Electric vehicles are becoming a more familiar sight on UK roads, and charging is one of the most important parts of owning an electric car. Whether you are considering an EV for the first time or already drive one, understanding how EV charging works can make it easier to choose the right charging solution.
An EV charger, also called an electric vehicle charger or electric car charger, provides a connection between an electricity supply and an electric vehicle. But there is more to charging than simply plugging a car into a power source.
In this guide, we explain what an EV charger does, how the charging process works, the difference between AC and DC charging, and what to consider when choosing a charger for your home or property.
What Is an EV Charger?
An EV charger is equipment designed to supply electrical energy to an electric vehicle so that its battery can be recharged.
EV chargers are available for different environments, including homes, workplaces and commercial properties. They can vary in charging power, design, connectivity and features.
For many electric car owners, a home EV charger provides a convenient way to recharge their vehicle regularly without relying entirely on public charging points.
The charger connects the vehicle to the property's electrical supply, while the vehicle's own charging system controls how electricity is accepted by the battery.
How Does an EV Charger Work?
The basic principle behind EV charging is relatively simple.
When you connect an electric car to a compatible charging point, the charger and vehicle communicate before and during the charging process. This helps determine how much power can safely be delivered.
The process generally involves:
- Connecting the vehicle to the charging point.
- The charger and vehicle establishing communication.
- Electrical power being supplied through the charging connection.
- The vehicle managing the incoming power.
- The battery gradually increasing its charge level.
- Charging stopping or adjusting when required.
How quickly this happens depends on the vehicle, charger, electrical supply and other charging conditions.
How Does an Electric Car Receive the Electricity?
One important thing to understand is that the electricity supplied to an EV depends on the type of charging being used.
Most electricity supplied from the UK mains is alternating current (AC). An electric vehicle's onboard charger converts this electricity into the form required to charge its battery.
With DC charging, the conversion is handled by the charging equipment, allowing compatible vehicles to receive direct current for battery charging.
This is one of the reasons DC rapid charging can provide considerably higher charging power than typical domestic AC charging.
AC EV Charging Explained
AC charging is commonly associated with home and workplace EV charging.
With an AC charger, electricity is supplied to the vehicle and then converted by the vehicle's onboard charger before reaching the battery.
The charging rate can depend on the power available from the charger as well as the vehicle's own onboard charging capability.
For everyday charging, AC charging can be a practical option, particularly when a vehicle can remain connected for several hours.
What Is DC EV Charging?
DC charging works differently because the charging equipment supplies direct current to the vehicle's battery.
DC chargers are commonly used for rapid and high-power public charging rather than typical home installations.
The charging speed available from a DC charger depends on the charger itself and the vehicle's ability to accept that level of power. Not every electric vehicle can charge at the same rate.
What Is a Home EV Charger?
A home EV charger is a dedicated charging point installed at a suitable residential property.
Instead of using a standard domestic socket for every charging session, a dedicated charger provides equipment specifically designed for electric vehicle charging.
For EV owners who have suitable parking at home, this can make regular charging much more convenient.
The most suitable charger depends on the vehicle, property, electrical installation and how the vehicle is normally used.
How Long Does an EV Charger Take to Charge a Car?
There is no universal charging time for every electric car.
Several factors can affect how long charging takes, including:
- The size of the vehicle's battery
- The charger's power output
- The vehicle's maximum charging rate
- The available electrical supply
- The battery's starting charge level
- The type of charging being used
- The vehicle's charging system
For example, installing a higher-powered charger does not automatically mean that every vehicle will charge at that maximum rate. The vehicle also needs to be capable of accepting the available power.
Smart EV Chargers and Connected Features
Some modern EV chargers include smart features that give users greater control over charging.
Depending on the model, these features can include scheduled charging, mobile app controls, charging monitoring and other connected functions.
Smart charging can be particularly useful for households that want to manage when their vehicle charges rather than simply starting a charging session whenever the car is connected.
The features available will vary between different EV charger models, so it is worth checking the specifications before choosing one.
What Is an EV Charging Point?
The terms EV charger and EV charging point are often used interchangeably, although they can refer to slightly different parts of the overall charging setup.
An EV charging point is the equipment installed where an electric vehicle connects for charging. It may be installed on a residential property, workplace or commercial premises.
The installation location is also important. A charger needs to be positioned where the vehicle can be connected conveniently while meeting the requirements of the electrical installation.
How to Choose the Right EV Charger
Choosing an EV charger is not simply about selecting the highest charging speed available.
Before buying a charger, consider:
Your Electric Vehicle
Check the charging capabilities and connector requirements of your vehicle. The charger needs to be compatible with your particular EV.
Your Electrical Supply
The property's electrical installation needs to be suitable for the charger being considered. Available power can affect the charging equipment that can be installed.
Charging Requirements
Think about how you normally use your vehicle. Someone who drives short distances and charges overnight may have different requirements from someone who regularly drives long distances.
Smart Features
If you want to control charging through an app or schedule charging sessions, look for a charger that provides the features you need.
Installation Location
Consider where the vehicle is normally parked and where the charger can be installed safely and conveniently.
EV Chargers for UK Homes and Properties
For many EV owners, having a dedicated charger at home can make electric vehicle ownership much easier. Rather than planning every journey around public charging availability, a suitable home charging setup allows regular charging where the vehicle is parked.
Infinity Solar UK supplies EV charging products alongside air source heat pumps, air conditioning and other renewable energy products. Its EV charging range includes products such as Zaptec EV chargers.
When selecting an EV charger, always consider the specific requirements of your vehicle and property rather than choosing based on charging speed alone.
Final Thoughts
An EV charger provides the equipment needed to connect an electric vehicle to an electricity supply and recharge its battery. The charging process involves communication between the charger and vehicle, with the vehicle managing how electricity is accepted.
AC charging is commonly used for home and workplace charging, while DC charging is generally associated with faster public charging. The right option depends on the vehicle, electrical supply, charging requirements and installation.
If you are considering an EV charger for your property, understanding these differences is a useful first step towards choosing a suitable charging solution.
FAQs About EV Chargers
What is an EV charger used for?
An EV charger supplies electrical power to an electric vehicle so that its battery can be recharged.
Can I install an EV charger at home?
A suitable EV charger can be installed at a residential property where the vehicle, parking arrangement and electrical installation are appropriate for the chosen equipment.
Is an EV charger the same as an electric car charger?
Yes. EV charger and electric car charger are commonly used to describe equipment used to recharge an electric vehicle.
What is the difference between AC and DC charging?
AC charging supplies alternating current to the vehicle, which uses its onboard charger to convert it for the battery. DC charging equipment supplies direct current to the battery of a compatible vehicle.
Is a home EV charger worth having?
For EV owners with suitable home parking and an appropriate electrical installation, a dedicated home charger can provide a convenient way to recharge their vehicle regularly.