2025 Guide to Charging Your EV on the Road
Your ultimate guide to everything you need to know about charging your electric car in 2025.
Charging an electric car is quite different from refueling a petrol or diesel vehicle. For starters, you can do it at home, and while charging speeds have improved significantly in recent years, it still takes longer to charge a battery than to fill a fuel tank. Additionally, charging can often be more expensive, especially at public charging stations.
If you’re new to electric vehicles (EVs), the charging process might seem a bit daunting. Different cars charge at varying speeds, and the speed of charging stations can differ as well, along with their pricing. You also need to consider subscription options that can make charging more affordable, as well as how cold weather can impact charging times.
To help you get a better grasp of electric car charging, we’ve put together a comprehensive Q&A section below. While this information is tailored for the UK market, it can also be relevant for electric cars and chargers in other countries.
Understanding the fundamentals of EV charging is crucial. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions when purchasing your first electric car, so you won't feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar terms like charge rate, system voltage, and battery efficiency.
Do all electric cars charge at the same rate?
No, there can be a significant difference in the charging speeds of electric vehicles. Charging speed is typically measured in kilowatts (kW). The fastest charging EVs can charge their batteries at rates exceeding 300 kW, while slower models usually charge at around 75 kW.
Many modern electric vehicles have a maximum charging rate that falls between 100 and 250 kW, but they can only reach these speeds when connected to a sufficiently powerful charger. Ultra-rapid public chargers often promote their maximum charging rates, with 150 kW and 175 kW being among the more common high-speed options.
Some public chargers can operate at up to 350 kW, whereas home chargers—often referred to as wallbox chargers—typically use AC electricity and operate between 3 kW and 7 kW. This makes them more suitable for overnight charging rather than quick top-ups.
Which electric car has the fastest charging time?
As of late 2024, the fastest-charging electric vehicle available in the UK is the Lotus Eletre, capable of charging its battery at an impressive rate of up to 350 kW—coincidentally, this matches the output of the most powerful public charger. In second place are the closely related Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan, which charge at around 320 kW, followed by the Audi e-tron Q6 at 270 kW.
Thanks to these high charging speeds, these vehicles can go from 10% to 80% battery capacity in under 20 minutes when connected to a charger with similar power.
EVs with lower maximum charge rates charge more slowly, but these tend to also have smaller batteries than the Porsches, Audis and Lotus mentioned above.
What are rapid car chargers and how do they differ from normal EV chargers?
In general, slow chargers operate at a maximum of 3.6 kW, while fast chargers typically range from 7 kW to 22 kW. These are all AC (alternating current) chargers, similar to those you might find at home or in places like hotels, where electric vehicles are likely to be parked for a while.
On the other hand, rapid chargers use DC (direct current) and can deliver up to 50 kW, while ultra-rapid chargers range from 50 kW to 350 kW. From a user perspective, all EV chargers function in a similar way: they plug into the car’s charging port and supply electricity.
In the UK and Europe, rapid and ultra-rapid chargers utilize a technology known as CCS, which features a slightly different connector compared to lower-powered chargers. However, using them is straightforward—just open the small flap covering the lower part of your car’s charging port, and the CCS charger will connect and lock into place during the charging process.
It is also worth noting that faster chargers tend to cost more, and this is especially true for ultra-rapid chargers in convenient locations like motorway service stations.
What is the fastest way to charge an electric car?
To achieve the fastest charging speed for your electric vehicle (EV), you need to connect it to a charger with equal or greater power. For instance, if your car can handle charging at up to 200 kW, you should look for a charger that can deliver at least that much power, ideally one rated at 350 kW. Keep in mind that charging speed also depends on the current state of the battery—how full it is and its temperature. Additionally, the number of EVs using the same charging station can impact speed, with slower rates expected when multiple vehicles are connected.
It's important to note that most EVs only reach their maximum charging rate for a short period. As the battery fills up, the charging speed decreases. To maximize your charging speed, use a sufficiently powerful charger when your battery is warm (or has been pre-conditioned) and below 20% capacity.
Will my electric car always charge at the same rate?
No, unfortunately not. There are several factors that influence how quickly an electric car charges. The most obvious ones are the maximum charging rates of both the car and the charger. For example, if you connect a car that can charge at 320 kW to a charger that only supports 150 kW, you’ll only get 150 kW. Similarly, a 150 kW car plugged into a 350 kW charger will still only charge at 150 kW.
Another important factor is that batteries charge faster when they’re more empty. This is especially noticeable when charging beyond 80%, as the charging speed drops significantly. So, it’s a good idea to plan your fast-charging stops when your EV’s battery is relatively low, rather than looking for a charger right at the beginning of your trip. If you’re charging at home and have plenty of time, it’s fine to fill the battery to 100% before you leave, but otherwise, it’s better to charge later.
Temperature also impacts the charging speed of electric vehicles (EVs). In fact, many EVs will preheat their batteries as you near a charging station, but this only happens if you're using the car's built-in navigation system to guide you there.
Do electric cars take longer to charge in winter?
Yes, they do. Like all devices that use lithium-ion batteries—such as your phone, camera, and laptop—electric vehicles (EVs) tend to perform less efficiently in cold weather. As mentioned earlier, many EVs have a feature that pre-conditions the battery, which means they warm it up to ensure it charges more quickly when you arrive at the charging station.
You can also pre-condition an EV while it’s still plugged in, so it’s nice and warm when you’re ready to drive. This is beneficial for you because the cabin will be cozy, and it’s good for the car too, as it will operate more efficiently and travel further when the battery is at the optimal temperature.
Should I stop charging my EV when it reaches 80%?
It's advisable to limit fast or rapid charging to 80%. There are two main reasons for this: first, electric car batteries typically charge much more slowly after reaching 80%, and second, lithium batteries tend to last longer when they're not charged to 100% too often, especially with fast charging.
Most electric vehicles allow you to set a charging limit. It's a good idea to set this limit to 80% to help extend your battery's lifespan, but occasionally charging to 100%—especially with a low-powered home charger—is perfectly fine.
What’s the difference between 400-volt and 800-volt electric cars?
Most electric vehicles (EVs) operate at 400 volts, although some models utilize 800 volts. The 400-volt systems tend to be more affordable but typically incorporate heavier components that run at double the amperage and higher current, which reduces overall efficiency. As a result, 400-volt EVs generally charge more slowly than their 800-volt counterparts. The maximum charging rate for 400-volt vehicles is usually around 250 kW, though some models may only support 75 kW or 100 kW. In contrast, 800-volt EVs can achieve charging rates of up to 350 kW. However, this difference is only significant when using equally powerful public chargers, as both 400-volt and 800-volt vehicles have the same maximum charging rate when connected to a standard AC wallbox charger at home.
What’s the cost of charging an electric car?
The cost of charging an electric vehicle (EV) can vary significantly. If you charge your battery at home using a low-cost tariff, such as E.ON’s Next Drive, a full charge can cost as little as £5, or even less for smaller batteries. As of November 2024, the current Next Drive rate is £0.067 per kWh.
The term "kWh," short for kilowatt-hour, is the unit used to measure car battery capacity, indicating how much energy they can store. For instance, a small electric car like the Mini Cooper E has a 36.6 kWh battery, while a mid-size vehicle like the Polestar 2 offers battery options of 69 kWh and 82 kWh. In contrast, a larger EV like the Porsche Macan boasts a battery capacity of 100 kWh.
Public chargers tend to be significantly more expensive, with prices typically rising based on their speed and convenience. For instance, high-powered 350 kW chargers can charge around £0.79 per kWh, whereas slower public chargers, such as those mounted on lampposts and usually operating at 5 kW, charge about £0.59 per kWh. Interestingly, some of these chargers are cheaper to use at night, with rates dropping to as low as £0.39 per kWh between midnight and 7 a.m.
Is it cheaper to charge an electric car at home?
Yes, charging an electric vehicle (EV) at home is much more affordable than using a public charger—unless, of course, you happen to find a free charger, which can sometimes be available at hotels.
For instance, a high-speed public charger can charge you up to 79p or even 89p per kWh, while a low-speed lamppost charger typically ranges from 39p to 59p per kWh.
In contrast, the E.ON Next Drive EV tariff starts at just 6.7p per kWh. That’s more than five times cheaper than the lamppost charger, and with a power output of 7.4kW, it’s also more powerful than those lamppost chargers, which usually operate at around 5kW.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV at night?
Yes, charging an electric vehicle (EV) at night is often more economical because electricity rates are typically lower during those hours. For instance, a lamppost charger we frequently use in South East London charges 59p per kWh during the day, but only 39p per kWh from midnight to 7 AM. The same applies to home charging; E.ON Next Drive offers its lowest rate of 6.7p per kWh during the same overnight hours.
Most EVs come equipped with a scheduling feature that allows you to set the charging times. This means you can plug your car in during the day but program it to start charging at midnight when the rates drop.
Can I charge an electric car with solar panels?
Absolutely, you can do that. Generally, there are two main options. The first is to install solar panels that supply energy directly to your home, allowing them to power your electric vehicle (EV) while it’s charging during the day. The second option is to add a battery to your home that gets charged by the solar panels. This battery stores energy for later use, like when you charge your EV overnight. Since you’re generating the electricity yourself with the solar panels, that energy is essentially free.
What’s the payment process for using a public EV charger?
This used to be a real hassle, with each EV charging company requiring a different app, or even a unique RFID tag or contactless membership card. While some of these methods are still in use, most public chargers now allow you to pay with a credit or debit card.
For those that don’t accept card payments, like lamppost chargers, you typically need to use an app that processes payments via credit card (and many also accept Apple Pay and similar services). Often, there’s a QR code on the charger that, when scanned, directs you to a website where you can initiate the charging process and complete your payment.
Can I pay for EV charging with a subscription?
Yes, many EV charging networks offer subscription plans. Typically billed monthly, these subscriptions lower the cost per kWh for using the charging network. Subscribing can be especially beneficial if you frequently use the same charging station or the same brand of stations across different locations.
For instance, E.ON's Plus subscription is priced at £5.99 per month and provides a 10% discount on public charger usage. Similarly, Ionity chargers usually cost £0.74 per kWh when paid for with a credit card, but this can be reduced to £0.53 per kWh with a £5.49 monthly subscription, or to £0.43 per kWh with a £10.50 subscription.
Additionally, a £7.85 subscription to the BP Pulse charging network offers a 20% reduction in the price per kWh. OVO Energy also provides two monthly subscription options: one at £2 for a 10% discount and another at £8 for a 15% discount; the latter also includes access to an EV route planner and exclusive charging rewards.
Can I use a Tesla Supercharger with a different EV?
Yes, you can! While Tesla Supercharger stations were once only available to Tesla drivers, many (though not all) of them can now be used by electric vehicles from other manufacturers. You can simply drive up to a Supercharger and use it through the Tesla app. However, subscribing to Tesla's charging network costs £8.99 per month or £90 per year, which reduces the price per kWh.
Pricing varies between Supercharger locations, but they are generally more affordable than other fast chargers. As of late 2024, the cost to use a Supercharger in Greenwich, London ranges from £0.51 to £0.63 for non-members, depending on the time of day, while paying subscribers enjoy a lower rate of £0.39 to £0.48.
For instance, adding 70 kWh of charge during off-peak hours would cost £35.70 for non-members and £27.30 for members. The £8.40 savings for members nearly offsets the £8.99 monthly subscription with just one charge.
Can you charge an electric car from a three-pin plug socket?
Electric car manufacturers provide cables that allow drivers to plug their vehicles directly into a standard household outlet. While this can be useful in emergencies or when you just need a little extra range during an overnight stay, the charging speed is extremely slow.
Charging from a domestic socket typically delivers only about 1 to 2 kW, which is five times slower than a home wallbox charger and over 100 times slower than the maximum charging capabilities of many electric vehicles. This means you might only gain a few miles of range per hour, and a full charge could take more than 24 hours. While this method isn't practical for most drivers, it can be convenient if you're visiting friends or family who don’t have a dedicated charger.
If you plug in overnight and offer to treat them to breakfast, you might add a dozen miles or so to your range. It's also important to note that car manufacturers advise against using extension cords for charging electric vehicles.
Do electric cars charge themselves while you drive?
Yes, in a way. Electric cars use a feature called regenerative braking, which allows the motor to act as a generator when the car is coasting or braking. This process slows the vehicle down, similar to engine braking in traditional cars, but it also generates energy that gets sent back to the battery. Essentially, when regenerative braking is active, the more you ease off the accelerator, the more your electric vehicle slows down and the more energy is recaptured.
This adds a satisfying element to driving an EV, and it means that the traditional friction brakes (the ones with discs and pads) are used much less frequently, so they tend to last longer. However, it’s worth noting that regenerative braking only produces a small amount of electricity compared to plugging in to charge. For instance, if you coast downhill for a while, you might see the range increase by just a mile, but hey, every little bit helps!
How do you find the nearest electric car charger?
The navigation system in an electric vehicle (EV) is a great starting point, as many systems will direct you to a charging station if you need a boost to reach your destination. Tesla's navigation is the best in this regard, providing an accurate, reliable, and detailed guide on where to stop, how long to charge, and how much battery you'll have when you arrive.
In contrast, smartphone-based systems like Google Maps and Apple Maps fall short in this area. This is mainly because apps that run through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto don’t have access to your vehicle’s charge level or efficiency, so they can’t determine when you should stop for a charge. While you can still use these apps to find charging stations, they typically show the number of chargers available at each location, along with the type and maximum charging speed. However, you'll need to rely on your own knowledge of your car's range and efficiency to decide the best time to stop for a charge.
One of the top EV charging station maps is ZapMap. This app not only displays the locations and speeds of chargers but also features a feedback system that allows users to report issues with malfunctioning chargers or leave notes detailing the exact locations of chargers, as they are sometimes situated at the far end of service station parking lots.
---The article is excerpted from The Independent.
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