Types of Electric Car Chargers

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Kia electric vehicle being charged outside of building

Electric Vehicles and Plug-In Hybrids both require charging via one of several different charging methods. The easiest and most common time to charge an EV is at Home with either a standard 3-pin plug (included with most electric vehicles) or by using an installed dedicated Home Charger.

When you want to charge outside of the home, there are two main types of chargers - Tethered and Untethered Units. Universal sockets connect with all EV cars but are un-tethered and will require you to bring and use your own charge connector. Typically Fast Chargers are tethered with multiple connector sockets available. Fast Chargers are usually found in public spaces, shopping centres and workplaces. Rapid Chargers however are tethered with a few different cables and are found on most motorway service stations.

Types of Chargers

There are different types of chargers that vary in speed.

Up to 2.3kW

Slow EV charging is typically supplied through a household three pin plug. Charging at speeds of 2.3kW It could potentially take up to 18 hours to fully charge if not longer depending on the size the battery. It may be slow, but can be very convenient if you don’t yet have a fast charger installed at home, or need to charge in public overnight when there are no fast/rapid chargers nearby.

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Up to 22kW

Fast EV chargers, often classed as Type 2 AC chargers are usually found at home with a dedicated wall box. You may also find these chargers at work or at supermarkets. These offer between 7kW and 22kW of power allowing you to charge your electric car in less than 8 hours. This can be great for charging overnight or whilst you are at work.

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Up to 150kW

Rapid EV chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, provide high power outputs, typically ranging from 50 kW to 150 kW, enabling electric vehicles to recharge significantly faster than standard chargers. They can typically deliver 80% charge in 30 minutes or less, making them ideal for quick stops during long trips. Rapid chargers are commonly found at public charging stations along motorways and in urban areas.

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Up to 350kW

Ultra-rapid EV chargers are the fastest charging stations available, offering power outputs from 150 kW up to 350 kW. They can charge electric vehicles to 80% in as little as 15-30 minutes, making them ideal for long-distance travel. Typically located at high-traffic public charging hubs, they support the latest EV models and advanced battery technologies for quick turnaround.

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Watch our video guide on EV Chargers

Join our EV expert in this short video explaining all the ways you can charge your electric car. Whether it is at home, in public or at work.

Types of Connectors

Type 2 Connector

A widely used charging plug for electric vehicles in Europe. It has seven pins allowing for both single-phase and three-phase charging. It offers fast AC charging up to 22kW in Europe.

CCS Connector

Combined Charging System, it integrates with the standard Type 2 plug adding two DC fast charging pins, enabling high-speed DC charging. CCS supports charging power levels up to 350 kW, making it ideal for long-distance travel.

ChadeMo Connector

CHArge de MOve, a competitor to the CCS connector primarily used in Japan and parts of Europe, however it’s been phased out on new cars. It supports fast charging up to 62.5 kW. It was most common until recent times on the Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi Outlander.

Type 1 Connector

Also known as the J1772 connector in North America, its five pins only support single-phase AC charging up to 7.2 kW. It is found on many electric vehicles sold in the U.S. but has been completely phased out in Europe.

Where to charge your electric car

Now you know about the different types of chargers available, you'll of course want to know where these are and how to use them. Follow our guides below and we'll help you become an EV expert in no time.

Plugging in an electric motability vehicle

Learn More

Charge at Home

No doubt the most convenient method of charging, but there are different types of chargers to choose from. Find out more about home chargers and which you should choose to install.

Learn More

Charge in Public

Not all public chargers are the same, there are many charger brands supplying cars across the nation their electric. Find out more about charging in public.

Find

Find your nearest charger

There is a growing number of EV chargers across the nation, use our handy EV charging locater to find your nearest one.