Widespread, reliable and accessible charging infrastructure is a vital foundation of greater electric vehicle uptake, and the experience is improving all the time.

CHARGING SPEEDS

Charge points’ maximum power output is measured in kilowatts (kW), and networks tend to install units based on the length of time vehicles are likely to be parked.

Home, workplace and ‘destination’ chargers typically offer an output of up to 7.4kW

Home, workplace and ‘destination’ chargers typically offer an output of up to 7.4kW, adding around 30 miles of range per hour, while rapid chargers (over 50kW) tend to be located close to the strategic road network and are designed for mid-journey top-ups of 30 minutes or less. The fastest can output up to 350kW which, in theory, could add more than 200 miles of range in 10 minutes.

However, charging speeds also depend on the vehicle. Batteries for larger, longer-range vehicles take longer to fully charge at a given speed, and no cars or vans are capable of charging at 350kW. The new Porsche Macan is one of the fastest, topping out at 270kW and restoring over 150 miles in 10 minutes. Plug-in hybrids rarely offer rapid charging capability, as it’s assumed that drivers will use the combustion engine to travel longer distances. Chargers will automatically limit their output to suit the vehicle.

CONNECTORS

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

All new plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles sold in Europe use the same system of charging connectors, which was standardised in 2013.

This has two parts – the near-circular Type 2 (Mennekes) connector for slower AC chargers, while vehicles capable of DC rapid charging have two additional pins below compatible with the Combined Charging System (CCS) connector.

Almost all slow charging points have a Type 2 socket, and manufacturers supply a cable to convert this to whatever is on the car.

Meanwhile, rapid chargers have tethered CCS cables to handle higher power outputs and sometimes include a second CHAdeMO DC connector for early vehicles – such as the Nissan Leaf. Zapmap includes a filter to help drivers find compatible units.

HOME CHARGING

For drivers with a suitable parking space, charging overnight home is by far the cheapest and most convenient way to use an electric vehicle. Most homeowners are no longer eligible for grant funding, but drivers in flats and rented properties can still claim up to £350 or 75% towards the unit and installation costs, and there’s conditional support for those who park on-street too. Employers can pay to install chargers at drivers’ houses and, even if they’re charging a vehicle for private use, that cost isn’t taxed as a Benefit-in-Kind.

WORKPLACE CHARGING

Businesses, charities and public sector organisations can claim grant funding and tax relief for installing their own EV chargers.

Grants and tax relief are available for chargers

The Workplace Charging Scheme provides up to 75% towards procurement and installation costs, capped at £350 per connector, and units which can charge two vehicles qualify twice.

Applicants can claim for 40 connectors in multiple rounds, including rapid chargers for vehicles with shorter turnaround times.

Organisations can also deduct 100% of the equipment costs against their profits before tax. Meanwhile, commuters plugging in at work do not pay Benefit-in-Kind on the energy used – that applies even if they’re charging at their passenger’s workplace.

PUBLIC CHARGING

The UK has one of the world’s most advanced public charging networks, comprising almost 70,000 devices at more than 34,000 locations, including shops, restaurants, motorway services and residential areas across the country.

They’re also increasingly easy to use. From November 2024, networks will be required by law to provide membership-free contactless card payments for new chargers over 8kW, and all existing units with an output of more than 50kW. The regulations also mandate an average 99% reliability, 24/7 helplines and clear pricing information by the same date.

However, contactless payment is often the most expensive way to charge. Most networks offer discounts for drivers who register an account, with further reductions for regular users paying a monthly membership fee. Several fuel card providers also enable drivers to pay for charging as they would petrol or diesel.

EXPERT COMMENT

Naomi Nye, head of sales at Drax

Naomi Nye, head of sales at Drax, said: “Data plays a hugely important role in running your business and it’s crucial in understanding your fleets’ operational requirements and shaping your electrification plans.

“An upfront assessment – one that generates the right data and interprets it meaningfully – can also help prove the benefits of electrification to your organisation’s decision-makers.

“By using telematics to track the activities of a representative selection of vehicles over a defined period, you can record vehicles’ mileages, whereabouts and dwell locations/times. This will give you supporting evidence for prioritising vehicles to transition and for specifying EV models, charge-station power, charging locations and operational charging schedules.

“Drax Electric Vehicles can design and manage your assessment – and explain the projected impact of electrification. We’ll even use the results to help you build a business case.

“Assessing your fleet’s EV suitability and your sites’ infrastructure suitability is the first step to a successful transition.”