Charging an electric car
Charging replaces the trip to the filling station, but it works differently. Most EV drivers do most of their charging at home or work, and use public chargers for longer journeys.
Knowing how charging works helps you plan journeys, avoid running low, and use public charge points safely and politely. It is not part of the driving test, but it is part of owning and driving an EV.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can explain the difference between home, public AC and fast DC charging.
- You can connect and disconnect a charging cable safely.
- You can plan a longer journey with charging stops and a margin.
- You can follow good etiquette at public charge points.
- You can describe the basic rules for a safe home charger installation.
What you need to know and understand
- Home charging is usually the cheapest and most convenient way to charge, often overnight.
- A home charger should be installed by a Safe Electric Registered Electrical Contractor.
- SEAI runs a grant towards a smart home charger; check seai.ie for the current amount and conditions before you buy.
- Public AC chargers are slower and suit longer stops such as shopping or work.
- Fast DC chargers can add a lot of range in a short stop and are found on main routes.
- Charging slows down as the battery gets close to full, especially on fast chargers.
- Public charge points are run by different operators, such as ESB ecars, and usually need an app, card or contactless payment.
- Trailing cables can trip people up, so route them carefully and never across a footpath.
Three ways to charge
- Home charger: a wall unit on your own driveway. Slow and steady, ideal overnight. A smart charger can be set to use cheaper night-rate electricity.
- Public AC charge point: in car parks, towns and workplaces. You often need your own cable. Good while you shop or work.
- Fast DC charger: at service areas and on main routes. The cable is attached to the unit. Good for a top-up on a long trip.
- A standard household socket is the slowest option. Use it only with the cable supplied for that purpose, never with a household extension lead.
Using a public charger step by step
- Park fully within the charging bay, close enough for the cable to reach without stretching.
- Switch off the car and open the charge port.
- Start the session using the operator's app, card or contactless reader, as shown on the unit.
- Plug the connector firmly into the car and check the screen shows charging has started.
- Lay the cable so nobody can trip on it.
- When finished, end the session, unplug, close the charge port and stow any cable before driving away.
- Move the car promptly so the next driver can charge.
Charging etiquette and safety
Charge bays are for charging, not parking. If you are not plugged in, use an ordinary space. At fast chargers, many drivers stop at around 80 percent because the last part of the charge is slow and others may be waiting.
Never use a damaged cable or charger. If you see cracks, scorch marks or exposed wires, do not plug in, and report it to the operator. Do not try to repair charging equipment yourself.
Planning a longer trip
Check your range before you set off and plan where you will charge. Have a back-up option, because a charger may be busy or out of order. Remember that cold weather, motorway speeds and heating reduce range, so leave a margin rather than arriving with almost nothing left.
Common mistakes
- Parking in a charge bay without charging. It blocks drivers who need it.
- Running a cable across a footpath. Charge where the cable can stay on your own property or within the bay.
- Using a household extension lead. It can overheat; use proper charging equipment.
- Planning a trip with no back-up charger. Always know a second option.
Test yourself: Charging an electric car
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: SEAI, Electric vehicle home charger grant (seai.ie); Safe Electric, Registered Electrical Contractor scheme (safeelectric.ie); ESB ecars public charging network information (esb.ie). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the RSA.