Charging an electric car

By the end of this topic you can

• You can describe the difference between home, public and rapid charging.
• You can recognise the common connector types used in the UK.
• You can park at and use a charge point following Highway Code rule 239.
• You can store cables safely after charging.
• You can follow basic charge point etiquette.

What you need to know and understand

• Home charging is usually the cheapest and most convenient; many owners charge overnight on a wall-mounted charger.
• Public charge points are found in car parks, on streets, at supermarkets and at motorway services.
• Rapid chargers add range much faster than home chargers, but often cost more per unit of energy.
• Type 2 is the common connector for slower AC charging; CCS is the common connector for rapid DC charging. Some older cars use CHAdeMO.
• Highway Code rule 239 says to park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard from trailing cables.
• After charging, return cables and connectors neatly to reduce danger to pedestrians.
• Payment methods vary between networks, so check before you rely on a charger.

Three ways to charge

Your car's handbook tells you which connectors it uses and how fast it can accept charge. A rapid charger cannot charge a car faster than the car is designed to accept.

• Home: a dedicated wall charger fitted by a qualified installer is the safest option. Charging slowly overnight suits most daily driving.
• Public destination charging: useful while you shop, work or visit. These are usually slower chargers.
• Rapid charging: found at service areas and charging hubs. Ideal on long journeys, when you need a quick top-up.

Using a public charge point step by step

1. Park in the charging bay, close to the charge point, so the cable reaches without stretching across a footway.
2. Check the connector matches your car and the cable is undamaged.
3. Start the session using the network's app, card or contactless reader if available.
4. Plug in firmly and check the car shows it is charging.
5. Place the cable so it does not create a trip hazard, and display a warning sign if you can.
6. When finished, stop the session, unplug and stow the cable neatly back on the charger.

Cable safety at home and on the street

A cable across a pavement is a real danger to people with sight loss, wheelchair users and parents with buggies. Charging at home from a driveway avoids this. If you have no driveway, do not run a cable across the pavement unless a proper approved solution is in place, as many councils do not allow it.

Avoid charging from household extension leads unless the car manufacturer says the equipment is suitable. Use a dedicated charger installed by a qualified electrician.

Charging etiquette

• Only park in an electric vehicle bay when you are charging.
• Move your car once charging has finished, especially at rapid chargers where others may be waiting.
• Report faulty chargers to the network so the next driver is not stranded.
• Never unplug another person's car.

Common mistakes

• Parking too far from the charge point. Stretched cables across a path are a trip hazard.
• Leaving the cable lying on the ground after use. Return it neatly to the charger.
• Staying in a rapid charging bay long after charging has ended. Move on so others can charge.
• Assuming every charger takes the same payment. Check the network before you arrive.
• Using a household extension lead without checking it is suitable. Use the right equipment.

Test yourself: Charging an electric car

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.