Guide to public EV charging

What connection type do I need to charge my EV in public?

There are three main types of connection – 

• CCS (Combined Charging System): Used for fast and rapid DC charging (over 50 kW). These cables are usually attached to the charging station.
• Type 2: Used for slower AC charging (typically 7 kW or 22 kW). You often need to bring your own Type 2 cable, so always keep one in your boot.
• CHAdeMO: Some older EVs use this type, but it’s being phased out in favour of CCS (only older Nissan Leafs still use CHAdeMO).

It’s important to know which cables are compatible with your vehicle before you set off. If for any reason you misplace a Type 2 cable you can buy a replacement at most electrical or auto stockists. Read more about EV charging speeds and plugs.

How do public EV stations work?

Using a public EV charging station is straightforward once you know the steps:

• Think about which side of your car the charging point is on and park your EV in the designated unoccupied charging bay to allow easy access to the charging point.
• For CCS charging, simply plug in the cable attached to the station – the cables can sometimes be a little heavy!
• For Type 2 charging, use your own cable to connect to both the car and the charging point.
• You’ll notice there are many differently branded charging points in the UK, they don’t take cash, instead you’ll need a pre-paid payment card or a credit or debit card to operate them, but they all work in a similar way.
• Follow the instructions on the charging terminal to start your charge. This may involve using an app, tapping a card, or paying at the station.
• Wait for confirmation that charging has begun.
• When you’re finished, stop the charge using the app or EV charging station controls before unplugging – you won’t be able to unplug your car until you have actioned the ‘stop charging’ command.

You don’t need to wait with your car whilst it is charging, but of course you can do. Many public EV charging stations have refreshment facilities nearby so you can take a break and top up from driving while your car is doing the same.

What if the charging station doesn’t seem to be working?

Ensure you’ve followed all the correct steps to initiate charging. If it’s not a user error, call the helpline number displayed on the unit for assistance and troubleshooting. As a result of new legislation, from November 2024 all charge points will have a staffed telephone helpline number free to use 24/7. You can also use the charging network’s app or website to report the faulty charger as this helps other EV drivers and speeds up repairs. 

How long will it take to charge my car at a public EV station? 

Charging times at public EV charging stations vary depending on your car’s battery size and the charger’s power output: 

• Rapid chargers (50 kW+) can typically charge to 80% in 30-60 minutes.
• Fast chargers (7-22 kW) might take 3-4 hours for a full charge.
• Slow chargers (3-7 kW) are best for overnight charging.

You can read more about how long it takes to charge your car in our Ultimate Guide to EV charging. 

Public EV charging prices

Costs for public EV charging can vary depending on the charging network and speed of charge. Rapid charging tends to be more expensive than slower options. Some networks offer subscription plans for regular users, which can reduce costs.

According to Zapmap’s tracker which monitors charging sessions across the network, the average price to charge your EV on the public charging network in September 2024 was between 17p (slow charge) and 24p (rapid/ultra-rapid charger) per mile.

Paying to charge at an EV charging station.

One of the easiest ways to pay for EV public charging is to apply for an EV charge card. These can be used with multiple networks and let you manage your payments in one account, including getting receipts. Some also offer time-limited discounts on charging, so you might even be able to top-up for less. Some car manufacturers offer EV charge cards to new EV drivers. Here are some of the different options when it comes to payment:

An RFID card

An RFID card is a type of EV charge card – it is your magic key to public EV charging. It’s super simple to use – just tap it on the charger’s reader and your car will start charging.

The card’s got a tiny chip inside that’s like your EV charging ID. When you tap it, it tells the charger, “Hey, this is me, and I want to charge up!” The charger gets the message, checks that you’re good to go, and then starts powering up your car.

It’s like using a contactless bank card that is exclusively for buying electricity for your car. RFID cards are sometimes provided with home-chargers, if not you can order them through the app or website of most network charging providers – some charge a small fee for the initial card.

Pay by app

There are several apps available for charging EV’s on the public network. Some are provided by companies to specifically use on their own charge points such as BP Pulse, or Shell Recharge. Others Like Zapmap or Electroverse enable users to charge at a wider variety of EV Public charge points across the network.

Contactless

From November 2024, all rapid charge points must accept contactless payments to provide greater flexibility for car drivers who want to use EV public chargers. 

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the growing network of public EV charging stations. As the infrastructure continues to expand, charging your EV on the go will become increasingly convenient, making electric vehicle ownership an even more attractive option for drivers. If you are thinking of switching to an EV take a look at our range of different EV makes and models here.