What Are the Different Types of EV Chargers?
If you’re new to electric vehicles, you’ve probably come across terms like 3-pin charger, 7kW charger, rapid charger and untethered charger. At first, it can feel confusing, but once you understand the basics, choosing the right charger becomes much easier.
Here’s a simple guide to the different types of EV chargers you’ll come across in the UK.
3-Pin Plug Charger
Every electric vehicle comes with a charging cable that can plug into a standard three-pin household socket.
This is the slowest way to charge an EV, but it can be useful if you only drive short distances or need to top up your battery occasionally.
Because charging is much slower, it’s generally not recommended as your main charging method.
7kW Home Charger
A 7kW home charger is the most common choice for UK homeowners.
It’s installed outside your home and connects directly to your property’s electrical supply. Compared with a standard plug socket, it charges your vehicle much faster, making it ideal for overnight charging while you sleep.
For most drivers, a 7kW charger provides the best balance of charging speed, convenience and running costs.
Tethered and Untethered Chargers
When choosing a home charger, you’ll often see two options.
A tethered charger has a charging cable permanently attached. You simply park, plug in and start charging.
An untethered charger doesn’t have a built-in cable. Instead, you use the charging cable that came with your vehicle.
Neither option is better than the other. Many people choose a tethered charger for convenience, while others prefer an untethered charger because it offers a cleaner look and can be more flexible if they change vehicles in the future.
Fast and Rapid Public Chargers
Away from home, you’ll find public charging points with different charging speeds.
Fast chargers are commonly found in places such as supermarkets, car parks and workplaces. They’re useful if you’re parked for a couple of hours and want to add extra range while you’re out.
Rapid chargers are designed for quicker charging and are often found at motorway service stations and larger public charging hubs. They can add a significant amount of battery charge in a much shorter time, making them ideal for longer journeys.
Some locations also offer ultra-rapid chargers, which provide even faster charging for vehicles that support higher charging speeds.
Which EV Charger Is Right for You?
For most homeowners, a 7kW home charger is the best option. It provides reliable overnight charging and is suitable for everyday driving.
If you regularly travel long distances, you’ll probably also make use of rapid or ultra-rapid public chargers when you’re away from home.
If you don’t have off-street parking, public charging points and workplace chargers may become your main charging options.
With that in mind
There isn’t one charger that’s right for everyone. The best choice depends on where you park, how far you drive and how you plan to charge your vehicle.
For most UK households, a 7kW home charger paired with occasional use of public rapid chargers offers the best combination of convenience and flexibility.
