How do electric cars charge?
Can electric cars be charged at home?
You’ll need to install a plug-in socket at home and then plan your journey so that you can recharge when necessary on longer drives. Whenever your electric car tells you that the battery is running low, you just plug it in. It’s so simple…like plugging in the kettle.
Is electric car charging free?
Charging at home will cost approximately £3.64 for a full charge while charging at public stations and public charging points – like supermarkets or car parks – are often free to use for the duration of your stay. Rapid charging points are found at motorway service stations and typically cost around £6.50 for a 30-minute charge.
Are all electric chargers the same?
No, there are two types and they’re simply named Type1 and Type 2, however there is a universal type available that will fit both. Most of the current generation of electric cars use a standard called J1772 for 110V and 240V for charging, which is what all public chargers are all based on.
How do I install an electric car charging point?
Home charging stations are compact, weatherproof and easy to install – taking as little as two to three hours to fit a unit. But don't be tempted by your local electrician. The best thing to do is contact a certified OLEV (Office for Low-Emissions Vehicles) installer and you’ll able to claim a government grant of £500 in the UK towards it. Choosing someone like this will ensure your home charger is fitted to the highest safety standard.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
The time to charge an electric car can take as little as 30 minutes or up to 12 hours and depends entirely on the size of the battery and the speed of the charging point.
What happens when an electric car runs out of battery?
Much like a petrol or diesel-powered car, you’ll come to a stop. However, new electric car owners tend to be more conscious of their range – often referred to as "range anxiety". However, knowing that your electric car can likely go for 100 miles between charges should be enough to alleviate any such fears. Plus, electric cars have a gauge, like a petrol-powered car, to provide you with plenty of time with audible and visual warnings of low range.
If you do come to a stop – while fuel can be brought to a conventional car – your electric car would need to be towed to the nearest charging station.
