How and where to charge electric cars in 2024?

Electric cars are a relatively new technology in the UK and PCO drivers need to know how they can fully utilize advantages of the electric cars. The number 1 reason that drivers are hesitating to switch to electric cars is the charging issue. However, it is not that difficult. In this brief handout, you will learn where and how you can charge your car in a way that you can save money and time.

Battery capacity of cars:

Electric cars have different battery capacities, which means each electric car needs a different amount of electricity to fully charge. Let’s assume that you have a Kia E-Niro which is a 64 KW battery car. If it was a hybrid car, the car needed 64 liters of petrol to fill up. Therefore, you need 64 KW of electricity to fully charge the car and the car will offer you 280 miles coverage. Depending on where you charge the car, you will pay different rates for electricity. Below we will explain where you can charge your car.

Home charger:

The most convenient way to charge your car is charging it at home. You do not need a special charger at home to charge the car, you can plug the car into the normal sockets of your home. The same way that you charge your mobile phone. Price: £0.20 — £0.25 per KW – 64 KW x £0.25pKW = £16 If you are a driver who drives 900-1000 miles per week, you need to charge the car 4-5 times a week and your electricity cost will be between £60-£80 per week.

Charging the car with street light posts:

If you are not living in a house or you do not have a driveway to charge the car at home, the best alternative is to look for light post chargers on the road that you are living in. Light post chargers are slow chargers and will provide 5-7 KW per hour. It means you need to leave the car on charge for 9-10 hours to charge the car from 0% to %100. However, you do not always charge your car when it is %0. You will charge the car when it has a %30-%40 charge and it will take less time to fully charge the car. The best practice is that when you finish your shift and you return back home, you can park the car in the light post charger point and leave the car overnight to charge. The next morning, your car will be fully charged, and it will cost you £15-£20 each time. If you are a driver who drives 900-1000 miles per week, you need to charge the car 4-5 times a week and your electricity cost will be between £80 – £100 per week.

How to charge the car with street light posts?

The process is very easy. Park the car at the light post charging bay and then plug the car into the light post. There should be a QR code on the light post. Scan the QR code and then you will be redirected to the electricity provider’s website. Enter your payment details into the website and once the payment details are accepted by the provider, the car will start charging. When you want to collect your car, just unplug the car from the light post and it will stop charging the car. Your payment will be calculated by the service provider and you will be charged accordingly.

Rapid chargers:

Rapid chargers are the most expensive ones in the market, however, it will take you less time to charge the car. The prices vary from £0.55 – £0.75 per KW and it will take you 60 minutes to charge the car from %0 to %80 charge. Thus, it will cost you between £30 – £35 each time you want to charge the car. If you are a driver who drives 900-1000 miles per week, you need to charge the car 3-4 times a week and your electricity cost will be between £105 – £140 per week.

How to charge the car with a rapid charger?

Once you reach the charging station, plug your car into the charging machine and tab your bank card/credit card on the machine. Once your card is accepted by the service provider, the charging process will start automatically. Once the charge level reaches your desired level, you can stop the charging process by either tapping your card on the charging machine or pressing the stop button on the machine.
The easier way to manage the charging process is to download the electricity provider application on your phone. You just plug the car into the charging machine and then you can manage the whole process through your mobile application.
Important note: some charging points only allow a 1-hour maximum stay. If you charge your car for more than 1 hour in the charging station, you will receive a penalty ticket. Always check for parking signs before you start charging your car.

How to find a charging point:

The easiest way to find a charger point is to check your area online for available charging points. There are different service providers and each has their own mobile application. Therefore, it will be difficult to check each electricity provider’s mobile application to find a charging point. The most reliable alternative is to use mobile applications which show all service providers.

Zap-Map:

Zap-Map is one of the leading mobile applications for finding available charging points in your area. Download the application on your phone and sign up for your account. Then enter your postcode and it will show all available electric charger points near your area.

Other charging stations to look for:

1- Instavolt
2- Genie Point
3- BP charging points