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Choosing an EV for your next car or van is a smart move, not just for your wallet but also for the planet. As you make the switch, you'll pick up new habits, especially with EV charging. You'll want to know how often to charge, how long it takes, and what it costs.
Whether you’re a new EV owner or considering your options before diving (or should we say driving) in, our Ford EV experts will get you clued up and charging ahead with confidence.
You might be wondering how EV charging points function. I mean, all charging stations work on the same basic principle: they power up your battery. The main difference lies in the type of current they provide – AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current).
AC charging sends power to your car, where it gets converted to DC, which is what your battery uses. In contrast, DC chargers do the conversion at the charging station, getting faster charging directly to your battery. In fact, DC chargers (or Level 3 chargers) can deliver up to 480kW of power, letting you recharge in as little as 30 minutes — perfect for those long road trips.
“Fuelling up” your car in your driveway. With a special charging station, you’ll get a faster and hassle-free charge compared to plugging into a house electricity socket. It's like giving your car a power nap. Literally.
So, how do you set up a home EV charger? Getting one installed is easy. Follow our Ford EV experts’ simple steps:
There are three levels:
Charger Level
Charging Speed
Voltage needed
Typical locations
Ideal use
Level 1
4 miles of range per hour
120V
Home
Slow, overnight charging
Level 2
25 miles of range per hour
240V
Public spots,
workplaces,
homes
Faster charging
Level 3
100 miles of range in 30 mins
480V
Increasingly found in public locations
Quick top-ups for long distance travel
Make sure your home’s fuse box can handle the extra load. If you have one of those old-fashioned meters, they too need upgrading.
Consider your driveway/garage. If you park your car on a public street, you may need to think about your suitability. Just keep in mind how long the charging cable is and how close it needs to be to the charging box.
While you can’t trail cables across the pavement, there are special charges for people without driveways who park on the street.
Sure, you can. Just look for on-street charging options nearby so you can charge up close to home. Many areas offer charging stations, and some councils even install them on lampposts. If you can charge your EV on the street, simply plug in and you're good to go. Just remember not to leave your car there overnight, as others might need to use it too.
There’s always the option of charging at work. Of course, not every workplace has an EV charging point, but it’s certainly worth looking into. With the government’s Workplace Charging Scheme, your business can get grants to cover the costs of buying and installing electric vehicle chargepoints as part of their green policy.
The scheme covers 75% of the costs for EV chargepoints, up to £350 per socket. You can get up to 40 sockets total, so if you have 40 sites, that's 1 socket per site.
Contact your local council to see if you need any permits or inspections. Each council is different so it’s best to check.
If you're installing an EV charger, especially a Level 2, it's best to call in the pros. They'll safely connect it to your home's power system and make sure everything works perfectly.
Test. Test. Test. Your electrician should check everything's in tip-top shape with the installation.
Most modern EV chargers have Wi-Fi, offering cool smart features. You can track charging and get phone alerts. Just follow the right steps to connect at home — it's usually easy. Once you're set up, you'll have more control from your phone.
Learn how to use the charger. This might involve setting charging schedules to charge automatically overnight and monitoring use etc.
Stick to manufacturer guidelines. Avoid using extension cords and double-check that both the charger and socket are in great shape.
These are chargers anyone can use — unlike an EV home charger, which belongs to you. Public EV charging stations come in different forms, from fast chargers at service stations to those found in parking garages and shopping centres.
But the big question is how do you charge your electric car in public? Like home charging, public EV charging stations have their own process too. When you arrive:
Most EV chargers have their own cables, but sometimes you'll need to bring your own. Keep in mind that charging connectors can vary based on your location and the charger type. It's a smart move to check what's typically used around you.
Link your car up to the charger. If the cable is already attached to the station, you’re all set. Just a heads-up: some cars have different connectors for regular and fast charging. So, if it doesn’t fit, that’s fine — just grab the right cable and you’re good to go.
You’ll need to identify yourself first. This involves a keycard, fob or a charging app on your phone. Some chargers even allow you to start the session just by tapping your debit or credit card. Once the charger recognises you, the session kicks off. You'll notice some lights on the charger or your car's dashboard. You can track the progress through your car’s display or the charging app.
When you're ready to finish charging your EV, just swipe your card or use the app to stop the session. Then, use your car's dashboard to release the charging cable.
Finally, unplug the cable and return it to the charger (if it was built-in) or put it back in your boot (if you brought your own). And just like that, your EV is charged, ready to roll.
These may not be as common as petrol stations, yet, but the government is investing in a wider network. To track them down, just whip out a charging station app on your phone. It's like a treasure map for EV drivers, showing nearby chargers with all the juicy details like speed, wattage and availability.
While Google or Apple Maps help, Zap-Map is the charging superhero you need. It offers real-time info, lets you filter by charger type, and helps plan routes with charging stops.
Charging adventures, here we come.
These vary depending on the type of charger you use, the car’s battery capacity, and electricity rates.
Figuring out EV charging costs is like solving a mystery where your charger type, energy provider, and location are all sneaky culprits. That’s okay, our Ford EV experts will show you what you might expect, so you won't be left in the dark — or stuck with a surprise bill.
We all love saving money and charging an EV shouldn’t break the bank. To make your EV charging as cost-effective as possible, consider these strategies:
What type of charger do you need?
When it comes to EV charging, you’ll want the right charger. Most cars, like the Mustang Mach-E or the Ford Kuga PHEV hybrid, come with a Type 2 charging port, which is the bog-standard for most charging ports in the UK.
Charging EVs is generally safe, but it’s always good to be cautious.
Charge during the day: Well-lit areas will up your safety.
Cruising around in a Ford EV or plug-in hybrid? You’re in luck. Here’s a rundown of the major charging networks that work well with our Ford models:
Charging your EV is easy once you know your way around the block. Whether you own a self-charging hybrid car or a fully battery powered EV, knowing where to charge, how long it takes, and how to save money can boost your EV driving experience tenfold. With more and more EV charging points and user-friendly apps on offer, finding the right electric car charger is a walk in the park!
More EV advice from TrustFord
Why buy an electric vehicle
Eco-Friendly Hybrid & Electric Cars: Charging, Ranges, & Models at TrustFord
Best eco-friendly cars and other ways to go green
Ford pro home charging guide