This section of the FAQs addresses your frequently asked questions about charging an electric vehicle. Related EV and charging issues are covered in our other FAQs pages.
Where can I charge my EV?
The two most common places to charge an EV is at home or at work. Public charge points can either be: a valuable alternative for EV users without access to a home or workplace charger, a convenient way to occasionally top-up, or essential for ‘en route’ charging during longer EV journeys.
Zap-Map has the most comprehensive coverage of public EV charge points across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
How do I charge my EV?
There are a three main types of EV charge point (slow, fast and rapid) as well as a number of charging connectors, some of which are suitable for a particular EV. Check out Zap-Map’s EV Charging Guides for a comprehensive ‘how to’ guide for all the main EV models.
Alternatively, use the connector filters on Zap-Map to find out which public charge points your EV can use.
How do I charge an EV on public networks?
Charge points tend to be similar in operation from network to network, but access requirements and costs can vary. Some require an RFID card to use them, others an app, while an increasing number offer contactless card payment. Most networks need/allow a user to register details beforehand.
How much does it cost to charge an EV on public points?
Costs vary greatly for public EV charging, depending on how much charge is required, the cost of electricity for each network, and what type of public charge point is used. Some will cost nothing to use, while rapid charging will typically be priced higher than fast charging, due to convenience and higher charge point installation costs.
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
EV charging costs vary from model to model as different battery sizes affect how much energy is used. Expect a cost per charge at home to cost around £5 for an EV, and less than £2 for a PHEV.
How many public EV charge points are there in the UK?
The number is steadily increasing with around 300 new devices installed every month. Zap-Map publishes Zap-Stats which tracks the number of charge points by location, charge device, and connector (similar to ‘petrol station’, ‘number of pumps’, and ‘number of nozzles’ for conventional refuelling).