Electric mobility has been gaining popularity in recent years as a practical, economical and environmentally friendly alternative to internal combustion cars. While the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is reaching record levels, owning and charging one is still a new experience for many.
While EV charging isn't as familiar as filling up a car's tank with gas, it does involve some specific questions. For example, where to charge? What is fast charging? How to pay, and which cable should you use?
In this guide you will find practical answers to these questions and we will explain in detail how to charge an electric car , whether you are at home or on the go.
1. Where can you charge an electric car?
Before you look at how to charge an electric car, it's important to first understand where you can do it. Unlike internal combustion cars, electric cars can technically be charged almost anywhere there's an electrical outlet.
In practice, however, there are certain places where you can find specialized charging stations for electric cars — from public parking lots to shopping malls , workplaces, and even at home .
Let's take a look at the five most common places to charge electric vehicles.
EV charging at home
The most popular place to charge electric vehicles is at home , with over 64% of electric car drivers regularly charging their EVs at home. This is not surprising — charging at home is the most convenient and usually the cheapest.
Instead of having to search for a charging station , you can simply plug in your car when you get home from work and wake up to a fully charged car. And because you don't pay any additional fees beyond the basic cost of electricity, charging at home is almost always cheaper than using a public charging station .
EV charging at work
While charging at home is undoubtedly the most popular, the workplace is not far behind, with 34% of EV drivers regularly charging their electric vehicles at work . Since people spend a large portion of their time at work, charging there is a convenient way to utilize that time.
However, many workplaces still do not offer adequate electric vehicle charging facilities for their employees, with 65% of electric vehicle drivers saying that their workplace does not have enough charging options. This explains why 27% of electric vehicle drivers would like to charge at work but are unable to.
Charging electric vehicles at gas stations
While a gas station might not be the first place you’d expect to see an electric vehicle (EV), their convenient locations on major roads make them great for charging, especially when it comes tofast charging . That’s why 29% of EV drivers regularly charge their cars at gas stations, and another 1 in 5 drivers would do so if they had the option.
EV charging in commercial and hosting facilities
Unlike internal combustion cars, which require a dedicated visit to a gas station to refuel, electric cars offer the possibility of so-called “opportunistic charging.” This means that drivers can charge their electric cars at locations that offer charging stations , even when it is not absolutely necessary, but simply out of convenience.
Commercial and hospitality establishments, such as shopping malls , movie theaters , hotels , and restaurants , are excellent places to charge electric vehicles while drivers spend time there.
This convenience leads to 26% of electric car drivers regularly charging their cars at supermarkets and another 22% who regularly charge while shopping at malls or eating at restaurants .
Public EV charging
Sometimes you may need to charge your electric vehicle when you are away from home or work, but you can’t find any commercial or hosting locations that offer charging stations . Also, depending on where you live, you may not be able to install a charging station at home , or even have access to one at work. This is where public charging comes in.
Public charging stations are accessible to everyone and are usually located in public parking lots or parking lots of public buildings . They can be used by anyone for a fee, although you may need to register for the service or create a new account.
Public charging stations are also critical for long electric vehicle journeys where stopping is necessary to recharge the EV battery. For these reasons, 31% of EV drivers regularly use public charging stations .
Different charging levels
Different levels mean different results
You may not know, but not all electric car charging stations are the same. One of the main differences between them is how much power they can provide, which in turn affects how quickly your electric car can charge.
EV charging stations are classified into three levels depending on the amount of energy they supply. In this article, we will look at each level in more detail, but first we need to understand the difference between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).
Alternating current (AC) vs. direct current (DC)
Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) aren't just terms used to describe a popular band—they actually refer to two different types of electrical current.
Most of our electrical infrastructure runs on alternating current (AC), which, as the name suggests, changes electrical current many times per second. AC is much more efficient at transmitting power over long distances and is the type of current that flows through the electrical outlets in our homes.
On the other hand, direct current (DC) flows at a constant rate and is the type of current used by electronic devices and batteries.
How does this relate to charging electric vehicles?
Your electric car will always use DC current to store energy in its battery, but charging stations can supply either AC or DC current. Level 1 and 2 chargers supply AC current, with the in-vehicle converter converting it to DC. But Level 3 charging stations supply DC current directly to the car battery, bypassing the slower in-vehicle converter.
Charging level 1
Level 1 charging is the slowest, but also the most affordable, solution for charging an electric vehicle . It uses a standard household outlet using the cable provided with your EV.
Because it uses a standard outlet, it is limited in how much power it can deliver – around 2.3 kilowatts (kW). This means that charging at Level 1 will restore about 6 to 8 kilometers of range per hour. To charge the car for 160 kilometers of range, it will take about 20 to 25 hours.
Because it offers no special protections, level 1 charging is both the most unsafe and has the highest risk of overloading your home's electrical system.
Charging level 2
Level 2 charging uses a dedicated electric vehicle charging station connected directly to the building's electrical grid for higher power. This is the standard for home charging stations and most public charging stations .
A Level 2 charger can deliver power from 7.4 to 22 kW , making it 5 to 15 times faster than a Level 1 charger. Depending on the power of the charging station, it can restore between 40 to 120 kilometers of range per hour.
Because a Level 2 charger is specifically connected to a separate fuse box, it is generally safer when operating at high loads than a Level 1 charger.
Charging level 3
Level 3 charging stations are the fastest and are commonly referred to as “fast chargers .” Unlike Levels 1 and 2, a Level 3 charger feeds direct current (DC) directly into the electric vehicle’s battery, bypassing the slower converter in the vehicle.
Due to the need for an external converter to convert AC power from the grid to DC, Level 3 charging stations are significantly larger than Level 1 and 2 charging stations. In fact, you wouldn't be able to install a Level 3 charger in your home because your electrical grid wouldn't be able to supply the necessary loads.
Fast charging stations can deliver power from 50 to 350 kW , with new stations recently introduced with a capacity of 400 kW. The fastest Level 3 chargers can fully charge an electric vehicle in just 15 minutes, although this varies depending on the vehicle's charging capabilities.
How to charge an electric car at home?
Even when charging at home , you have different options. Home is the most popular place to charge electric cars, thanks to its convenience and economy. But how exactly do you charge your electric car at home?
Charging without a dedicated charging station
Charging an electric car without a charging station can be as simple as plugging the cable that came with the car into a standard outlet. However, this method is very slow and can create a risk of dangerous overloads.
Example of charging time: A standard household outlet with a power output of 2.3 kilowatts (kW) will take about 24 hours to charge an average electric car with a 50 kWh battery (e.g. Tesla Model 3 Standard Range) to 80%.
Besides being slow, this method can be dangerous for your home and safety, as there are no additional protections beyond the fuses in the outlet against overload.
While charging without a dedicated station is an option, if you plan to regularly charge your vehicle at home, you may want to consider installing a dedicated charging station .
Charging with a dedicated charging station at home
A dedicated home charging station is designed and connected to your home's electrical system to handle much higher loads than a standard outlet and allows for much faster charging of your EV.
Depending on the power of the charging station, it can fully charge an electric car in 3 to 7 hours. Even the slowest charging stations will be able to fully charge a car overnight.
How to use an EV charging station at home?
Typically, the charging process at home goes through the following steps:
-
Get the charging cable: The first step is to find the charging cable. Often it is built into the charging station, but sometimes you will need to use your own, provided by the electric vehicle manufacturer.
-
Plugging in the car: Once you've found the cable, simply plug it into your car's charging port. If you're using your own cable, you'll also need to plug it into the charging station.
-
Starting charging: If the charging station is in a private garage or driveway, it will usually start charging automatically when the cable is plugged in. In any other situation, you may need to authenticate via RFID card or app before charging can begin.
-
Stopping charging: How you stop depends on how you started the charging session. If you used an RFID card or app, you will also need to do this to stop charging. Remember that the cable is usually locked during charging to prevent theft, so don't try to unplug it before you've ended the session.
How to charge on the go?
Charging at home is most convenient for everyday use, but electric cars offer much greater freedom by being able to charge in a variety of locations. Public charging stations for electric cars are located throughout cities and can often be found in parking lots , restaurants , or shopping malls .
How to find public charging stations?
The first step is to find a public charging station. Unlike gas stations, which are widely available, public charging stations are often located in more remote locations such as parking lots or on the side of the street.
It may be helpful to download an electric car charging station locator app that will show you nearby stations and important information about their availability, power, price, and amenities.
How to pay at public charging stations?
Unlike home stations, where electricity costs are added to your monthly bill, with public charging stations you will need to arrange payment to the charging station operator.
There are usually two main payment methods:
- Create an account or membership with a charging station operator or mobile service. You can control charging with a card or app and the costs are charged to your account.
- Pay when you top up with a credit or debit card. This provides more flexibility, but there is often a higher price charged for this method.
How to use a public charging station?
-
Find the charging cable: While home charging stations usually have a cable built in, public stations usually require you to bring your own, provided by the car manufacturer.
-
Connect your car to the charging station: If your charging station has a built-in cable, simply connect it to your car. If you're using your own cable, you'll also need to connect it to the charging station.
-
Authenticate and start charging: To start charging, you must authenticate with a card, key, or app. Some stations allow direct card payment.
-
Stop charging: When you're done, you can end the session via card, key, or app. Once charging stops, the cable will unlock and you can put it back in the car.
How to use a fast charging station?
Fast charging made easy for you
Although many electric cars boast fast charging capabilities, it's not something that drivers typically use on a daily basis. However, fast charging is a fundamental part of electric mobility and makes electric cars practical for long journeys.
But what exactly is a fast charging station and how do you use it?
What is fast charging?
As mentioned earlier, fast charging is Level 3 or DC charging. This provides high power that can charge your electric vehicle in minutes instead of hours.
Compared to a regular home charging station, which typically provides 7.4 or 11 kilowatts (kW) ,a fast charging station can deliver 50 to 400 kW and fully charge an electric vehicle in just 15 minutes.
How to use a fast charging station?
The basic steps for using a fast charging station are similar to those for any other public charging station. Althoughfast charging stations can vary, these steps are typically followed:
-
Find a fast charging station.
Due to the power required and the investment to build them,fast charging stations are not as common as other types of public charging stations . Using a charging station locator app will help you locate the nearestfast charging stations and filter them by power. -
Take the charging cable.
Unlike other public charging stations ,fast charging stations will always have a built-in, non-removable, thicker cable. This is due to the significantly higher current they carry, often requiring active cooling of the cable. -
Connect the vehicle to the station.
Compared to home and other public charging stations , fast charging typically uses a different connector that is larger than the standard AC charging port. This port is usually located in the same location and is often simply an extension of the AC charging port, sometimes hidden by a cover. -
Authenticate and start the session.
As with other public charging stations , you will need to identify yourself via key card, chip or mobile app to start charging. Keep in mind that fast charging usually comes at a higher price, so expect to pay more than at regular public charging stations . -
End the session.
To end charging, simply use your card, chip or app to stop the charging process. You can't just unplug the cable without ending the session, as it is locked to your car.
6. How to pay for charging an electric vehicle?
Paying to charge your EV doesn't have to be complicated
Whether you're on the road or at home, paying to charge your electric car is inevitable. While there are some cases where you can charge for free (such as at a hotel or restaurant offering free charging for their customers), in most cases you'll need to provide a method of payment.
How exactly you pay for EV charging depends on where you charge – at home or on the road. Let’s take a look at what charging costs involve in these two situations.
Paying to charge an electric car at home
Charging an electric car at home is a popular option for drivers, thanks to the convenience of coming home and waking up to a fully charged car. In addition to being the most convenient way, it is also usually the most economical way to charge an electric car.
Why is charging at home cheaper?
This is because home electric car charging stations are connected to your home's electrical system, so the energy they use is recorded by your meter and added to your electricity bill. This means you don't pay any additional fees or membership fees beyond the standard kilowatt-hour (kWh) price for electricity.
How to reduce charging costs?
In addition to already being economical, you may be able to reduce costs even further by taking advantage of off-peak rates and scheduling charging during quieter hours, such as at night.
Paying for charging an electric vehicle on the road
Charging at public charging stations can be less clear and can vary depending on the station and payment method. However, you will almost always need to authenticate yourself to make a payment for your electricity consumption.
Main payment methods at public charging stations
-
Paying via App One of the most common ways to pay for public charging stations is through a smartphone app that allows you to find, connect, and authenticate yourself to charge. These apps are typically part of a charging network and are often provided by the charging station operator.
Paying through these apps usually requires an account and can be through a subscription, where you pay a discounted price per kilowatt hour (kWh) in exchange for a monthly fee, or through pay-as-you-go, which is usually more expensive per kWh but does not require an upfront fee.
Payment is made directly via debit or credit card, or is charged at the end of each month.
-
RFID card/key fob payment A similar option that does not require a smartphone app is authentication via RFID card or key fob. As with the app, this requires an account with the charging station operator, who will issue you a card or key fob with your authentication details.
When you arrive at the charging station, simply place your card or key fob on the reader to start charging. Then repeat the same process to end the session, and the charging station will know how to charge you.
The payment method is similar to that of apps – it can be through a subscription or pay-as-you-go, with money withdrawn directly from your account or charged periodically.
-
Paying with a contactless debit or credit card The easiest payment option that requires minimal setup or commitment is paying with a contactless debit or credit card. While not every public charging station offers this option, some are equipped with a contactless card reader that allows you to start your session with just a tap of your card.
With no account or subscription required, this option is a boon when traveling outside of your home charging network or if you only charge your electric car occasionally. However, keep in mind that you'll likely pay a higher price in exchange for the convenience.
Regardless of the payment method you choose, it's important to be informed about the price differences and the conveniences they offer to optimize your charging costs.
Six reasons why your electric car isn't charging as fast as you expect
Get the most out of your battery
Have you ever arrived at a charging station expecting your electric car to charge quickly, only to find that the charge level is still far from full? It's a common situation, and while it can be frustrating, there are good reasons for it. Let's take a look at six main reasons why your electric car might be charging slower than expected.
1. Maximum charging capacity vs. maximum output power
One of the most common reasons for your EV charging slowly is a limitation in the maximum power the charging station can provide, or in the capacity of your car to accept the charge.
For example, imagine you arrive at a DC fast charging station with a rated power of up to 350 kW . You turn on your car, but notice that the charging power is limited to around 150 kW. In this case, this is probably the maximum capacity of your vehicle, which cannot accept higher power, even if the charging station can provide more.
The same can happen in the opposite direction if the maximum power of the charging station is lower than what your vehicle can accept. For example, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 can accept up to 350 kW DC fast charging, but many charging stations can only provide up to 150 or 200 kW.
This limitation doesn't just apply to fast charging. AC charging can also be affected by such a discrepancy, although the differences are usually less noticeable (for example, a limit of 7.4 kW instead of 11 kW).
2. State of charge
Besides the power output, another important limitation is the battery's state of charge (SoC), or simply put, the percentage of charge your battery has. Due to battery chemistry, charging a lithium-ion battery is not linear - depending on the state of charge, the battery can accept more or less energy.
The general rule is that the lower the battery charge, the more energy it can hold and the faster it can charge. As the battery fills up, its ability to hold energy decreases, and charging should be slowed down.
You may have noticed this phenomenon if you've tried charging an EV (or any other device with a lithium-ion battery) from 80 to 100 percent, and found that it takes much longer than if you were charging from 40 to 60 percent.
3. Simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles
Another reason for slower charging is if multiple electric vehicles share the same power source. This may not be obvious at first glance, but many charging stations are often connected to the same source, meaning that power is shared between all connected vehicles.
This can result in significantly slower charging, as your vehicle will only be able to use half (or less) of the charging station's rated power. If you have a choice, choose a charging station with few or no other vehicles connected to ensure the fastest possible charge.
4. Battery temperature
Batteries operate optimally within a narrow temperature range of around 20°C. Any significant change in temperature can reduce battery performance and require additional cooling or heating to bring it into the optimal range, which reduces efficiency and increases energy consumption.
In cold weather, the battery's ability to accept electricity decreases, so charging must be done at a lower power and slower. In the summer, the heat generated by the battery during charging can overheat it, so the battery management system often reduces the charging speed to protect it.
5. Sitting in the car while charging
It may seem obvious after you think about it, but staying in your car while charging can extend charging time. Even without driving, a stationary car can use many energy-intensive systems like lighting, audio, heating, or air conditioning, which add extra strain on the charging process.
6. Battery health
While EV battery health is usually not a problem in the first few years, batteries age and lose some of their capacity over time. In addition to losing capacity, older batteries have higher resistance, which means they can accept less power and the charging speed decreases accordingly.
However, many EVs have a buffer in the form of additional capacity that compensates for some of the losses, making the reduction in capacity and charging speed almost imperceptible to drivers in the initial years.
Charging an electric car – part of the future
Charging an electric car is still a new and unfamiliar experience for many people, and can seem more complicated than the familiar use of petrol pumps. However, electric vehicles offer incredible flexibility, being able to be charged in many places – from home to supermarkets and public car parks.
If you are planning to buy an electric vehicle or have already done so, you may be considering home charging as a convenient, practical and economical way to charge your car on a daily basis. For more information on home charging, check out our dedicated guide to charging an electric vehicle at home.
