How to Charge Your EV When You Can’t Have a Home Charger

The Charging Ecosystem: A Flexible Solution

Charging your EV whilst your car is already parked is going to be the most efficient way of recharging, be it at home, work, or a destination you visit regularly. In fact, most vehicles spend about 95% of their time parked, making these spots perfect for topping up.

For those without access to a home charger, the ecosystem of workplace, destination, and en-route charging points offers seamless alternatives. No matter your lifestyle or driving habits, you’ll find charging options that make owning and recharging an EV simple and stress-free.

What if Your Workplace Doesn’t Have EV Chargers?

If your workplace hasn’t yet installed EV chargers, you could encourage your employer to consider it by highlighting the advantages:

• Lower Emissions: EV charging can help reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
• Employee Incentives: Workplace EV chargers encourage office returns and support recruitment by offering convenient, forward-thinking benefits that appeal to current employees and prospective talent alike. 
• Improved Environment: Reducing air and noise pollution around the office creates a healthier, more pleasant environment for everyone.

Overcoming Cost Concerns

For many businesses, cost is a key consideration when deciding whether to install EV chargers. If this is a barrier, you could suggest:

• Leasing Options: EV chargers can often be leased, spreading the cost over manageable payments.
• Government Grants: The Workplace Charging Scheme offers up to 75% of installation costs (capped at £350 per socket and 40 sockets per business).

For businesses reliant on EVs for operations like deliveries or mobile services, additional infrastructure grants may further offset costs.

With these solutions, workplace charging can be a win-win for employees and employers alike, helping more drivers embrace the benefits of EVs.

If a business is looking to become B Corp certified, you can also highlight that EV chargers could contribute towards improving environmental performance.

What is Destination Charging?

Destination chargers are designed for locations where you’ll likely spend a few hours. They offer a range of charging speeds—often faster than most home chargers—making them a great solution for topping up your battery. Many destination chargers provide outputs of up to 22 kW or more, significantly reducing charging time compared to a standard 7 kW home charger. 

Types of Destination Charging

• Short-Stay Charging: Found at places like shopping centres and gyms, these chargers provide faster charging rates, ideal for quick top-ups during shorter visits. While the cost per kilowatt-hour is typically higher, the convenience and speed often outweigh the added expense.
• Long-Stay Charging: Found at locations like hotels and train stations, these chargers offer slower rates of charging but at a lower cost per kilowatt-hour. They’re perfect for situations where you’ll be parked for an extended period, such as an overnight stay or a full workday.

Why Destination Charging Works

With higher charging speeds and strategically placed locations, destination chargers bridge the gap for EV owners who may not have access to home or workplace charging.

For a detailed guide on making the most of destination charging, explore our comprehensive guide on destination charging.

Where to Find Rapid Chargers

Rapid chargers are typically installed at motorway service stations, making them ideal for drivers on long journeys. These stations offer the convenience of quickly topping up your battery, similar to refuelling a petrol or diesel car, so you can get back on the road without delay.

Are Rapid Chargers Suitable for Home Use?

Due to their high energy demands, rapid chargers aren’t practical for home installation. They are specifically designed for locations with robust power infrastructure, such as motorway services and major transport hubs.

Cost of Rapid Charging

While rapid chargers tend to cost more per kilowatt-hour than slower options, their speed and convenience are invaluable—especially on long trips where time is of the essence.

For a deeper dive into rapid and fast EV charging options, including their benefits and where to find them, explore our guide on rapid and fast EV charging.

How Does En-Route Charging Work?

With rapid chargers, you can recharge your EV to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes or less, provided your car supports rapid charging. These chargers are ideal for quick pit stops, allowing you to top up your battery while taking a break. Most rapid charging stations come with tethered cables, so there’s no need to bring your own—although it’s always a good idea to keep a charging cable in your car for added flexibility.

Costs of En-Route Charging

The cost of en-route charging varies by provider and network, and while rapid charging tends to be more expensive, the speed and convenience can make it well worth the price on longer trips.

For a detailed breakdown of en-route charging, including tips on planning your stops and the best rapid charging networks, check out our guide to en-route charging.