EV Charger Types

When it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), not all chargers are the same, with various connectors and speeds involved.  

Our app can help you find your nearest available EV charger, but understanding the difference, especially the types that work with your vehicle is crucial. The last thing you want is to run the risk of not being able to charge while on the road!

Here’s what you need to know:

EV Charging Speed Explained  

Time for a (very quick) science lesson. Electrical power is measured in kilowatts (kW), which refers to how much power the charger produces – a 50kW charger will give you 50kW of power. The higher the kW, the faster it will charge your vehicle.  

Your vehicle type will determine how fast it can charge, the best way to find that out is in the manual or on your manufacturer’s website. Both of these will give you the information you need in terms of charger compatibility and speed. If your car can only accept up to 50kW of power, it won’t charge faster plugged in to a 150kW charger.  

Kilowatt-hours (kWs) determine how much energy your vehicle battery can store, and how much energy it’ll use over time.  

Types of Chargers

• Type 1 sockets are the older 5-pin form of charging for EVs and are easily spotted because they have a latch to keep the plug in its place. This has been removed for later models which have locking pins.
  

• Type 2 sockets have 7 pins and are the most common for home chargers.

• CHAdeMO chargers are distinctive because they're larger than other charger types and allow for direct current (DC) charging which is much faster than standard charging (AC) methods.

• CSS chargers are generally found at service stations or specialist charging hubs, they deliver rapid and ultra-rapid charging. They use tethered cables that are permanently attached to the charging unit.
  

• Fast chargers generally have untethered cables that need to be plugged into both the charge point and the EV.

Rapid and Ultra-Rapid Chargers

As their name suggests, these chargers are designed to charge up your EV quickly so you can get back on your journey as quick as a flash. They’re rated at 50kW to 350kW or more and can take around 30-40 minutes to charge most EV batteries up to 80%. Generally, you’ll find these at motorway service stations.

Tesla drivers can also use Superchargers. These can charge compatible vehicles up to 250kW and can fill a battery to 80% in around 20 minutes!

Fast Chargers

The most common chargers you’ll find in public places like supermarket car parks and at home; they offer charging rates of between 7.4kW and 22kW which can charge up a car battery to 80% in around three to six hours.

Slow Chargers

A slow charger would be a standard three-pin plug or an older EV connector and can range from 2.4kW to 6kW, taking up to 18 hours to fully charge a vehicle. You would be much less likely to find these in public places, and they are only considered worth using in an emergency.

Find a public EV charger with PayByPhone

When you’re out in public and need to charge your EV, finding the right charger for your vehicle and needs is crucial.  

Use the PayByPhone app to filter by location, charger type and availability, then pay for charging at over 20,000 locations. Download it today on Google Play or App Store for all your EV charging needs, all in one place.