About Author
Sofia Modiri Dockery
I research and write blogs on what’s happening in the EV-world.
Transitioning to electric vehicle (EV) charging can be confusing. With various charging methods and speeds, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Charging an EV differs significantly from filling a traditional petrol car. Let’s demystify the process.
Charging at Home
Charging your EV at home remains the most convenient and cost-effective option in 2026. It is similar to charging your phone overnight. Plug in when you get home and wake up to a full battery.
Home charging options:
3-Pin Plug
A 3-pin plug is used to connect to a 13A domestic socket and converts regular 240V AC from a household socket into a charge suitable for an electric vehicle. These cables are intended for infrequent use or emergencies rather than regular charging, as they operate at a significantly lower power level than dedicated home chargers.
Home Charge Point
A home charge point allows you to charge your electric vehicle safely and efficiently. Unlike a regular 3-pin plug, a home charger offers much quicker charging thanks to its higher power output, typically allowing your vehicle to fully charge overnight.
It’s important to have home charge points installed by a qualified professional. Most certified installers include standard installation in their quoted price and will let you know if you’re eligible for any government grants or assistance.
We offer a home charge point as part of your salary sacrifice package, with the cost included in your monthly quote. This means you won’t have to make a large upfront payment. The effect on your monthly take-home pay is minimal, usually around £15–£20 per month (net), which covers the unit and basic installation.
UK Government Electric Car Charging Grants in 2026
As of March 2026, the EV Chargepoint Grant is still active, although eligibility remains targeted rather than universal. This grant provides up to £350 or 75% off the cost of purchasing and installing a charge point socket, whichever is lower. It is available to landlords, tenants in rented or leased flats, and owners of residential properties.
Charging at Work
Government support is also available for workplace charging. The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) offers financial support to businesses, charities, and public sector organisations for installing EV chargepoints at their locations.
If your company has a growing number of EV drivers or is planning to introduce an EV salary sacrifice scheme, applying for the workplace charging grant could significantly reduce installation costs.
Providing on-site charging not only supports current EV drivers but also encourages wider uptake among employees who are considering switching.
You can find full details of eligibility and how to apply on the official government guidance page.
Installing workplace chargers demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainability, helps futureproof your business, and can strengthen the appeal of EV salary sacrifice schemes.
Employers Introducing the Scheme
Employees Going Green
Understanding Charging Cables (What do I Plug in?)
When charging at home or at most public AC charge points, you’ll use a charging cable to connect your car to the charger. One end plugs into the charge point, and the other connects to your vehicle.
Although EV batteries use direct current (DC), homes supply alternating current (AC). Your car automatically converts this power using its onboard charger, so there’s nothing extra you need to do.
In the UK, most modern electric vehicles use a Type 2 connector, which is now the standard across Europe. Older models may use a Type 1 connector, but these are far less common today.
If you’re driving a newer EV, including those supplied through a salary sacrifice scheme, it will almost certainly use a Type 2 connection. This means it will be compatible with the vast majority of charge points.
Public Charging
As EV numbers rise, more public places are installing charging points. Most public chargers offer at least 7kW, providing 20-30 miles of range per hour. You’ll need to bring your own charging cable, which is usually supplied with your vehicle. Some charge points may require a unique mobile app to start charging, however, this is slowly being removed to allow wider access to electric motoring.
Websites like ZapMap and PodPoint can help you find your nearest charging point. ZapMap is a digital platform that allows you to access thousands of available charge locations across the UK. It breaks down searches by separating them into categories: charge speed, connector type, location and payment method. It also allows people to add notes if any issues occur. ZapMap also has an app, making planning your journey even easier.
PodPoint is an app used to locate chargers, track charging costs and see availability. It also allows you to check your live charge status and charging mode.
Check out the map we created that shows the biggest charging hubs across the UK.
Rapid Motorway Chargers
Rapid charging points at motorway services typically offer between 43kW and 350kW. Though more expensive than home charging, they provide large amounts of electricity quickly, making them ideal for long journeys.
Unlike home and workplace chargers, rapid chargers use direct current (DC). This means the electricity is converted before it enters the vehicle, allowing for much faster charging speeds.
Most rapid chargers have a tethered cable (a cable that’s always attached to it), so you simply plug in and start charging. Thankfully, the era of endless supplier apps to pay to charge your car is ending – it’s finally moving to contactless, making it much easier!
Charging speed will vary depending on your vehicle’s capability. You can check your EV’s maximum rapid charging rate on EV Database.
Google Maps EV Charging Integration
Google Maps is now a super handy tool for EV drivers. You can enter your specific vehicle model or battery size, and it uses real-time info, elevation changes, traffic situations, and driving habits to figure out how much range you have left.
If charging is required, the system automatically suggests optimal charging stops along your route, selects chargers that are compatible with your connector type, and factors in charging speed to minimise overall journey time. Where supported, it also shows live charger availability and displays user reviews along with details of on-site amenities, helping you plan a smooth and convenient journey.
For cars that come with Google systems already installed, the integration goes even further. This smart route planning really helps ease range anxiety and makes travelling long distances in an EV a breeze.
In-Car EV Charging Filters
Many modern EVs now allow you to filter charging points directly through the in-car navigation system. Drivers can typically filter by charging speed, such as slow charge and quick charge, making it easier to find the right option depending on how much time you have.
For example, if you’re stopping overnight, a slower charger may be perfectly suitable. But if you’re on a long journey and need to get back on the road quickly, selecting a quick charger ensures you minimise downtime.
These built-in map filters remove the guesswork, helping drivers quickly identify compatible and convenient charging options without needing third-party apps.
Cost of Charging
As of 1st January 2026, the average UK electricity price under the Ofgem price cap is 27.69p per kWh. That means it’s between £4 and £16 for a full charge at home, depending on whether you are using a standard or off-peak tariff.
The price of electricity will vary between home, work, and public settings. Electricity rates across the country vary depending on where you live. It’s always best to check with your provider for precise rates.
You can read a full breakdown of charging costs in our guide here!
Final Thoughts
Transitioning to an EV might seem daunting initially, but once you grasp the fundamentals, charging will soon become a regular part of your daily life. For the majority of drivers, charging at home is the easiest and most economical choice. Simply plug it in overnight and kick off each day with a fully charged battery. Public charging networks are steadily growing throughout the UK, providing handy options for longer trips, and rapid chargers are making motorway travel more convenient than ever.
FAQs
Charging at home is usually the most cost-effective option, especially if you use an off-peak tariff. Public and rapid chargers are typically more expensive but offer speed and convenience when travelling long distances.
Charging time depends on your charger and vehicle.
A 3-pin plug can take 24+ hours for a full charge.
A 7kW home charge point typically fully charges most EVs overnight (6–10 hours).
Most drivers simply plug in when they get home and wake up to a full battery.
As of January 2026, the average electricity price under the Ofgem price cap is 27.69p per kWh.
A full home charge generally costs between £4 and £16, depending on your battery size and whether you use off-peak electricity.
You can read more in our detailed charging cost guide.
While you can use a 3-pin plug for occasional charging, a dedicated home charge point is strongly recommended. It charges faster, is safer for regular use, and is more energy efficient.
Get in Touch
Fleet Evolution offers innovative salary sacrifice schemes, helping employers and employees save on costs while promoting eco-friendly electric cars. Enjoy easy setup, free maintenance, and swift activation for any company size.