Guide Contents
- Charging at Home: The Simplest Way to Power Your EV
- How to Charge Electric Cars in Public?
- Free Electric Car Charging Points UK – Where to Find Them
- How to Pay for Electric Car Charging
- Choosing the Right EV Charging Plug
- Smart Charging Features via Electric Vehicle Apps
- EV Charging Highway Code UK: What You Need to Know
- Charging Etiquette: Be a Thoughtful EV Driver
- How to Charge a Car: Summary for UK Drivers
- EV Charger Installation With DRW
Whether you’re a first-time EV owner or considering making the switch, understanding how to charge electric cars – both at home and at public charging points – is essential. This guide breaks down every aspect, from plugs and apps to payment methods and etiquette, so you can charge your vehicle with confidence.
How to Charge Electric Cars at Home: The Simplest Way to Power Your EV
For most EV drivers in the UK, the most convenient and cost-effective solution is home charging. This usually involves installing a dedicated domestic EV charger on your driveway or in your garage. Using a smart EV charging plug, you simply plug in and let the vehicle charge while you sleep.
Not only is this method efficient, but many chargers now come with built-in smart features, allowing you to schedule your charging sessions using an electric vehicle app, which is great if you’re on a tariff with cheaper overnight electricity rates.
DRW’s Key Tip: Want to reduce your energy bills even further? Consider installing solar panels to generate clean energy and benefit from free electric car charging points UK – right on your roof.
How Do You Charge an Electric Car in Public?
When you’re away from home, public EV charging steps in. You can find chargers at supermarkets, retail parks, motorway service stations, gyms, and more.
To get started, you’ll need to:
- Use an EV charge points online map or app (such as Zap-Map or Pod Point).
- Locate a charging station that supports your EV charging plug type.
- Start charging using a contactless card, RFID key, or through your app.
Public chargers are available in different charging speeds:
- Fast chargers (7–22kW): Ideal for topping up during errands or while at work.
- Rapid/Ultra-Rapid chargers (50–350kW): Usually found at motorway services; these can charge your EV to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.
Free Electric Car Charging Points UK – Where to Find Them
Yes, free EV charging points are still a thing!
You can often find free electric car charging points UK at places like:
- Supermarkets (e.g. Lidl, Aldi, Tesco).
- Shopping centres.
- Some hotels or gyms.
- Workplaces that offer employee EV charging as a perk.
Keep in mind: public charging points may have a time limit or only be available while shopping or staying at the premises.
How to Pay for Electric Car Charging
Understanding how to pay to charge electric cars depends on where you’re charging:
- At home: The cost is added to your energy bill. You can reduce the average cost to around 30p per kWh if you charge during off-peak times.
- In public: Many providers offer pay-as-you-go via app or contactless. Some require you to create an account and use an RFID card. Subscriptions may offer discounted rates.
Check with your network provider or EV charge online tool to confirm pricing before plugging in.
Choosing the Right EV Charging Plug
In the UK, most vehicles and charge points use Type 2 plugs, but rapid chargers may require CCS or CHAdeMO connectors. It’s worth checking your EV’s compatibility to avoid any surprises at the charge point.
Carrying your own charging cable is always a good idea, some charge points don’t come with one included.
Smart Charging Features via Electric Vehicle Apps
Modern home chargers are designed with smart features.
You can:
- Set charging schedules.
- Monitor energy usage.
- Track cost savings.
- Receive notifications when charging is complete.
Your electric vehicle app controls all this, helping you make the most of every charge.
EV Charging Highway Code UK: What You Need to Know
According to the EV charging regulations and Highway Code UK, you must:
- Ensure cables don’t obstruct paths or pose trip hazards.
- Use charge points in a safe and responsible manner.
- Always park considerately and move your vehicle once charging is complete.
These rules are in place to keep public spaces safe and accessible for everyone.
Charging Etiquette: Be a Thoughtful EV Driver
- Don’t overstay: Move your vehicle once it’s fully charged.
- Don’t unplug others: Only unplug a cable if you are 100% sure the session has finished and the charger allows it.
- Report faults: Use the provider’s app or hotline to report broken chargers.
Good etiquette ensures that charging remains stress-free for everyone.
How to Charge a Car: Summary for UK Drivers
Still wondering how to charge electric cars, or ‘how do you charge an electric car’ properly? It comes down to having the right tools (charger and plug), using a reliable electric vehicle app, and following safety rules.
Whether you’re home charging overnight or topping up at a motorway station, the UK infrastructure is growing rapidly, and getting smarter by the day.
Need Help Installing a Domestic EV Charger?
At DRW, we’re proud to offer expert domestic EV charger installation services tailored to your home, your energy tariff, and your lifestyle. Based in Cumbria and serving Carlisle and the wider UK, we bring a friendly, transparent and trustworthy service to every job – no jargon, just practical guidance from experienced professionals.
Whether you’re after advice on the best charger for your vehicle or ready to install a system that integrates with solar panels and smart scheduling, DRW’s EV installers are here to help.
