Discover the Best Places to Charge Your EV in the UK
If you’re an EV driver or considering buying electric cars for your business or fleet, you might be wondering where to find charging points and what types of chargers are available.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that charging options for EVs vary depending on the type of vehicle you have. Some models come with a standard home charging kit, while others require a more powerful charging point to be installed.
Public charging points are available across the UK, and there are several charging networks to choose from, such as Pod Point, Shell Recharge, and Tesla Superchargers. You can use websites like Zap Map to find the nearest charging point to you.
Charging options also vary in terms of speed, from slow charging to fast charging, and rapid DC charging. Slow charging usually takes several hours, while rapid charging can get your battery from 0% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. The cost to charge your EV will depend on the type of charging and the provider you choose.
As more and more people switch to EVs, the number of charging points in the UK is constantly growing. Whether you’re commuting to work or taking a long road trip, you’ll be able to find a charging point that suits your needs.
At Vital EV, we are passionate about helping EV drivers find the best charging solutions for their EVs. From public charging stations to fleet charging options, we have all the information you need to keep your EV fully charged and ready to go.
Online Maps
EV charger online maps are a useful tool for electric vehicle (EV) drivers to locate and navigate to charging points. These maps are typically accessible via websites or mobile apps and allow you to search for charging points based on your location or route.
Some popular EV charger online maps in the UK include Zap Map, PlugShare, and ChargeMap. These platforms provide real-time information on the availability and status of charging points, including the type of connector and charging speed. They also allow you to filter results based on your specific EV model and preferred charging network.
Using an EV charger online map can help you plan your journeys more efficiently and avoid range anxiety. You can easily locate charging points along your route, and even reserve a spot in advance. With the growing number of public charging points in the UK, these maps are becoming an essential tool for EV drivers.
Whether you’re a seasoned EV driver or considering making the switch to electric, be sure to check out these EV charger online maps for the latest information on charging points in your area.
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps for EV charging are a convenient way for EV drivers to locate and manage charging sessions on the go. These apps allow you to find nearby charging points, start and stop charging sessions, and pay for charging services all from your smartphone.
There are several popular EV charger mobile apps available in the UK, including:
- Zap-Map: Zap-Map’s app provides real-time information on over 95% of public EV charging points in the UK. You can filter charging points based on connector type, network, and charging speed, as well as see reviews and ratings from other users. The app also allows you to pay for charging sessions with a variety of networks.
- Charge Your Car: This app provides access to over 1,500 charging points across the UK. It allows you to search for charging points based on your location, reserve a charging spot, and pay for charging sessions directly through the app.
- PlugSurfing: PlugSurfing offers access to over 200,000 charging points in 38 countries, including the UK. The app allows you to search for charging points, start and stop charging sessions, and pay for charging services all in one place.
- Pod Point: Pod Point’s app allows you to find and navigate to charging points, start and stop charging sessions, and pay for charging services. You can also monitor your charging sessions and view your charging history.
Using an EV charger mobile app can help you make the most of your EV driving experience. With real-time information on charging points, easy payment options, and convenient features like reservation and navigation, these apps can make charging your EV a hassle-free experience.
Rapid DC charging
Rapid DC charging is a fast-charging method for electric vehicles (EVs) that can provide a significant amount of charge in a short amount of time. Unlike slower AC charging methods that use the vehicle’s onboard charger to convert AC electricity to DC, rapid DC charging bypasses the onboard charger and directly delivers DC electricity to the battery.
Rapid DC charging can be a useful tool when doing long distance journeys as it can provide up to 80% of a battery’s capacity in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the charging speed and the EV’s battery capacity. The charging speed can vary depending on the type of connector used and the charging network, but most rapid DC charging stations provide charging speeds of between 50 kW and 350 kW.
Rapid DC charging stations can be found at motorway service stations, petrol stations, and other public locations across the UK. They are typically more expensive than slower charging methods, but many charging networks offer subscription plans or pay-as-you-go options to make it more affordable.
AC Charging
AC charging is a common method for charging electric vehicles (EVs) that uses the vehicle’s onboard charger to convert AC electricity from a charging station into DC electricity that can be stored in the EV’s battery.
AC charging is typically slower than DC charging, with charging speeds ranging from 3 kW to 22 kW, depending on the charging station and the EV’s onboard charger capacity. The charging time can vary based on the battery size and charging speed but can take several hours to fully charge an EV battery.
AC charging stations are commonly found at homes, workplaces, and public locations such as car parks and shopping centres. A convenient and affordable option for EV drivers who have access to charging at home or work, AC chargers do not require fast charging speeds for their daily needs. It is also a good option for longer journeys where the EV driver can take advantage of extended stops, such as meal breaks, to top up the battery.
Find the most convenient charging stations
the UK has made significant progress in developing its EV charging infrastructure over the past few years. With various providers and a growing number of charging points, it has become increasingly easier for EV drivers to find charging stations throughout the country.
It’s important to plan your journey ahead of time and ensure that you know where you can charge your EV along the way. Fortunately, there are many resources available, including online maps and mobile apps, to help you find EV charging points in the UK.
Whether you are on a long road trip or just need a quick charge, there are plenty of options available to keep your EV powered up and ready to go. So, don’t let range anxiety hold you back – get out there and explore the UK in your electric vehicle!
