Discover the latest electric car charging options and infrastructure available today. From public charging stations to home charging solutions, explore how you can power up your electric vehicle for maximum convenience and range.
We are living in a pivotal moment in automotive history, as the world is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles. The growth of electric cars is undeniable, and it’s no surprise given their many advantages over traditional ICE cars.
However, the success of electric cars is closely tied to the development of electric car charging infrastructure. You can’t have one without the other. After all, without a reliable and widespread network of charging stations, the convenience and appeal of electric cars diminish significantly.
So dive into the different types of chargers, their power levels, and their pros and cons. We’ll also examine the challenges facing the electric car charging industry, such as the need for faster charging times and the potential strain on the power grid.
Practical advice on how to charge an electric car at home, at work, and on the go is crucial for those considering the switch to electric. The charging process for electric cars is relatively straightforward, but there are important factors to consider when deciding on a charging solution.
Home Charging
Home charging is obviously the most convenient way to charge your electric car. With a home charging station, you can wake up every morning with a full charge, all ready to hit the road.
The first step is to have an electrician install a charging station at your home. A Level 2 charger uses a 240-volt power source, and it can charge an electric car much faster than a standard 120-volt outlet.
Installing a home charging station requires electrical work, so it’s important to hire a licensed electrician. The electrician can help you choose the right charging station and ensure that it’s installed safely and correctly. Make sure to get a quote for the installation and check that the electrician is certified and insured. There are many companies that will specifically install car chargers so it might be worth checking out these when you do your searches. And always make sure you check any trade references and reviews too.
According to regulations, charge points for private vehicle charging must meet specific device-level requirements, including smart functionality such as information exchange, response to signals to regulate electricity flow, demand side response services, and a user interface.
They must also maintain smart functionality when changing electricity suppliers, continue to charge without network connectivity, and have safety provisions to prevent user errors. Additionally, charge points require a measuring system for electricity and time calculations, with accessible data for the owner and consistent security requirements as per ETSI EN 303 645.
Finally, charge points must include pre-set off-peak charging hours, as well as a randomised delay function, both of which can be changed by the owner.
Charging Regulations
The UK government has introduced regulations to manage the increase in electricity demand from the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads. The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 cover private charge points sold in Great Britain for use in domestic or workplace environments. The regulations require charge points to have smart functionality, allowing EV charging when there is less demand on the grid or when more renewable electricity is available. They also ensure charge points meet certain device-level requirements, such as safety provisions, interoperability, and security requirements consistent with existing cybersecurity standards.
The regulations came into force on 30 June 2022, except for the security requirements set out in Schedule 1, which came into force on 30 December 2022. They apply to any person or business selling, offering, or advertising a charge point for sale.
To comply with the regulations, charge points sold for private EV charging must meet specific device-level requirements, including smart functionality, electricity supplier interoperability, continued charging even if the charge point ceases to be connected to a communications network, and safety provisions to prevent harm to users. Charge points must also incorporate pre-set, off-peak default charging hours and allow the owner to accept, remove or change these upon first use and subsequently. A randomized delay function must also be incorporated.
A statement of compliance and technical file must be made available to ensure the charge point is compliant with the regulations. A record of all sales must also be kept for ten years from the date when the legislation comes into force.
Businesses that do not comply with the regulations may propose an Enforcement Undertaking to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). This involves making a commitment to take specific actions within a specified timeframe to address non-compliance. OPSS assesses Enforcement Undertakings on a case-by-case basis and, if agreed upon, accepted. When all actions specified in an Enforcement Undertaking are completed, OPSS issues a Completion Certificate, discharging the Enforcement Undertaking.
The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 require charge points to meet certain device-level requirements, including security provisions consistent with the existing cyber security standard ETSI EN 303 645. This standard was developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and sets out the minimum requirements for the security of internet-connected consumer devices.
Charge point manufacturers must ensure that their devices meet the relevant provisions of ETSI EN 303 645, which include requirements for the management of passwords and cryptographic keys, secure communications, protection against malicious software, and secure firmware updates. The regulations also require charge point manufacturers to provide a statement of compliance and technical file, which must include details of the security measures taken to comply with the standard.
The aim of these security requirements is to ensure that charge points are secure against cyber attacks, which could potentially compromise the safety and security of the user, the vehicle, and the electricity network. By adhering to the ETSI EN 303 645 standards, charge point manufacturers can demonstrate that they have taken appropriate measures to protect their devices against cyber threats, and provide assurance to consumers and regulators that their products are secure and fit for purpose.
Workplace Charging
Many employers are now offering workplace charges to their employees as a perk. Workplace charging is a great option for those who can’t charge their electric car at home. To take advantage of this perk, ask your employer if they have a charging station available. If they don’t, you could suggest that they install one.
Workplace charging can be a Level 1 or Level 2 charging station, depending on the needs of the employer and their employees. Level 1 charging stations use a standard 120-volt outlet and are best for topping up your electric car during the workday. On the other hand, Level 2 charging stations can fully charge your electric car in a few hours.
Public Charging
When it comes to charging your electric car on the go, public charging stations are your best bet. Public charging stations are available at many locations, including shopping centres, airports and rest stops. They can be found using an app or online map, and some charging stations even offer a reservation feature.
Public charging stations can be Level 2 or DC fast chargers. Level 2 charging stations can charge your electric car in a few hours, while DC fast chargers can charge your car in as little as 30 minutes. It’s important to note that not all electric cars can use DC fast chargers, so it’s crucial to check if your electric car is compatible before using one.
It’s also important to plan your route when using public charging stations. Public charging stations can be limited, and some may be out of service. It’s best to plan your route in advance and have a backup plan in case your preferred charging station is unavailable.
How to find and use public charging stations in the UK
Finding and using public charging stations in the UK is becoming easier as the country continues to invest in electric car charging infrastructure. Here are some tips on how to find and use public charging stations in the UK.
Finding Public Charging Stations
There are several ways to find public charging stations in the UK. One way is to use an electric car charging app such as Zap-Map, Pod Point, or PlugShare. These apps allow you to search for charging stations near your location and provide information on the type of charger, availability and cost.
You can also use online maps such as the UK government’s National Chargepoint Registry or Google Maps. These maps provide similar information to electric car charging apps but are accessible on any device with an internet connection.
Using Public Charging Stations
Once you have found a public charging station, the next step is to use it. Here are some tips on how to use public charging stations in the UK.
Public charging stations in the UK can be Level 2 or DC fast chargers. It’s important to check if your electric car is compatible with the type of charger before using it. They can also require you to register for an account before using them. You may also need to link a payment method such as a credit card or mobile payment app.
Once you have registered for an account and paid for the charging session, connect the cable to your electric car and the charging station. The charging time will depend on the type of charger and your electric car’s battery capacity. It’s best to stay nearby and wait for the charge to complete. Then disconnect the cable from your electric car and the charging station. You can then move your electric car to allow other electric car owners to use the charging station.
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