For more information on home charging, check out our guide to EV home charging.
Charging an Electric Car on Long Distance Journeys
For long distance journeys in an electric car, it’s smart to plan ahead — just as you would in a petrol or diesel fuelled vehicle.
Though you should ensure the EV is fully charged before you set off, if the mileage of the journey is further than the range of the car, you’ll need to charge at some point en route; if not on the way to your destination, then on the return trip.
This is easy to do. With apps such as Zapmap or Electroverse from energy supplier Octopus or through your EV’s navigation system, you can view a map of electric car charging points closest to your location. Simply find one, pull over, take a break for a coffee or some food, plug in and recharge.
For a seamless experience on long journeys, explore our guide to en-route charging for tips and tools to help you plan your stops and stay powered up on the road.
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