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What you need to know about charging EVs

<h3>Charging: Depending on who you speak to, it’s either the biggest benefit or the main concern around EV ownership. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. </h3>
<h3>In this article, we’ll take you through the key elements of charging at home, the office and out and about, so you’re comfortable with your ACs and DCs. </h3>


<h2>What’s the right charging mindset? </h2>
<p>Most people charge their mobile phones to 100% every night, so they’re prepared for whatever the next day has to throw at them. This is fine for phones, but not a good strategy for EVs. </p>
<p>Batteries don’t degrade in EVs anything like they do in phones. Nonetheless, it’s important to have the right mindset in order to extend the battery life of a vehicle – and to put less pressure on your home electrics. </p>
<p>There are two key factors to consider for healthy battery charging: speed, and amount. Whenever you need to charge a vehicle, it’s best to do it at a slower speed. While rapid chargers can fill the battery in as little as 10-20 minutes, doing so every time will put undue stress on the EV and risk shortening its lifespan (though it’s likely to take a lot of fast charges to do long-term damage).  </p>
<p>Consider the level of charge you need. Most EVs include software to stop the battery charging at certain points. In most cases, for everyday use, the magic number is 80%. You can charge to 100% when required, but if 80% is sufficient for everyday use, or a few days at a time, charge to that level. Finally, consider how often you charge. If you do an average of 40 miles a day and an 80% charge is enough for 200 miles, charging once every four days should more than suffice. </p>
<p>Over <a href="https://evfleetworld.co.uk/90-of-plug-in-vehicle-charging-takes-place-at-home/" target="_blank">90% of plug-in</a> vehicle charging in the UK takes place at home. But very few of those charges are from 0-100%. In reality, you’ll only need to plug-in when your battery gets down to 20% – and with the right mindset, you can avoid ever having to queue at a service station again. Charge while you sleep, and you can wake up ready to drive for days on-end without another session. Plus, with preconditioning, you can even set your vehicle to warm up while it’s still plugged in, so in the winter months you don’t waste battery while on the go.  </p>


<h2>‘Slow’ charging explained </h2>
<p>There are two key types of ‘slow’ charging to consider. AC wallboxes, and three-pin sockets. </p>
<p>First off, the AC wallbox is becoming an increasingly common sight across the UK. They’re on driveways, they’re in car parks and they’re on business premises. Available in a range of shapes and sizes, they can work with solar panels or alternative fuel sources. Some come with cables built in and some can charge two vehicles at once. The options are endless. </p>
<p>Depending on the electricity supply, these wallboxes typically charge at 7kW, or 22kW if three-phase supply is available. This is more than enough to add hundreds of miles to the range of a vehicle in a few hours, or overnight. Many options can also integrate with smart tariffs too, so cars can be charged for a fraction of the energy cost at off-peak times. </p>
<p>The other ‘slow’ option to consider is the three-pin supply. This uses a typical household plug to charge the car, meaning no additional electrical installation is required. However, it is very slow, typically topping out at around 3kW, adding around 15 miles per hour of charge. It’s also worth considering that most household sockets are not designed to deliver maximum power for long periods of time. There is a risk that extended and repeated use could damage the socket. </p>


<h2>Rapid charging explained</h2>
<p>There are two key considerations you need to remember for rapid charging, besides long-term battery health: cost and speed. </p>
<p>Rapid charging is by far the most expensive form of charging available to EV users. While overnight home charging could cost as low as 9p/kWh, DC rapid charging could cost in excess of 75p/kWh. Because of this, it’s best to consider rapid charging as an occasional necessity, not a regular method of charging. </p>
<p>Secondly, the advertised speeds for DC rapid charging aren’t always as they seem. Every car has a different maximum charging speed, meaning many models can’t take advantage of the fastest chargers. Today, a BMW i4, for example, can charge at a maximum speed of 195kW, while an MG4 Trophy can charge at 135kW. These speeds are only likely to increase as technology advances. Charging is not linear either, so you might not see maximum charging speed for very long. </p>
<p>
For more information on charging speeds, see our breakdown below:</p>
<p> </p>


<h3>True charging speeds will be impacted by local load management. So you should always check the actual charging speed you’re getting when you plug in to be sure – this can take a minute or two to show.</h3>


<h2>Slow Charging<br />
(3-6kW):</h2>
<p><strong>Style:</strong> 3 pin socket/Granny charge <br /><strong>Power:</strong> AC <br /><strong>Source:</strong> Uses a mains supply <br /><strong>Connector:</strong> Type 2 <br /><strong>Tethering:</strong> Generally untethered but for home chargers you often have the choice (at the point of installation) </p>


<h2>Fast Charging<br />
(7-22kW):</h2>
<p><strong>Style:</strong> Typical for home chargers <br /><strong>Power:</strong> AC <br /><strong>Source:</strong> Uses a mains supply or solar panels<br /><strong>Connector:</strong> Type 2 <br /><strong>Tethering:</strong> Generally tethered <br />
 </p>


<h2>Rapid Charging (50kW+):</h2>
<p><strong>Style:</strong> Always tethered (typical for most services style chargers) <br /><strong>Power:</strong> DC <br /><strong>Source:</strong> Mains or local generation <br /><strong>Connector:</strong> CCS<br /><strong>Tethering:</strong> Tethered </p>


<h2>Ultra Rapid Charging (150kW+):</h2>
<p><strong>Style:</strong> Always tethered (generally found at services - not all vehicles can accept a charge at this speed)<br /><strong>Power:</strong> DC <br /><strong>Source:</strong> Mains or local generation ​​​​​​​<br /><strong>Connector:</strong> CCS<br /><strong>Tethering:</strong> Tethered </p>


<h2>Telling your CHAdeMO from your Type 2 </h2>
<p>Remember the old days when every phone had a different proprietary socket? Fortunately, that isn’t happening in the EV space. These days, there are two main socket types to know about in Europe. CHAdeMO is an older charger design still found on Nissan’s ever-popular Leaf, while Type 2 (or Type 2 CCS) is on pretty much every other new EV to hit the market. Simple. </p>
<p>If you’ve opted to buy CHAdeMO-equipped cars, be aware that these are slowly being phased out. Therefore, you’ll want to be sure to also buy Type 2 adaptors to ensure public charging points continue to be accessible to your fleet. </p>


<h2>Finding a charger </h2>
<p>Every day, new publicly-accessible charging points are popping up across the UK; there are currently <a href="https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/how-many-charging-points" target="_blank">3x more electric charge points than there are petrol stations</a>. They’re in service stations, gym car parks, supermarkets and even on people’s driveways. Fortunately, apps exist to help. <a href="https://www.zap-map.com/live/" target="_blank">Zapmap</a> has become an essential tool for many EV owners, as it shows where all the chargers are, how fast they are and whether they’re in working order or not. Plus, with the <a href="https://www.alphabet.com/en-gb/alphabet-app" target="_blank">Alphabet App</a>, you can connect your current contract for more important updates as well as view a charging map. They’re invaluable tools if you’re planning a long journey. </p>
<p>Google and Apple are both improving their EV-specific tools as well. Now, you can tell Google Maps that you drive an electric vehicle and it will hunt for charging stations, rather than petrol stations along your route. Easy. </p>
<p>New <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2023/9780348249873/contents" target="_blank">government regulations</a> have also been introduced which require all public charge points to take contactless payment (from one year after the regulations come into force). That’s great news for drivers, as it means you won’t have to worry about having the right app in order to charge up on route – just tap and go!  </p>


<h2>Installing chargers at home or at work </h2>
<p>If you have a dedicated parking spot or driveway, installing a charger is relatively straightforward, but will require professional support. Your electricity supply and fuse box will be checked for suitability, then a cable run to the chosen location. The whole process is simple and can be completed in a few hours. </p>
<p>If you’re an Alphabet customer, you’re in luck. We’ve <a href="https://www.alphabet.com/en-gb/alphabet-gb-supercharges-e-mobility-eon">partnered with E.ON</a> to make the process effortless. Together we offer a range of options, from 7kW wallboxes to flexible 50kW installations, capable of charging multiple vehicles at once. E.ON will be on hand to guide you through the entire process, to keep things as simple as possible.  </p>
<p>With over 5 million customers in the UK, E.ON is an experienced supplier and installer of EV charging solutions, ready to support you every step of the way. From our seamless online portal, through to a virtual home survey and effortless installation, you can start your road to electric with Alphabet and E.ON in five simple steps: </p>


E.ON Drive

- An invitation is sent by Alphabet, with exclusive offer to join E.ON Drive.
- Driver uses link to complete eligibility questionnaire online.
- E.ON Drive provides an indicative cost based on the questionnaire inputs.
- Customer calls E.ON Drive to book a good time for the virtual survey.

- Driver shares useful images by email before the virtual survey.
- 40 min video call with E.ON Drive to complete the virtual survey.
- The electric vehicle charger is chosen.

- A quotation is provided on email, following the virtual survey.
- The driver electronically agrees and signs the quotation.
- E.ON Drive submits the application to the Grid for approval (up to 45 days).

- E.ON Drive contracts the driver to arrange a date for the installation.
- 24 hours before the installation a reminder email is sent to the driver.
- Installation of the charge point and demo of how to use and manage it.
- Certificates for the work are provided to the driver.

- Final payment is made and an email confirmation is sent.
- Driver support is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

<h3>With the key charging questions answered, hopefully you feel more confident about switching to EVs. So, if you’re ready to begin your electric journey, get in touch with our team to start your switch. </h3>
