As an electric car (EV) driver, it's important to know the different types of charging connectors currently available.
Here's a quick rundown of everything you need to know about EV chargers and the different types of charger connectors.
Home Charging Connectors:
Type 1: This is the standard charging connector used by most electric vehicles in the UK. It's for slow chargers, with charging power ranging from 3kW to 7kW. Perfect for overnight charging at home.
Type 2: This connector works with faster chargers and is becoming more popular in the UK for electric vehicle charging. It's typically found at public charging stations, but can also be installed in homes. Charging power ranges from 7kW to 22kW.
Public Charging Connectors:
Type 2: This charging connector is widely used among EV drivers in the UK and is a popular choice for public charging. It's commonly found at public charging stations across the country and offers a fast and convenient way to charge your EV. With a charging power range from 7kW to 22kW, it can quickly get you back on the road.
CCS (Combo Charging System): This connector type is one of the most popular in the UK, used by brands like BMW, Ford and VW. It offers rapid charging power to your vehicle ranging from 50kW to 350kW.
CHAdeMO: Used by brands like Nissan and Kia, this connector hooks up EVs to rapid chargers. It's less common in the UK, but definitely worth knowing about if you own one of these vehicles. Charging power ranges from 50kW to 60kW.
Tesla Chargers: Tesla has its own network of Superchargers, which are specifically designed for Tesla vehicles. They accept Type 2 and CCS charging connectors. With charging power up to 250kW, these rapid chargers can add hundreds of miles of range to your Tesla in just a few minutes.
Please note that for Type 1 and Type 2 chargers, you will almost always need to supply your own charging cable. For rapid chargers – just use the cable from the charging station.
According to the Department for Transport, there are now over 37,000 public charging points in the UK, with over 6,000 of these being rapid chargers. This means that you'll never be too far from a charge, no matter where you're driving!
To sum up, make sure you know what type of EV charging connector your
vehicle uses and keep an eye out for compatible charging stations when you're out and about. I also recommend the excellent Zap-Map site/app, which will enable you to filter and search for public EV chargers for the specific connector types for your vehicle.
With the right charging connector and charger – you can look forward to a seamless charging experience for your EV.
Happy charging!
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