FREE EV Charge point consultation and survey -

 

Will your existing electricity infrastructure support Electric Vehicle Charging?
Do you have the space for rapid or standard charge parking?
We can help you decide if EVC is right for you.

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There are three main EV charging speeds: 

Slow charging (up to 3kW) which is best suited for 6-8 hours overnight 

Fast charging (7-22kW) which can fully recharge some models in 3-4 hours; and

Rapid charging units (43-50kW) which are able to provide an 80% charge in around 30 minutes. Rapid chargers also come in two charge point types – AC and DC – depending on whether they use alternating current or direct current.

Slow Charging 3kw

Slow charging is the most common method of charging electric vehicles. In most cases a standard single-phase 13 Amp three-pin plug is used to draw up to 3kW of power – with a full charge typically taking 6 to 8 hours.

 

While the first wave of publicly accessible on-street chargers were of this type, these are now being replaced by Fast and Rapid units.

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Nearly all electric models can be slow charged with each vehicles being supplied with a charging cable with the appropriate connectors and cable – in most cases a standard 3-pin plug at the charging point outlet, and either a gun shaped Type 1 (J1772) or 7-pin Type 2 (Mennekes)connector for coupling with the vehicle inlet – see Know Your Connectors below.

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Home or workplace overnight charging is the most common type of charging cycle. Although a standard single-phase 13 amp three-pin domestic socket is adequate for home charging, a dedicated EV unit should be installed. We will conduct a house survey to ensure that the wiring will safety support the relatively long periods of charging.

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Slow charging summary:

• Slow chargers are typically rated at 3kW (1-phase, 13/16A)

• Most units have a standard 3-pin (BS 1363) or Commando (IEC 60309) supply-side socket – alternatively units provide a tethered cable with a non-removable Type 1 (J1772) vehicle connector

• Charging an EV on a slow charger usually takes 6-8 hours (depending on battery capacity)

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Fast Chargers 7kw to 22kw

Fast charging reduces EV charge times to around half that of a slow charge by doubling the available current to 32 amps (7kW) – the time for a full charge typically taking 3 to 4 hours. Most commercial and a many public on-street chargers already use this technology. It is likely that this charge rate will become increasingly used to replace public Slow charging points across the UK.

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While less common, Fast 3-phase charging is also technically possible, each phase delivering approximately 7kW to deliver a total of 22kW. However, this is mainly reserved for electric trucks and buses which need high power chargers to replenish their large battery packs.

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While not all electric cars and vans are able to accept a 1-phase Fast charge at 32 amps (7kW), most can be connected to them (with the right connector) and will draw either 13 or 32 amps depending on their capability. While Type 1 (J1772) connectors were initially the most common type used at the charger end, these are steadily being replaced by the more versatile Type 2 (Mennekes) connector

 

Fast charging summary:

• Fast chargers are typically rated at 7-22kW (1- or 3-phase, 32A)

• Most units have a Type 2 (Mennekes, IEC 62196) or Commando (IEC 60309) supply-side socket – occasionally, units provide a tethered cable with a non-removable Type 1 (J1772) or Type 2 (Mennekes) vehicle connector

• Charging an EV on a fast charger usually takes 3-4 hours (depending on battery capacity)

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