Guide to Electric Vehicle Charger Types

Welcome to our informative guide on electric vehicle (EV) charger types! As the world transitions to EVs, understanding the different types of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and cables is essential. EV chargers can be categorised as rapid, ultra-rapid, fast, or slow, and use either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC), with various socket types. In this blog, we'll discuss the differences and help you understand which charging types should be used and when.

DC Connectors

Direct current (DC) connectors provide high-power charging, making them suitable for rapid and ultra-rapid charging stations. The most common DC socket types are CHAdeMO, CCS (combined charging system), and Tesla’s Supercharger connectors. In the UK and Europe, Tesla uses the standardised CCS-Type 2 connector.

AC Connectors

Alternating current (AC) connectors are common for home and public charging stations. The primary AC socket types are Type 2 and Type 1, either of which can be tethered or untethered. AC connectors can be further classified as single-phase or three-phase:

• Single-phase: Most commonly available in residential settings with a max power of 7.4kW which typically adds 20 miles of range per hour.
• Three-phase: Usually only available at commercial or industrial properties with a max power of 22kW which typically adds 60 miles of range per hour.

Ultra-rapid and Rapid Charging

Ultra-rapid and rapid charging stations offer high-speed charging, typically found at motorway services. They use tethered cables and require vehicles to have rapid-charging capabilities.

Rapid DC chargers, rated at 50kW, refill a battery to 80% in around 40 minutes, providing an estimated range of 100-150 miles, depending on the vehicle. Whereas ultra-rapid DC chargers are rated at 100kW or more and refill a battery to 80% in around 20 minutes, adding an estimated range of 200-250 miles, depending on the vehicle.

CCS and CHAdeMO are the popular DC rapid and ultra-rapid socket types, with CCS supporting up to 350kW and CHAdeMO up to 50kW.

Keep in mind that the actual range added during rapid and ultra-rapid charging sessions may vary depending on factors such as the vehicle's battery capacity, efficiency, and charging speed.

Tesla Superchargers

Tesla has its own charging network, the Tesla Superchargers, which utilise rapid DC charging with Tesla type 2 ev charging cable or CCS connectors and offer up to 150kW. As well as exclusive Tesla Supercharger locations, some stations are open to all EV models, expanding the availability of high-speed charging options for non-Tesla owners. It's important to verify which Tesla Supercharger locations are open to all vehicles, as this can vary by region and individual charging stations.

As of April 2023 the Tesla Superchargers open to all EV makes in the UK are:

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Aberystwyth

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Adderstone

<150KW> Tesla Public Charging Aviemore

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Banbury

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Birmingham St Andrews 

<125KW> Tesla Public Charging Calais

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Crimple Hall 

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Camarthen St Catherines Walk

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Heathrow Bath Road T2+3

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Cardiff

<150KW> Tesla Public Charging Dundee

<130KW> Tesla Public Charging Folkestone

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Grays

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Dorking

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Flint

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Guildford

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Newport

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Sidcup

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Trumpington

<150KW> Tesla Public Charging Thetford Elveden Inn 

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Trafford Centre

<150KW> Tesla Public Charging Uxbridge

<120KW> Tesla Public Charging Wokingham

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Romford

<250KW> Tesla Public Charging Merry Hill

Fast Charging

Fast EV charging uses AC with speeds between 7kW and 22kW, commonly used for home charge points, supermarkets, leisure centres, and car parks. Fast charging is available using type 2 (up to 22kW) and type 1 (up to 7kW) sockets. Depending on the charger's power, fast charging typically takes 3-8 hours to refill a battery, providing the following estimated ranges:

• 7kW fast charging can add around 25-30 miles of range per hour of charging.
• 22kW fast charging can add around 60-80 miles of range per hour of charging.

Please note that the actual range added during fast charging may vary depending on factors such as the vehicle's battery capacity, efficiency, and charging speed. Fast charging cables can be tethered or untethered, and you can find a range of type 1 and type 2 charging cables at EV Cables.com

Slow Charging

Slow EV charging, often referred to as "granny charging," uses AC with speeds up to 6kW and is available with type 1, type 2 EV cable, or UK 3-pin sockets. Due to its slower charging speeds, it takes around 12 hours to recharge a battery, making it a less convenient option. Slow charging is recommended only if no other charging alternatives are available. Slow charging cables can be tethered or untethered, providing some flexibility for EV owners.

Summary

In summary, familiarising yourself with the various EV charger types is essential for selecting the appropriate charger for your electric vehicle. This guide serves as a valuable resource for first-time EV buyers, those replacing an existing charging cable, or anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of their charging options. Explore our wide range of charging cables at EVCables.com and make an informed choice for your EV charging needs.