Electric Vehicle Charging points
Join the EV revolution! As more motorists make the switch from diesel or petrol to an electric vehicle (EV), home EV charging points and public EV charging stations will become an increasingly common sight across the UK.
However, with so many options now available we thought we’d take you through what is involved in the installation and management of Electric Vehicle Charging points to help you understand them a little better.
What is an EV Charging Point?
An Electric Vehicle (EV) charging point is a unit that can charge your electric vehicle or plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). Your electric or hybrid vehicle requires its battery to be charged to enable it to function, in the same way as a mobile phone battery requires regular charging.
Which EV charger does my EV need?
EV chargers come in two different pin types: Type 1 and Type 2. There are also typically 3 different charging levels: slow, fast and rapid. The type of charger you require for your electric car will reflect the speed and voltage at which you charge your vehicle.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 EV Chargers?
Type 1 EV Chargers have a 5-pin plug design with a latch that keeps the plug in place and prevents it from being dislodged from the charger socket. Type 2 EV Chargers have a 7-pin design that does not have these latches but instead has a locking pin that secures the plug into place.
Can someone unplug my vehicle when it’s charging?
When your EV is plugged in and begins to charge, the cable will lock into place preventing anyone other than the owner from unplugging the cable. The EV charging lock is normally controlled via a button inside your vehicle.
How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?
The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle depends on the battery size and charging point speed. Typically, electric vehicles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 10 hours to fully charge.
- Slow Level Charging – These chargers are usually found at home or businesses and can take between 8-10 hours to fully charge. Normally rated up to 3kW
- Fast Level Charging – These EV chargers are normally found in supermarkets, car parks or leisure centres and can between 3-4 hours to fully charge. Rated at either 7kW or 22kW.
- Rapid Level Charging – Rapid chargers will usually be found at petrol stations, service stations and supermarkets and only take between 30-60 minutes to fully charge. Usually rated from 43kW, rapid chargers are only compatible with rapid-charging function EVs.
What are public EV charging stations?
Public EV charging stations are the new alternative to filling up with fuel. Instead of pulling up to the pump, you pull up to an available charging point and plug in. As the popularity of EVs increases in the UK, so too will the number of these public EV chargers. EV charging stations can already be found at the roadside, service stations, supermarkets, car parks and even at the cinema.
Forecourt charging stations can take as little as 20 – 30 minutes to provide you with 80% charge.
If you’d like to find your nearest charging station Zap-Map have created a detailed map of public charging points in the UK.
EV Charger Installation Across West Sussex
Arundel Fire, Security and Electrical provides and installs EV chargers at homes, public areas, and businesses across West Sussex with the UK’s leading EV charging points.
Our accredited EV installers will provide an assessment of your premises to determine the best location to install your EV charging points and recommend EV chargers to suit your requirements and budget. All of our EV installers are fully certified and can be found on the official list of accredited installers on the OZEV website.
If you own an electric or plug in Hybrid vehicle and are looking to install your own EV charging point at home, contact our professional team today.