How to Charge an Electric Car in Public

Charging your electric car while you're out and about is easy when you know where to go. This guide will help you understand public charging options, costs, and how to make the most of your time at charging stations.

Why Use Public Charging?

Public chargers are useful when you're on long trips or if you don’t have a home charger. They help keep your EV powered and ready to go.

Types of Public EV Chargers

Not all public chargers are the same. The speed and cost of charging depend on the type of charger you use.

Slow Chargers (3-7kW)

• Common in public car parks and workplaces.
• Adds 20-30 miles of range per hour.
• Best for overnight parking or long stays.

Fast Chargers (22-50kW)

• Found at shopping centres and service stations.
• Adds 80-100 miles of range in about an hour.
• Great for topping up while you shop or eat.

Rapid Chargers (100kW+)

• Located along motorways and main routes.
• Adds up to 200 miles in 30 minutes.
• Best for long trips when you need a quick charge.

How Much Does Public Charging Cost?

Public charging prices depend on speed, location, and the charging provider. Some stations offer free charging, while others charge per kWh or by time used.

Typical Costs

• Slow chargers: ~30p per kWh.
• Fast chargers: ~50p per kWh.
• Rapid chargers: ~69p per kWh or more.

Using a charging network subscription or an EV-friendly tariff can reduce costs.

Why Smart Public Chargers Are Better

Smart public chargers come with extra features to make charging easier and more efficient.

Benefits of Smart Charging Stations

• Real-time availability – Check which chargers are free before arriving.
• Fast payments – Use contactless payments or a mobile app.
• Charging insights – Track costs and usage from your phone.
• Eco-friendly options – Some networks use 100% renewable energy.

Is Public Charging Better Than Home Charging?

Public charging can be useful for long trips, but for daily use, home charging is often the better option. Here’s why:

Cost Comparison

• Home charging with an off-peak EV tariff can cost as little as 7p per kWh, while public fast chargers typically cost 50p per kWh or more.
• Rapid chargers, often found at motorway service stations, can be as high as 69p per kWh, making them nearly ten times more expensive than home charging.

Convenience & Availability

• Home Charging: Always available if you have a home charger installed. You can charge overnight and wake up with a full battery.
• Public Charging: Can be unpredictable—stations might be occupied, out of order, or require membership.

Charging Speed

• Home Chargers: A standard 7kW home charger adds around 30 miles of range per hour and fully charges most EVs overnight.
• Public Chargers: Fast chargers (22kW-50kW) provide a top-up in about an hour, while rapid chargers (100kW+) can add 200 miles in 30 minutes.

Why You Should Work Toward Getting a Home Charger

If you regularly drive an EV, installing a home charger is a great investment. Here’s why:

1. Huge Cost Savings

Charging at home with an off-peak tariff can save drivers over £1,000 per year compared to public charging.

2. Always Ready to Go

Plugging in overnight ensures you start each day with a full battery, avoiding last-minute charging stops.

3. Future-Proofing Your EV Experience

• Some home chargers come with solar integration, allowing you to charge using free renewable energy.
• Smart home chargers enable scheduling, helping you charge at the cheapest times automatically.

4. Less Wear on the Battery

Charging at home allows for a more gradual, battery-friendly charge compared to rapid chargers, which generate more heat and can cause battery degradation over time.

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Best Tips for Charging in Public

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1. Plan Your Route

Use apps like Zap-Map or PlugShare to find chargers along your route.

2. Have Backup Charging Options

Some chargers may be busy or out of service, so it’s good to have alternatives nearby.

3. Don’t Rely on Public Charging Alone

If possible, charge at home or work to avoid relying solely on public stations.

4. Be Mindful of Other EV Drivers

Once your car is charged, move it to let others use the charger.

5. Carry the Right Charging Cables

Some public chargers require your own cable, while others provide one.

Which Public Charging Network Should You Use?

There are many charging networks in the UK, each with different prices and access methods. Research which networks are most common in your area and along your regular routes.

Need help? Contact us today and we’ll guide you to the best public charging options.

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