Most charging is completed at home, but you will sometimes need to use a public charger. This guide explains how to use the different types of public charger and some of the differences to look out for.
Using a public charger can seem confusing and daunting at first. We will be honest, there are some things to be aware of but it isn't as complicated as you may think. This guide will help you understand the basics of charging an electric car with a public charger. Public chargers can be categorize into the road rapid chargers and destination chargers.
| On-the-Road Public Chargers | Destination Chargers | |
|---|---|---|
| When are they used? | Long journeys or if you're running low | While you're doing other things and the car is stationary, such as while you're shopping, at work, or staying at a hotel |
| Typical Location | Motorway services or near major roads; some Shell and BP petrol stations | Workplace, supermarket car parks, shopping ventres, hotels, gyms |
| Typical Charging Output | 50kW - 150kW | 7.4kW - 22kW |
| Typical Charging Speed | 200 - 300 miles an hour | 30 - 60 miles an hour |
| Payment Method | Pay-as-you-go via app or contactless; app subscription; RFID card/fob | Pay-as-you-go via app or contactless; app subscription; RFID card/fob |
Plugging in to a public charger
The act of plugging in your electric vehicle using a public charger is very simple.
- Locate the charger and park up
- Open your charging port (this may be on the front of your vehicle or on the side)
- Plug in – if the charger has no cable, you will need to use your own. If a cable is attached to the charger, select the right connection for your car and plug it in.
- Payment – the charger should recognise your vehicle is connected. You should now be able to pay for the service and start charging.
Public charger payment options
Payment for a public charger (if it isn’t free) is usually done via a contactless card payment, smartphone app or RFID card – there are no kiosks to pay at and the payment process is completed before charging begins.
- Contactless
Contactless payments are becoming increasingly common at paid-for public chargers allowing for faster payments. In this case, follow the instructions which should be located on the charging post or on screen and tap your contactless card when instructed. This should initiate the charge in most cases.
- Smartphone app
Most public charger operates have a mobile phone app, which allow you to pay for the service. Some operators require you to use the app to access the charger. While there are benefits in many cases to registering an account, such as faster payment, most will allow you to “Pay as a Guest”. Download the relevant app, follow the on-screen instructions to pay and activate the charger.
- RFID
Some charger operators also use an RFID card. This is not a requirement (there should be an alternative such as a smartphone app or contactless), but RFID card can make using public chargers quicker and easier. If you use a particular charging operator regularly, such as EVOLT, then it may be worth requesting an RFID card that is synced with your account.