Public Charging Stations UK

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There has been a rapid increase in the number of electric cars globally. The UK has not been left behind either as the number of electric cars here has increased over the last few years. As such, there is a need for public charging stations so as to supply power and facilitate the recharging of these vehicles. There are different types of charging stations and they include:

The Home Charging Stations

A home charging station is usually installed in one’s garage and it is the most common type of station available. The cost of an installation can vary to some extent depending on where one lives and how each electrical company sets their rates.

Public Electric Vehicle Charging Points

These are often placed in public settings like parking lots, airports, restaurants among others. They usually supply 240 volts AC which is enough to charge an electric car. These stations are usually built by manufacturers who are interested in marketing their products to customers with electric cars.

What are Public Charge Points?

Public electric car charging stations are those found in different locations which anyone can use, after paying a certain fee for using them. Most of these chargers offer free electricity to those who use them, but one has to pay an hourly fee if they need more power. This fee is usually quite low compared to the cost of other charging methods.

Are public chargers safe?

Electric car charging stations are safe as long as they are installed and maintained well by the relevant authorities. The cables that link these stations to the power lines do not pose any danger as long as they are insulated correctly. Since many of these chargers use alternating current (AC), one should consider using them for DC-powered appliances only since otherwise, one might end up frying the equipment.

Types of Electric Vehicle Chargers

There are 3 main types of EV chargers, namely:

1. Slow Chargers: They are also called paddle chargers and they are the cheapest of all. They are socket outlets that have been modified to use AC power in order to charge electric cars. The actual output can be less than 3kW but it is often closer to 1 kW. These types of chargers take longer when compared with other charging stations, meaning that it can take up to 16 hours for full charging of the car.

2. Fast Chargers: They supply three-phase AC power which is suitable for rapid charging of electric cars. They range from 43kW to 150 kW capacities and each model has its own DC fast charge connector. The benefit of these types of chargers is that they can recharge an electric vehicle in a short time, for example from 0 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes or so.

3. Rapid Chargers: These are the fastest and most expensive types of EV chargers available on the market today. They supply three-phase AC power at a capacity of 150 kW or more. They are suitable for charging cars in a short space of time, hence the name rapid charge. There are also rapid DC chargers on the market.

Fast and rapid chargers are becoming a common choice for car parks and most public charging point locations.

Electric Cars Public Charging Networks

There are different networks that have been set up to facilitate the use of public charging points in the UK.

Charge Your Car

It is the leading membership-based organization that has been set up to facilitate the charging of electric cars. This association was set up by several local councils and it provides information about EV drivers which they use for policymaking, planning and other related activities.

Charge Your Planet

It is a not-for-profit association that has been set up to promote the use of electric cars in the UK. Its main focus is on charging points and their installation. They have helped in bringing together all those interested in making this happen such as manufacturers, suppliers and local authorities among others.

UK Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (BEVIP)

This is a project by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). The main objective of this project is to facilitate the installation of charging and service stations for electric cars. This has been done by encouraging local councils, manufacturers, suppliers and other stakeholders to form partnerships.

Electric Car Charging Points Map

One can find a comprehensive map that shows all the locations where there are public charging points for electric cars.

EV Charging Stations UK

This website has a comprehensive list of all the different types of EV chargers available on the market, along with their costs and other details. This site also provides information about one’s rights to all EV owners. It provides assistance to those who intend to buy electric cars and it also serves as a guide to those already using the vehicles.

Locations of Electric Car Charging Points in UK

This website provides information about electric car chargers in the UK, including their names, types and location.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Supplier Locator Map

One can use this website to find out the names of those who supply different types of EV charging equipment.

Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions | eMotorWerks

This company provides site surveys, installation and maintenance for electric car chargers in the UK. It also offers a smart network that optimizes energy use, reduces cost and increases grid stability. This smart network, called eMotorWerks JuiceNet, also links to the site so that one can find out which charging stations and relaxations are available at a particular location among other details.

 

Are Public Charging Facilities Free?

Charging stations are not free, but the cost of using them is lower than that for conventional cars. The amount charged depends on the model of the electric car charge point and its location. For example, some charging stations in London charge £3.50 per hour while others charge only £1.60 per hour.

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

It takes around 4-6 hours to fully charge an electric car using public chargers. However, the speed at which one charges their vehicles depends on the number of hours they spend plugged into such a station and its capacity. This also varies with different models of chargers and cars.

Guide to Finding a Good Commercial Charging Station

With the increase of the public EV charging points, one needs to understand that not all of them are the same. Here are some pointers to help you find the ideal charging station for your vehicle:

I. The charging station should be in a busy location so that you will not have to stay for long before your turn comes up

II. You can use an application to find out which stations are currently available and how many cars they can accommodate

III. It is important to ensure that the company you choose has a good reputation when it comes to servicing and maintaining their equipment.

IV. The charging station should be within a walking distance from your car if you wish to plug in cars in as you go about your business

V. You can consult different websites for the availability of public EV chargers near your workplace or any other place where you spend most of your time

Why install a charging station?

Public EV charging points help ensure that most people who own modern electric cars can still move about without worrying about running out of electric car’s battery power or having to look for a place where they can recharge their car.

A sizeable number of people in the UK intend to buy electric cars in 2022 with this number expected to reach 32 per cent in 2025. This means that we should have more charging stations in the UK if we are to maintain current standards of living and reduce our carbon footprints.

Electric cars perform better than traditional vehicles when it comes to noise pollution because they do not emit harmful pollutants into the environment. They also produce no or very few greenhouse gases, which go a long way in protecting the environment.

Our Conclusion

Public charging facilities can be found in major cities and towns across the UK. One has to understand that they are not free, but their cost is lower than that of petrol stations. The amount charged varies depending on the type of car and charger used.

We will keep our ears to the ground and keep you posted about electric cars and the charging options available on the market.