Whether you've just got an electric car or are considering getting one, this guide is for you. Here we’ll walk you through some of the first steps of your adventure into electric travel.
The good news is that charging an electric vehicle can happen almost anywhere. What’s more, this guide is the best place to start if you’re after a few simple facts to get you on the road.
So once you’ve got your shiny new electric motor – now what? Well, your first step is to be intrigued, because the switch to electric transport is really exciting. We’ve not witnessed a shift as big as this since people started driving petrol-powered ‘autocars’ in the late 1800s.
So don’t worry if you find your first charging session a little daunting. But do spare a thought for petrol pioneer Henry Sturmey, who drove from John o’ Groats to Land’s End in 1897. He was almost barred entry to a ferry outside Plymouth because the skipper didn’t know what a car was. You shouldn’t have to worry about that now.
You could also check out how to charge your electric car specifically in our range of model charging guides. These will help you understand your car’s charging times and connector types.
Just imagine, you plug your car in when you get home from work and wake up the next morning to find it fully charged – often on the cheapest renewable electricity the grid has to offer.
Home charge points are compact devices usually fixed to your house or garage. They’re weatherproof, and either have a charging cable attached or a socket to plug in a portable cable. Find out more in our guide to electric car charging at home.
The UK’s public charging network is a great alternative for all of your charging needs, offering a range of charging speeds at varying prices. (There are even some free EV charging points you can use.)
If you haven’t already, download the Zapmap app to take a look at the charge points in your local area – you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different charge points wherever you go.
You may find, for example, that you have dedicated on-street charging provision close to your home. This is a growing area of the UK’s public charging network, providing a solution for drivers who live in a flat or a house without off-street parking, and are therefore unable to charge their car at home.
Once you’ve taken a look at the charge points near you, think about your routine. How many miles do you drive each day, each week? What kind of long journeys do you do, if any?
At this point, says EV driver Maz Shar, you can start to look into the logistics in more detail: “Can you charge at your workplace? Can you charge while doing your weekly shop? While at the gym? Is there a charger within walking distance?
“Think about how long you normally spend there. If it’s an hour, it’ll be ideal to have a rapid charger – this is often the case at supermarkets and gyms. If it’s a few hours then a destination charger will suffice.”
In fact, there are so many different charging locations that we’ve created a whole set of filters in the Zapmap app to help you narrow down your choices. This enables you to find available chargers that suit your needs by filtering for charge point network, location type, payment method, power type and more.
As you may know, you can charge an electric car at many different speeds (we’ll come to this in a bit). This means there are a few types of charging provision across the public network.
For example, you tend to find the very quickest chargers at motorway service stations. These charge points are a great example of en-route charging provision, designed for drivers looking to recharge as quickly as possible on longer journeys. Find out more in the guides below.
A few years ago, navigating the UK’s public charging network certainly came with some complexity. However, the public network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a very positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
In part, this is thanks to standardisation of connector types. Type 2 and CCS connectors have almost become the standard connectors for electric vehicles (although Nissan is an exception). This has made finding compatible charge points significantly easier for drivers.
When it comes to the speed at which your car can charge, generally speaking there are two broad categories of charge points to be aware of when using the public network.
These charging devices encompass both ‘rapid’ and ‘ultra-rapid’ chargers, as you’ll hear them called. They’re designed to increase your car’s range as quickly as possible, getting you back on the road again in no time.
With the quickest ones you’ll have enough time for a short coffee break, while others are useful either to top up the battery or to charge up fully over lunch when en-route to your destination.
The quicker devices within this banding are useful when you’re leaving the car behind for a few hours. This might be a day trip with the family, maybe you’re running errands – or perhaps you have a business meeting in the city.
At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find some of the lowest-powered charge points integrated into lampposts and bollards on residential streets, or at places like hotels – anywhere you might leave your car parked for a long period of time. If you have a home charger installed, it’ll be within this range too. Because these particular chargers are designed for long stays or for overnight charging, at this speed your car will take anywhere from six to 18 hours to charge to 80%. (Although there are a few factors at play here, this essentially boils down to the capacity of the battery.)
These days charging your car is, for the most part, fairly intuitive. But there are definitely some tips and tricks to be aware of that will help you optimise your charging experience and make the most of your new electric lifestyle.
For starters, it’s best practice to top up your car before it drops below 20% charge. This is primarily for the health of the battery, but also for your own peace of mind. It’s good to have this 20% in reserve because you never know – there might be a diversion waiting for you just around the corner.
At the other end of the spectrum, it’s best to end your charging sessions once you reach 80%. From this point on, in order to protect the battery, it takes a lot longer to charge. In some cases, it can take as long to charge from 80-100% as it does from 20% to 80%.
There are tens of thousands of public charge points across the UK, and this number is growing all the time. You may have seen signs on the motorway for en-route charging networks such as GRIDSERVE. You’ve probably walked past charge points at your local supermarket. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different chargers wherever you go.
However, by far the most reliable way to locate charge points that suit your needs is to open the Zapmap app. With almost all public charge points mapped, it gives you the widest choice of charging options, tailored to your needs. You can also see the current status of each location, so you know which chargers are available right now.
“When I'm looking for charging locations, I use the Zapmap app with its handy filtering of location types. If I select ‘Supermarket,’ I can fit in a shop while I'm waiting for the car to charge. Very convenient!”
Ways to pay for charging vary, but the majority of charge point operators offer contactless payments via credit/debit card on the device itself, or alternative payment methods such as a network-specific app or RFID card.
The majority of rapid and ultra-rapid charge points now offer contactless payment. Quick, easy and accessible, contactless suits many people. The government has mandated that contactless payment be available on all new rapid chargers that are installed, and within the next couple of years this will also apply to any existing rapid chargers without contactless capability.
Zap-Pay is a cross-network payment solution that allows you to start charging at the click of a button, and pay via credit/debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You’ll want to select the charger you'd like to use within the app – a helpful Zap-Pay button will then pop up in a banner.
The UK’s public charging network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
As you may know, there are quite a number of EV charging networks across the country. Some are brand new and others well established, with many networks offering national coverage while others provide charging in a specific region.
Some networks are certainly doing a better job than others. Osprey Charging is a great example of an operator that’s prioritising accessibility, providing wider and longer bays for better access, and charge points designed to be used easily with just one hand.
When it comes to giving drivers protection from the elements, Fastned leads the pack. Many of Fastned’s charging hubs have a distinctive yellow canopy, which mirrors the protection offered at petrol stations and provides a safe, well-lit charging experience.
And remember, this is just the beginning of your journey, so don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow drivers for tips and advice. There’s a thriving community of electric car drivers in the EV Café on the Zapmap app. They’ll be eager to share their experiences with you and keen to lend a helping hand if ever you need one.
“I’ve been driving electric for over nine years. My initial motivation was the positive environmental benefits, but I could never go back now because I'm wedded to the smooth drive and simplicity of the automatic transmission - just press and go!”
Out of more than 59,000 charging devices on Zapmap, we found that – as of April 2024 – 2,354 were free to use. Put another way, that’s around 4% of all EV charging points that won’t incur a cost. So where are they all?
As you can see, some areas have far more free devices than others. The three areas with the highest number of free EV chargers are the South East with 438, Scotland with 286 and Greater London with 268.
There are some other noteworthy points too. Greater London’s 268 free chargers comprise only 1.4% of its total number of charging devices, reflecting the high concentration of paid-for on-street chargers and rapid devices in the capital.
In contrast, most slow chargers are now on-street chargers, the vast majority of which incur a cost. This would explain why there are only 323 free slow chargers across the UK (around 14% of total free devices).
Interestingly, there are 45 rapid chargers around the country that are still free, representing almost 2% of the total number of free chargers. While you can find these around the country, they are concentrated in Scotland, especially south of Glasgow. Here some local authorities are still providing free charging as an incentive for drivers to switch to electric, supporting their broader clean air and environmental objectives.
It is unlikely that this will continue indefinitely and an increasing number of these chargers are beginning to incur a cost. In Scotland, many cities and local authorities have already started to introduce a fee on the ChargePlace Scotland chargers. For example, in November 2022, there were 283 rapid chargers around the UK that were still free to use, representing just over 7% of the total number of free chargers at that time.
As you can see, public car parks have the most free EV devices, with 433. You’ll also find 359 free devices at dealership forecourts, and 306 at hotels and other accommodation around the UK.
If you take a look through Zapmap and filter by location type, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, pubs, museums, garden centres, theatres, zoos, National Trust properties and leisure centres that provide free charging.
Many hotels and B&Bs offer free charging to visitors, perhaps more than have registered. What’s more, Charity ZeroNet provides charge points for the hospitality and leisure sector. Around 15% of the network’s more than 350 charging points are free to use.
Taken together, public, retail and workplace car parks have by far the highest number of free EV charging devices, at 975. As with accommodation and also supermarkets, many retailers use free charging as a way to attract loyal customers.
Yes, it’s free at some supermarkets. Supermarkets with free EV charging points include Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi. Pod Point is the network provider and free charging is mostly on its fast 7/22kW chargers. Morrisons, Waitrose and Asda also have EV charging points, but they aren’t free to use on a pay-as-you-go basis.
As of November 2022, the fast 7/22kW Pod Point chargers at Tesco are no longer free to use. Indeed, customers now need to pay for these fast chargers, as has always been the case with the rapid charge points.
Yes, some of them do and this is something you’ll need to bear in mind when locating free chargers. Many free charge points have some kind of access restriction (e.g. devices that are ‘customer only’, for example).
Another consideration is that you’ll need to ensure you have the appropriate RFID card or app to start a charge and, while the charging might be free, there may well be some parking charges to pay.
Before you head off to grab your free charge – make sure you check Zapmap and, in particular, the user comments to get insights on all the details of a particular charge point.
Plus, if you’d like to know more, you can hear Zapmap Co-founder & COO Melanie Shufflebotham speaking to BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme about free EV charging points in the UK.
In essence, destination charging is designed to offer you the convenience of topping up your car battery while you’re away doing something more exciting. You could leave the car behind to go shopping, eat out or explore the great outdoors – and head back to find it nicely topped up upon your return, or even fully charged. This will often save you from needing to charge on your return or onward journey.
If you’ve just made the switch to an electric car but are unsure about how it all works, scroll on for more info and advice about destination charging in the UK.
Across the country, charge point operators such as Alfa Power, Mer and RAW Charging are installing medium-powered chargers for electric car drivers to top up their batteries while at a whole range of destinations.
Thanks to super-speedy en-route charging provision and the increasing ranges of newer EV models, the days of range anxiety on longer journeys are pretty much gone. But this is also thanks to a large number of destination charging providers that enable drivers to add a top-up charge almost anywhere they go.
As well as the three networks above, operators such as GeniePoint, Osprey, Pod Point and Tesla are continuing to roll out charge points at hotels, pubs, supermarkets and other tourist attractions.
Destination chargers are usually designed to make use of the time you’re away from your car, which varies between an hour and a few hours depending on the location. This means destination charge points tend to have a lower power rating than their speedier, ‘en-route’ cousins.
Generally speaking, destination chargers across the country have power ratings that range from 7kW - 50kW. This means you’ll come across both AC and DC charge points when topping up at a destination.
With this in mind, most of these chargers will be AC, and between 7kW and 22kW. You’ll also find some quicker DC devices at locations such as supermarkets, many of which will be 50kW, though some networks have installed 25kW DC chargers with CCS or CHAdeMO connector types.
Tesla destination chargers are often wall-mounted, or on small posts as pictured. They are free to use by all Tesla drivers who are customers of the destinations where the points are located. Typically 22kW chargers, they are intended to top up the Tesla's battery over the course of several hours.
The company often installs a non-Tesla-specific Type 2 charge point alongside its destination chargers. These are available for any EV driver to use, providing they have a Type 2 inlet on their car, since the units come with tethered cables.
The Pod Point network aims to offer a charge point everywhere drivers park. As such, Pod Point locations include Tesco and Lidl stores, as well as Center Parcs and National Park locations - for example in the Peak District. The operator's charge points range from bollard-style chargers (pictured) to larger charging units often found in supermarket car parks.
Like Pod Point, RAW charge points come in a range of types and sizes, with bollard-style RAW chargers usually found at retail locations. RAW Charging supplies charging infrastructure for several major property owners in the UK, including McArthurGlen Outlets, Aviva Investors and Greene King pubs.
Monta supplies the back-office software and payment systems for EV chargers belonging to a range of businesses. As such, its physical charge points vary from location to location. Wall-mounted and bollard-style charge points are the most commonly used in destination charging as they are usually lower power and take up less space in existing car parks.
Wherever you are in the UK, you can locate destination charging points quickly and easily with the Zapmap app and desktop map, both of which enable you to see the live availability status of more than 75% of these charge points, 24/7.
You may also want to use the ‘Power type’ slider to further refine your search. This enables you to filter for chargers with a lower power rating, which you’ll typically find at destinations such as supermarkets and garden centres.
Select Zap-Pay in the ‘Payment’ filter to find charge points where you can use it, and enjoy paying quickly and easily for your charging session. You can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Remember to check for any parking limitations and restrictions. Many car parks charge a fee to park as well as the electric vehicle charging cost, and will send out fines if you stay beyond the time limit.
It’s also worth remembering that some destination charge points are free to use, such as those offered for hotel guests. You can find these on Zapmap by filtering for free EV charging points under ‘Payment’.
In general, it’s polite to move your vehicle from the charging bay once your charging session has finished so that other drivers can access it, especially if they’re already waiting to charge.
It might be worth thinking of a charge point as a community hub rather than a personal parking space. For instance, some EV drivers help others to know when the charge point will become available by leaving a note on their windscreen indicating their expected time of departure.
Queues at destination charge points tend to be less common than at en-route charge points, where the power ratings are higher and visitor turnover more frequent. Even so, once you’re topped up it's time to unplug and move on. We recommend that Zapmap users pay for charging via Zap-Pay, so you can check on the status of your charge at any time in the Zapmap app.
Don’t forget to pack up your charging cable if you’ve used your own, and if you do spot another EV driver struggling to plug in, it’s always nice to lend a helping hand or pass on your charging expertise.
Electric Vehicle trendsElectric Vehicle and EV charging fundamentalsEV charging station designEV charging - electrical installation designEV charging - electrical architecturesEV charging - energy and asset managementSmart charging perpectives for optimal EV integration
In 2020, the electrical vehicle market is today shared equally between two main technologies: Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Both technologies are expected to grow fast in the coming years, with the growth of BEVs expected to increase its share up to 60% of total EV production in 2025, and around 40% for PHEVs.
Battery Electric Vehicles are electric vehicles propelled by an electric motor drawing current from an on-board battery energy storage system. BEVs are also called "100% pure electric vehicles" or "all-electric vehicles", because they are powered by electrical energy storage only. They do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE) as a back-up in case the battery is fully discharged.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is an electrical vehicle that can be powered by two energy sources: a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external source of electric power, and a diesel or petrol engine.
The battery capacity of a plug-in hybrid EV is significantly smaller than that of a 100% electric vehicle. A PHEV can, using its battery power, cover on average between 30 to 50km. After this, the petrol / diesel engine takes over.
PHEVs are considered a “transitional” technology. Indeed, with the development of fast charging electrical infrastructures, the increase of on-board battery capacity, and government regulation requirements, BEV (100% electric) technology is expected to grow faster.
Hybrid electric vehicles are internal combustion engine vehicles equipped with a small battery that can be recharged by braking energy recovery, but not by plugging into an external electricity source. These vehicles are not zero nor low emission, but provide an additional CO2 reduction compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
A fuel cell vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by electricity produced by a fuel cell instead of electricity stored in an electrical battery. The fuel cell produces electricity using oxygen and hydrogen as primary sources.
The FCEV does not yet have the maturity of other electric vehicle technologies, such as BEV and PHEV, and currently has only a small share (<1%) in terms of EV production.
Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism, in which the electric motor acts as a generator during the braking, and the generated energy is used to charge the battery. This technology can be used in electrical vehicles, such as HEVs, BEVs, and PHEVs.
Some car manufacturers offer electrical vehicle models with integrated solar PV cells on the vehicle roof. The on-board produced energy is not sufficient to charge the electrical battery but can be used to supply some accessory loads.
An electric vehicle (electric car) is a vehicle propelled by an electric motor, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Electric vehicles are equipped with a charging inlet(s), and an on-board charger that converts AC power into DC so that it can be stored in the battery. An on-board controller ensures the performance of the electric vehicle.
Electric cars are usually equipped with a lithium-ion battery energy storage system. The battery typically has a power range of 5 to 100 kWh and operates at voltage levels from 300 to 800 V.
The battery lifespan depends on the use of the car and the type of charging. Usually, the battery set lasts more than 10 years. However, if DC fast charging is used frequently (more than 3 times / month), the battery capacity, performance and life time are reduced.
Electric vehicles include an on-board charger, which converts the power from AC to DC to charge the battery. The charging capacity of the onboard charger is limited to 22kW AC. In case of fast DC charging (see charging mode 4), the onboard charger is bypassed, and the DC electricity is supplied directly to the battery.
An electrical vehicle has at least one AC charging inlet port. Electrical cars can have a second DC charging inlet for fast charging (mode 4). The DC charging inlet may or may not be an option, depending on car models or countries. Also, some models offer a single port for both AC and DC charging.
The J1772 connector is easily identifiable by three large pins – similar to the power outlet layout at home – and two smaller pin for the car connection. The three broad pins are for Phase, Neutral and Ground while the two small pins are used for communication between the charger and the electric car (Pilot Interface).
It can deliver between 3 and 7.4 kW and supports only single phase with a maximum current of 32 A. It includes an extra protection to lock the connector while charging, in order to avoid disconnection by a third party.
This type of connector is approved as the European standard. The connector stands out with a unique design, rounded but with a flat edge on the top. Its pins distribution is similar to type 1, but includes two more pins, corresponding to the two extra phases needed for three-phase charging.
CHAdeMO is the contraction of "Charge Move". But the acronym is also present in the Japanese sentence: "O cha demo ikaga desuka" which translates as "You will have tea while the car is charging". This sentence represents the will of the association composed by Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nissan, among others: fast charging with direct current. It can therefore be installed as a second socket by vehicle manufacturers next to an alternating current charging socket.
CCS Combo 1 is based on the J1772 Type 1 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
CCS Combo 2 is based on Type 2 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
breaker tripping: since the recharging socket used shares the same switchboard outgoing circuit as other power sockets, if the sum of power consumption exceeds the protection limit (generally 16A), the circuit breaker will trip, interrupting the vehicle charging.
Charging mode 2 is a method for the connection of an EV to a standard socket-outlet, with a control pilot function and a system for personal protection against electric shock, integrated into the connection cable, between the standard plug and the EV.
The rated values for current and voltage must not exceed 32 A and 250 V AC in single-phase, and 32 A and 480 V AC in a three-phase installation, as defined in IEC 61851-1
This mode is limited to domestic electric installations. The connection cable is usually provided with the electric car. As with mode 1, a standard socket outlet is used, but in this case, the protection device and the socket outlet should be able to carry higher charging currents, up to 32A, which is usually not the case for standard domestic power socket circuits.
Because Mode 3 uses a dedicated EV charger (and not a standard socket outlet), the power range is higher, from 3.7kW up to 22kW AC. This higher power range enables fast charging of electric cars, compared to Modes 1 and 2.
The addition of a pilot wire inside the charging cable enables communication between the vehicle and the charging equipment through standard protocols. It also allows the implementation of control functions, such as:
In Mode 4, charging is done through DC EV supply equipment, called EV charging station (or EV charger), connected to an AC or DC supply network. The EV charging station delivers DC current directly to the battery, e.g. bypassing the on-board charger. Charging of the electric vehicle can be done much faster than in mode 1, 2 and 3, as the electrical power charging range is higher than 24kW.
The charging time can be roughly calculated as the ratio between the electric vehicle battery capacity and the charging power. The charging power is limited to the power that the charging station can deliver and that which the Electrical Vehicle can accept.
the charging speed profile is not linear. Electric vehicles are not continuously charged at maximum power. In particular, DC charging (mode 4) is charging very fast until the battery reaches 80% - 90% of its capacity, and slows down significantly for the remaining 10-20%.
the charging speed depends on the battery temperature. The optimum temperature for charging is between 20°C and 30°C. If the battery temperature is outside of this range, charging can be slower.
Unlike conventional internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which refuel at gas stations, electric vehicles can recharge at multiple locations: @home (residential buildings), @work (small to large office buildings ...), @destinations (public parkings, hypermarkets ...), @fleet (city buses, delivery trucks, company cars ...), @transit (highways, city stations ...). The charging time and cost for the end user, the charging mode, the number of chargers and their power range are all dependent on the charging station location.
Home is the most common place to charge. Home charging is cost-effective and usually sufficient for daily trips. It is generally considered as more convenient than refuelling ICE vehicles at gas stations.
multi-family: residential buildings with multiple apartments (condominium), where charging points may be private (individual garage) or shared between condominium inhabitants (a number of EV charging points located in the common parking place)
Residential charging is done mainly at night, when the car is not in use and when electricity is usually cheaper. EV charging equipment is most commonly single-phase and with a power delivery rate up to a maximum of 7.4 kW. Charging is slow and may require several hours. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for its built-in safety features.
Workplace EV chargers are becoming available at a growing number of companies, especially those committed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. It can be attractive for employees, especially if the price for charging is equivalent or lower than the price for charging at home. Workplace charging can be an opportunity to encourage electric vehicle adoption for employees that do not have charging points at home or for employees needing to charge both at home and at work for their daily usage.
Workplace charging is done mainly during the day. EV chargers in the workplace are usually 3-phase with a power range of 11kW and 22kW. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for safety reasons.
Charging is done in mode 4 (DC charging, also sometimes called DC fast charging). The power range of the EV charging station is from 50kW up to 350kW. The charging time depends on the power range – usually less than 30min.
The Electrical Installation Guide is now available here as a wiki (Electrical Installation Wiki). This wiki is a collaborative platform, brought to you by Schneider Electric: our experts are continuously improving its content, as they were doing for the guide. Collaboration to this wiki is also open to all.
Zero-emission vehicles are gaining traction, but for EVs to become practical for more people, drivers need easy and reliable charging options. This is especially true for those living in apartments or condos, where installing a home charger can be a challenge.
Multi-unit properties often have unique obstacles to EV charger installation, from parking layouts to building designs and ownership structures. Additionally, many of these properties are part of planned communities with rules that can complicate how residents use their spaces. That’s where a right-to-charge law, like California’s, becomes essential.
How can residents of apartments or condos overcome these challenges to install home EV chargers? And how can EV professionals guide clients through the approval process? Let’s explore how a right-to-charge law helps make charging more accessible for everyone.
A right-to-charge law ensures individuals living in multi-unit buildings or planned communities can install an EV charging station for personal use, despite potential obstacles. These laws help remove barriers for charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, they often come with conditions, such as requiring the individual to cover the costs of electrical infrastructure upgrades, charging expenses, and maintaining an appropriate insurance policy.
Several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Virginia, have enacted right-to-charge laws. These laws differ by state but generally restrict homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or condo boards from outright denying EV charger installations.
While not widely known, right-to-charge laws are critical for EV drivers living in multi-unit housing. These laws empower residents to pursue sustainable transportation options while ensuring property managers, HOAs, and landlords comply with legal requirements. For EV professionals, understanding these laws is vital for helping clients navigate the installation process smoothly.
California continues to lead the way in clean energy adoption with forward-thinking legislation, including the California Solar Rights Act, the solar mandate for new construction, and the California right-to-charge law. Codified under California Civil Code Section 4745, the California right to charge law ensures that residents of condos, co-ops, and planned communities—whether owners or renters—have the right to install EV charging stations.
Under the California right to charge law, chargers can typically be installed “within an owner’s unit or in a designated parking space” or “at a parking space allocated for the lessee.” If these options are impractical or prohibitively expensive, the law allows for the installation of charging stations in common areas or other designated locations on the property.
By removing barriers to EV adoption, the California right to charge law empowers residents to embrace sustainable transportation, even in multi-unit housing or shared community settings, supporting the state’s ongoing transition to clean energy.
Right to charge laws are currently in effect in several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and, more recently, Illinois. Illinois enacted the Electric Vehicle Charging Act in 2023, granting condo owners and renters the right to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces. This aligns with the growing commitment of right to charge states to promote EV adoption in residential communities.
Certain U.S. cities, such as Seattle and Washington, D.C., have also implemented right-to-charge laws to facilitate EV charging station installations. While most of these laws apply primarily to owner-occupied buildings, some—like those in California, Illinois, and Colorado—extend protections to renters, ensuring broader accessibility to EV charging infrastructure.
Even in states without a right to charge law, it might still be possible to get approval to install an electric car charger in a multi-family building, condo, or HOA. This usually involves submitting a written request to the board, apartment owner, or management company.
When making the request, consider where the EV charging station would be located and how someone could park while using it. The charger should ideally be mounted on a wall or post in a convenient parking area. Depending on the property’s layout, wiring can be a challenge. EV professionals can assist clients in evaluating these factors or even speaking at a condominium association or HOA meeting.
It’s also essential to address how the EV driver will pay for the electricity, charging equipment, and installation. Many chargers come with tracking systems to easily calculate electricity consumption, which can simplify payment arrangements and make the installation proposal more appealing to decision-makers.
If applicable, determine if other residents are interested in using the same charger. While some multi-unit buildings share EV chargers among households, this can create challenges, such as scheduling conflicts or prolonged vehicle occupancy in the charging spot.
For residents in states with a right to charge law, the process is typically smoother, as these laws provide legal backing to ensure fair consideration of such requests. Whether a state has adopted a right-to-charge law or not, careful planning and presenting a well-thought-out proposal can increase the likelihood of approval.
HOAs have a legal document called Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that describe the requirements and limitations of the property. Likewise, condominiums have declarations and bylaws that dictate the use, rules, and maintenance of the property. These legal governing documents may have information relevant to the installation and use of EV charging stations. There may also be applicable EV laws in a given state or town.
Many condo and apartment dwellers encounter issues with charging electric cars due to the lack of dedicated parking or charging infrastructure. However, right to charge laws, particularly in states like California, offer protections that make it easier for residents to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces.
To charge an electric car in a condo, check and obtain approval from the condo association, select a suitable location, and confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician. Choose an appropriate charging solution, obtain the required permits, and have the charger installed. Provide documentation to the association, schedule inspections, and, upon approval, manage charging efficiently to accommodate residents sharing the infrastructure.
Yes, under the right to charge law California, renters are allowed to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces, as long as they cover the installation and maintenance costs. Landlords can set reasonable conditions, such as requiring the use of licensed contractors and ensuring the installation meets building codes and safety standards. This law helps renters embrace sustainable transportation while maintaining property safety and integrity.
Under the California right to charge law, the tenant is typically responsible for covering all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the EV charger. However, tenants can take advantage of state or utility company rebates and incentives, which may help reduce some of these expenses. This allows tenants to install EV chargers while potentially lowering their upfront investment.
Many HOAs have electric car charging policies in place that govern the installation and use of EV chargers within the community. These policies typically include guidelines on approval processes, location restrictions, aesthetics, and any associated fees.
While the right to charge law ensures that residents in certain states, like California, have the right to install an EV charger, it's still important to review and comply with the HOA's specific policies. Residents should seek approval before proceeding with the installation to ensure they meet all requirements.
The California right to charge law requires property owners to allow the installation of EV charging stations in designated parking spaces, with certain conditions. Property owners can impose reasonable restrictions, such as ensuring safety and using licensed contractors. They may also request removal if safety standards aren’t met. This law helps promote electric vehicle adoption and supports California's commitment to sustainable transportation.
To install a Tesla charger in a condo, review and comply with condo rules, secure association approval, and select a suitable location. Confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician, choose a Tesla charger, and obtain necessary permits. Hire an electrician for installation, submit required documentation to the condo association, pass inspections, and obtain final approval for a seamless Tesla charger installation.
As more and more households want to install EV chargers, residents of multi-unit buildings and planned communities will be figuring out how to navigate the process. Knowing the EV laws in your area and how to navigate HOAs and condo boards will be critical for moving EV charger installation projects forward.
Navigating the EV charging station design and engineering process can be tricky. GreenLancer is an online marketplace where you can shop for vendors to fulfill your needs in record time. That means more time back to you and standardized solutions to accelerate your EV charging station installations. You can complete the form below if you are a professional EV charging station installer.
As electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids continue to rise in popularity, owners are facing the challenge of understanding the different charging options available. This guide will provide clarity on types of EV charging, the three main charging locations, charging times, connectors, and resources to help you charge your EV efficiently.
Whether you've just got an electric car or are considering getting one, this guide is for you. Here we’ll walk you through some of the first steps of your adventure into electric travel.
The good news is that charging an electric vehicle can happen almost anywhere. What’s more, this guide is the best place to start if you’re after a few simple facts to get you on the road.
So once you’ve got your shiny new electric motor – now what? Well, your first step is to be intrigued, because the switch to electric transport is really exciting. We’ve not witnessed a shift as big as this since people started driving petrol-powered ‘autocars’ in the late 1800s.
So don’t worry if you find your first charging session a little daunting. But do spare a thought for petrol pioneer Henry Sturmey, who drove from John o’ Groats to Land’s End in 1897. He was almost barred entry to a ferry outside Plymouth because the skipper didn’t know what a car was. You shouldn’t have to worry about that now.
You could also check out how to charge your electric car specifically in our range of model charging guides. These will help you understand your car’s charging times and connector types.
Just imagine, you plug your car in when you get home from work and wake up the next morning to find it fully charged – often on the cheapest renewable electricity the grid has to offer.
Home charge points are compact devices usually fixed to your house or garage. They’re weatherproof, and either have a charging cable attached or a socket to plug in a portable cable. Find out more in our guide to electric car charging at home.
The UK’s public charging network is a great alternative for all of your charging needs, offering a range of charging speeds at varying prices. (There are even some free EV charging points you can use.)
If you haven’t already, download the Zapmap app to take a look at the charge points in your local area – you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different charge points wherever you go.
You may find, for example, that you have dedicated on-street charging provision close to your home. This is a growing area of the UK’s public charging network, providing a solution for drivers who live in a flat or a house without off-street parking, and are therefore unable to charge their car at home.
Once you’ve taken a look at the charge points near you, think about your routine. How many miles do you drive each day, each week? What kind of long journeys do you do, if any?
At this point, says EV driver Maz Shar, you can start to look into the logistics in more detail: “Can you charge at your workplace? Can you charge while doing your weekly shop? While at the gym? Is there a charger within walking distance?
“Think about how long you normally spend there. If it’s an hour, it’ll be ideal to have a rapid charger – this is often the case at supermarkets and gyms. If it’s a few hours then a destination charger will suffice.”
In fact, there are so many different charging locations that we’ve created a whole set of filters in the Zapmap app to help you narrow down your choices. This enables you to find available chargers that suit your needs by filtering for charge point network, location type, payment method, power type and more.
As you may know, you can charge an electric car at many different speeds (we’ll come to this in a bit). This means there are a few types of charging provision across the public network.
For example, you tend to find the very quickest chargers at motorway service stations. These charge points are a great example of en-route charging provision, designed for drivers looking to recharge as quickly as possible on longer journeys. Find out more in the guides below.
A few years ago, navigating the UK’s public charging network certainly came with some complexity. However, the public network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a very positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
In part, this is thanks to standardisation of connector types. Type 2 and CCS connectors have almost become the standard connectors for electric vehicles (although Nissan is an exception). This has made finding compatible charge points significantly easier for drivers.
When it comes to the speed at which your car can charge, generally speaking there are two broad categories of charge points to be aware of when using the public network.
These charging devices encompass both ‘rapid’ and ‘ultra-rapid’ chargers, as you’ll hear them called. They’re designed to increase your car’s range as quickly as possible, getting you back on the road again in no time.
With the quickest ones you’ll have enough time for a short coffee break, while others are useful either to top up the battery or to charge up fully over lunch when en-route to your destination.
The quicker devices within this banding are useful when you’re leaving the car behind for a few hours. This might be a day trip with the family, maybe you’re running errands – or perhaps you have a business meeting in the city.
At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find some of the lowest-powered charge points integrated into lampposts and bollards on residential streets, or at places like hotels – anywhere you might leave your car parked for a long period of time. If you have a home charger installed, it’ll be within this range too. Because these particular chargers are designed for long stays or for overnight charging, at this speed your car will take anywhere from six to 18 hours to charge to 80%. (Although there are a few factors at play here, this essentially boils down to the capacity of the battery.)
These days charging your car is, for the most part, fairly intuitive. But there are definitely some tips and tricks to be aware of that will help you optimise your charging experience and make the most of your new electric lifestyle.
For starters, it’s best practice to top up your car before it drops below 20% charge. This is primarily for the health of the battery, but also for your own peace of mind. It’s good to have this 20% in reserve because you never know – there might be a diversion waiting for you just around the corner.
At the other end of the spectrum, it’s best to end your charging sessions once you reach 80%. From this point on, in order to protect the battery, it takes a lot longer to charge. In some cases, it can take as long to charge from 80-100% as it does from 20% to 80%.
There are tens of thousands of public charge points across the UK, and this number is growing all the time. You may have seen signs on the motorway for en-route charging networks such as GRIDSERVE. You’ve probably walked past charge points at your local supermarket. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different chargers wherever you go.
However, by far the most reliable way to locate charge points that suit your needs is to open the Zapmap app. With almost all public charge points mapped, it gives you the widest choice of charging options, tailored to your needs. You can also see the current status of each location, so you know which chargers are available right now.
“When I'm looking for charging locations, I use the Zapmap app with its handy filtering of location types. If I select ‘Supermarket,’ I can fit in a shop while I'm waiting for the car to charge. Very convenient!”
Ways to pay for charging vary, but the majority of charge point operators offer contactless payments via credit/debit card on the device itself, or alternative payment methods such as a network-specific app or RFID card.
The majority of rapid and ultra-rapid charge points now offer contactless payment. Quick, easy and accessible, contactless suits many people. The government has mandated that contactless payment be available on all new rapid chargers that are installed, and within the next couple of years this will also apply to any existing rapid chargers without contactless capability.
Zap-Pay is a cross-network payment solution that allows you to start charging at the click of a button, and pay via credit/debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You’ll want to select the charger you'd like to use within the app – a helpful Zap-Pay button will then pop up in a banner.
The UK’s public charging network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
As you may know, there are quite a number of EV charging networks across the country. Some are brand new and others well established, with many networks offering national coverage while others provide charging in a specific region.
Some networks are certainly doing a better job than others. Osprey Charging is a great example of an operator that’s prioritising accessibility, providing wider and longer bays for better access, and charge points designed to be used easily with just one hand.
When it comes to giving drivers protection from the elements, Fastned leads the pack. Many of Fastned’s charging hubs have a distinctive yellow canopy, which mirrors the protection offered at petrol stations and provides a safe, well-lit charging experience.
And remember, this is just the beginning of your journey, so don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow drivers for tips and advice. There’s a thriving community of electric car drivers in the EV Café on the Zapmap app. They’ll be eager to share their experiences with you and keen to lend a helping hand if ever you need one.
“I’ve been driving electric for over nine years. My initial motivation was the positive environmental benefits, but I could never go back now because I'm wedded to the smooth drive and simplicity of the automatic transmission - just press and go!”
Out of more than 59,000 charging devices on Zapmap, we found that – as of April 2024 – 2,354 were free to use. Put another way, that’s around 4% of all EV charging points that won’t incur a cost. So where are they all?
As you can see, some areas have far more free devices than others. The three areas with the highest number of free EV chargers are the South East with 438, Scotland with 286 and Greater London with 268.
There are some other noteworthy points too. Greater London’s 268 free chargers comprise only 1.4% of its total number of charging devices, reflecting the high concentration of paid-for on-street chargers and rapid devices in the capital.
In contrast, most slow chargers are now on-street chargers, the vast majority of which incur a cost. This would explain why there are only 323 free slow chargers across the UK (around 14% of total free devices).
Interestingly, there are 45 rapid chargers around the country that are still free, representing almost 2% of the total number of free chargers. While you can find these around the country, they are concentrated in Scotland, especially south of Glasgow. Here some local authorities are still providing free charging as an incentive for drivers to switch to electric, supporting their broader clean air and environmental objectives.
It is unlikely that this will continue indefinitely and an increasing number of these chargers are beginning to incur a cost. In Scotland, many cities and local authorities have already started to introduce a fee on the ChargePlace Scotland chargers. For example, in November 2022, there were 283 rapid chargers around the UK that were still free to use, representing just over 7% of the total number of free chargers at that time.
As you can see, public car parks have the most free EV devices, with 433. You’ll also find 359 free devices at dealership forecourts, and 306 at hotels and other accommodation around the UK.
If you take a look through Zapmap and filter by location type, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, pubs, museums, garden centres, theatres, zoos, National Trust properties and leisure centres that provide free charging.
Many hotels and B&Bs offer free charging to visitors, perhaps more than have registered. What’s more, Charity ZeroNet provides charge points for the hospitality and leisure sector. Around 15% of the network’s more than 350 charging points are free to use.
Taken together, public, retail and workplace car parks have by far the highest number of free EV charging devices, at 975. As with accommodation and also supermarkets, many retailers use free charging as a way to attract loyal customers.
Yes, it’s free at some supermarkets. Supermarkets with free EV charging points include Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi. Pod Point is the network provider and free charging is mostly on its fast 7/22kW chargers. Morrisons, Waitrose and Asda also have EV charging points, but they aren’t free to use on a pay-as-you-go basis.
As of November 2022, the fast 7/22kW Pod Point chargers at Tesco are no longer free to use. Indeed, customers now need to pay for these fast chargers, as has always been the case with the rapid charge points.
Yes, some of them do and this is something you’ll need to bear in mind when locating free chargers. Many free charge points have some kind of access restriction (e.g. devices that are ‘customer only’, for example).
Another consideration is that you’ll need to ensure you have the appropriate RFID card or app to start a charge and, while the charging might be free, there may well be some parking charges to pay.
Before you head off to grab your free charge – make sure you check Zapmap and, in particular, the user comments to get insights on all the details of a particular charge point.
Plus, if you’d like to know more, you can hear Zapmap Co-founder & COO Melanie Shufflebotham speaking to BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme about free EV charging points in the UK.
In essence, destination charging is designed to offer you the convenience of topping up your car battery while you’re away doing something more exciting. You could leave the car behind to go shopping, eat out or explore the great outdoors – and head back to find it nicely topped up upon your return, or even fully charged. This will often save you from needing to charge on your return or onward journey.
If you’ve just made the switch to an electric car but are unsure about how it all works, scroll on for more info and advice about destination charging in the UK.
Across the country, charge point operators such as Alfa Power, Mer and RAW Charging are installing medium-powered chargers for electric car drivers to top up their batteries while at a whole range of destinations.
Thanks to super-speedy en-route charging provision and the increasing ranges of newer EV models, the days of range anxiety on longer journeys are pretty much gone. But this is also thanks to a large number of destination charging providers that enable drivers to add a top-up charge almost anywhere they go.
As well as the three networks above, operators such as GeniePoint, Osprey, Pod Point and Tesla are continuing to roll out charge points at hotels, pubs, supermarkets and other tourist attractions.
Destination chargers are usually designed to make use of the time you’re away from your car, which varies between an hour and a few hours depending on the location. This means destination charge points tend to have a lower power rating than their speedier, ‘en-route’ cousins.
Generally speaking, destination chargers across the country have power ratings that range from 7kW - 50kW. This means you’ll come across both AC and DC charge points when topping up at a destination.
With this in mind, most of these chargers will be AC, and between 7kW and 22kW. You’ll also find some quicker DC devices at locations such as supermarkets, many of which will be 50kW, though some networks have installed 25kW DC chargers with CCS or CHAdeMO connector types.
Tesla destination chargers are often wall-mounted, or on small posts as pictured. They are free to use by all Tesla drivers who are customers of the destinations where the points are located. Typically 22kW chargers, they are intended to top up the Tesla's battery over the course of several hours.
The company often installs a non-Tesla-specific Type 2 charge point alongside its destination chargers. These are available for any EV driver to use, providing they have a Type 2 inlet on their car, since the units come with tethered cables.
The Pod Point network aims to offer a charge point everywhere drivers park. As such, Pod Point locations include Tesco and Lidl stores, as well as Center Parcs and National Park locations - for example in the Peak District. The operator's charge points range from bollard-style chargers (pictured) to larger charging units often found in supermarket car parks.
Like Pod Point, RAW charge points come in a range of types and sizes, with bollard-style RAW chargers usually found at retail locations. RAW Charging supplies charging infrastructure for several major property owners in the UK, including McArthurGlen Outlets, Aviva Investors and Greene King pubs.
Monta supplies the back-office software and payment systems for EV chargers belonging to a range of businesses. As such, its physical charge points vary from location to location. Wall-mounted and bollard-style charge points are the most commonly used in destination charging as they are usually lower power and take up less space in existing car parks.
Wherever you are in the UK, you can locate destination charging points quickly and easily with the Zapmap app and desktop map, both of which enable you to see the live availability status of more than 75% of these charge points, 24/7.
You may also want to use the ‘Power type’ slider to further refine your search. This enables you to filter for chargers with a lower power rating, which you’ll typically find at destinations such as supermarkets and garden centres.
Select Zap-Pay in the ‘Payment’ filter to find charge points where you can use it, and enjoy paying quickly and easily for your charging session. You can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Remember to check for any parking limitations and restrictions. Many car parks charge a fee to park as well as the electric vehicle charging cost, and will send out fines if you stay beyond the time limit.
It’s also worth remembering that some destination charge points are free to use, such as those offered for hotel guests. You can find these on Zapmap by filtering for free EV charging points under ‘Payment’.
In general, it’s polite to move your vehicle from the charging bay once your charging session has finished so that other drivers can access it, especially if they’re already waiting to charge.
It might be worth thinking of a charge point as a community hub rather than a personal parking space. For instance, some EV drivers help others to know when the charge point will become available by leaving a note on their windscreen indicating their expected time of departure.
Queues at destination charge points tend to be less common than at en-route charge points, where the power ratings are higher and visitor turnover more frequent. Even so, once you’re topped up it's time to unplug and move on. We recommend that Zapmap users pay for charging via Zap-Pay, so you can check on the status of your charge at any time in the Zapmap app.
Don’t forget to pack up your charging cable if you’ve used your own, and if you do spot another EV driver struggling to plug in, it’s always nice to lend a helping hand or pass on your charging expertise.
Electric Vehicle trendsElectric Vehicle and EV charging fundamentalsEV charging station designEV charging - electrical installation designEV charging - electrical architecturesEV charging - energy and asset managementSmart charging perpectives for optimal EV integration
In 2020, the electrical vehicle market is today shared equally between two main technologies: Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Both technologies are expected to grow fast in the coming years, with the growth of BEVs expected to increase its share up to 60% of total EV production in 2025, and around 40% for PHEVs.
Battery Electric Vehicles are electric vehicles propelled by an electric motor drawing current from an on-board battery energy storage system. BEVs are also called "100% pure electric vehicles" or "all-electric vehicles", because they are powered by electrical energy storage only. They do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE) as a back-up in case the battery is fully discharged.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is an electrical vehicle that can be powered by two energy sources: a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external source of electric power, and a diesel or petrol engine.
The battery capacity of a plug-in hybrid EV is significantly smaller than that of a 100% electric vehicle. A PHEV can, using its battery power, cover on average between 30 to 50km. After this, the petrol / diesel engine takes over.
PHEVs are considered a “transitional” technology. Indeed, with the development of fast charging electrical infrastructures, the increase of on-board battery capacity, and government regulation requirements, BEV (100% electric) technology is expected to grow faster.
Hybrid electric vehicles are internal combustion engine vehicles equipped with a small battery that can be recharged by braking energy recovery, but not by plugging into an external electricity source. These vehicles are not zero nor low emission, but provide an additional CO2 reduction compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
A fuel cell vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by electricity produced by a fuel cell instead of electricity stored in an electrical battery. The fuel cell produces electricity using oxygen and hydrogen as primary sources.
The FCEV does not yet have the maturity of other electric vehicle technologies, such as BEV and PHEV, and currently has only a small share (<1%) in terms of EV production.
Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism, in which the electric motor acts as a generator during the braking, and the generated energy is used to charge the battery. This technology can be used in electrical vehicles, such as HEVs, BEVs, and PHEVs.
Some car manufacturers offer electrical vehicle models with integrated solar PV cells on the vehicle roof. The on-board produced energy is not sufficient to charge the electrical battery but can be used to supply some accessory loads.
An electric vehicle (electric car) is a vehicle propelled by an electric motor, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Electric vehicles are equipped with a charging inlet(s), and an on-board charger that converts AC power into DC so that it can be stored in the battery. An on-board controller ensures the performance of the electric vehicle.
Electric cars are usually equipped with a lithium-ion battery energy storage system. The battery typically has a power range of 5 to 100 kWh and operates at voltage levels from 300 to 800 V.
The battery lifespan depends on the use of the car and the type of charging. Usually, the battery set lasts more than 10 years. However, if DC fast charging is used frequently (more than 3 times / month), the battery capacity, performance and life time are reduced.
Electric vehicles include an on-board charger, which converts the power from AC to DC to charge the battery. The charging capacity of the onboard charger is limited to 22kW AC. In case of fast DC charging (see charging mode 4), the onboard charger is bypassed, and the DC electricity is supplied directly to the battery.
An electrical vehicle has at least one AC charging inlet port. Electrical cars can have a second DC charging inlet for fast charging (mode 4). The DC charging inlet may or may not be an option, depending on car models or countries. Also, some models offer a single port for both AC and DC charging.
The J1772 connector is easily identifiable by three large pins – similar to the power outlet layout at home – and two smaller pin for the car connection. The three broad pins are for Phase, Neutral and Ground while the two small pins are used for communication between the charger and the electric car (Pilot Interface).
It can deliver between 3 and 7.4 kW and supports only single phase with a maximum current of 32 A. It includes an extra protection to lock the connector while charging, in order to avoid disconnection by a third party.
This type of connector is approved as the European standard. The connector stands out with a unique design, rounded but with a flat edge on the top. Its pins distribution is similar to type 1, but includes two more pins, corresponding to the two extra phases needed for three-phase charging.
CHAdeMO is the contraction of "Charge Move". But the acronym is also present in the Japanese sentence: "O cha demo ikaga desuka" which translates as "You will have tea while the car is charging". This sentence represents the will of the association composed by Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nissan, among others: fast charging with direct current. It can therefore be installed as a second socket by vehicle manufacturers next to an alternating current charging socket.
CCS Combo 1 is based on the J1772 Type 1 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
CCS Combo 2 is based on Type 2 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
breaker tripping: since the recharging socket used shares the same switchboard outgoing circuit as other power sockets, if the sum of power consumption exceeds the protection limit (generally 16A), the circuit breaker will trip, interrupting the vehicle charging.
Charging mode 2 is a method for the connection of an EV to a standard socket-outlet, with a control pilot function and a system for personal protection against electric shock, integrated into the connection cable, between the standard plug and the EV.
The rated values for current and voltage must not exceed 32 A and 250 V AC in single-phase, and 32 A and 480 V AC in a three-phase installation, as defined in IEC 61851-1
This mode is limited to domestic electric installations. The connection cable is usually provided with the electric car. As with mode 1, a standard socket outlet is used, but in this case, the protection device and the socket outlet should be able to carry higher charging currents, up to 32A, which is usually not the case for standard domestic power socket circuits.
Because Mode 3 uses a dedicated EV charger (and not a standard socket outlet), the power range is higher, from 3.7kW up to 22kW AC. This higher power range enables fast charging of electric cars, compared to Modes 1 and 2.
The addition of a pilot wire inside the charging cable enables communication between the vehicle and the charging equipment through standard protocols. It also allows the implementation of control functions, such as:
In Mode 4, charging is done through DC EV supply equipment, called EV charging station (or EV charger), connected to an AC or DC supply network. The EV charging station delivers DC current directly to the battery, e.g. bypassing the on-board charger. Charging of the electric vehicle can be done much faster than in mode 1, 2 and 3, as the electrical power charging range is higher than 24kW.
The charging time can be roughly calculated as the ratio between the electric vehicle battery capacity and the charging power. The charging power is limited to the power that the charging station can deliver and that which the Electrical Vehicle can accept.
the charging speed profile is not linear. Electric vehicles are not continuously charged at maximum power. In particular, DC charging (mode 4) is charging very fast until the battery reaches 80% - 90% of its capacity, and slows down significantly for the remaining 10-20%.
the charging speed depends on the battery temperature. The optimum temperature for charging is between 20°C and 30°C. If the battery temperature is outside of this range, charging can be slower.
Unlike conventional internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which refuel at gas stations, electric vehicles can recharge at multiple locations: @home (residential buildings), @work (small to large office buildings ...), @destinations (public parkings, hypermarkets ...), @fleet (city buses, delivery trucks, company cars ...), @transit (highways, city stations ...). The charging time and cost for the end user, the charging mode, the number of chargers and their power range are all dependent on the charging station location.
Home is the most common place to charge. Home charging is cost-effective and usually sufficient for daily trips. It is generally considered as more convenient than refuelling ICE vehicles at gas stations.
multi-family: residential buildings with multiple apartments (condominium), where charging points may be private (individual garage) or shared between condominium inhabitants (a number of EV charging points located in the common parking place)
Residential charging is done mainly at night, when the car is not in use and when electricity is usually cheaper. EV charging equipment is most commonly single-phase and with a power delivery rate up to a maximum of 7.4 kW. Charging is slow and may require several hours. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for its built-in safety features.
Workplace EV chargers are becoming available at a growing number of companies, especially those committed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. It can be attractive for employees, especially if the price for charging is equivalent or lower than the price for charging at home. Workplace charging can be an opportunity to encourage electric vehicle adoption for employees that do not have charging points at home or for employees needing to charge both at home and at work for their daily usage.
Workplace charging is done mainly during the day. EV chargers in the workplace are usually 3-phase with a power range of 11kW and 22kW. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for safety reasons.
Charging is done in mode 4 (DC charging, also sometimes called DC fast charging). The power range of the EV charging station is from 50kW up to 350kW. The charging time depends on the power range – usually less than 30min.
The Electrical Installation Guide is now available here as a wiki (Electrical Installation Wiki). This wiki is a collaborative platform, brought to you by Schneider Electric: our experts are continuously improving its content, as they were doing for the guide. Collaboration to this wiki is also open to all.
Zero-emission vehicles are gaining traction, but for EVs to become practical for more people, drivers need easy and reliable charging options. This is especially true for those living in apartments or condos, where installing a home charger can be a challenge.
Multi-unit properties often have unique obstacles to EV charger installation, from parking layouts to building designs and ownership structures. Additionally, many of these properties are part of planned communities with rules that can complicate how residents use their spaces. That’s where a right-to-charge law, like California’s, becomes essential.
How can residents of apartments or condos overcome these challenges to install home EV chargers? And how can EV professionals guide clients through the approval process? Let’s explore how a right-to-charge law helps make charging more accessible for everyone.
A right-to-charge law ensures individuals living in multi-unit buildings or planned communities can install an EV charging station for personal use, despite potential obstacles. These laws help remove barriers for charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, they often come with conditions, such as requiring the individual to cover the costs of electrical infrastructure upgrades, charging expenses, and maintaining an appropriate insurance policy.
Several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Virginia, have enacted right-to-charge laws. These laws differ by state but generally restrict homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or condo boards from outright denying EV charger installations.
While not widely known, right-to-charge laws are critical for EV drivers living in multi-unit housing. These laws empower residents to pursue sustainable transportation options while ensuring property managers, HOAs, and landlords comply with legal requirements. For EV professionals, understanding these laws is vital for helping clients navigate the installation process smoothly.
California continues to lead the way in clean energy adoption with forward-thinking legislation, including the California Solar Rights Act, the solar mandate for new construction, and the California right-to-charge law. Codified under California Civil Code Section 4745, the California right to charge law ensures that residents of condos, co-ops, and planned communities—whether owners or renters—have the right to install EV charging stations.
Under the California right to charge law, chargers can typically be installed “within an owner’s unit or in a designated parking space” or “at a parking space allocated for the lessee.” If these options are impractical or prohibitively expensive, the law allows for the installation of charging stations in common areas or other designated locations on the property.
By removing barriers to EV adoption, the California right to charge law empowers residents to embrace sustainable transportation, even in multi-unit housing or shared community settings, supporting the state’s ongoing transition to clean energy.
Right to charge laws are currently in effect in several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and, more recently, Illinois. Illinois enacted the Electric Vehicle Charging Act in 2023, granting condo owners and renters the right to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces. This aligns with the growing commitment of right to charge states to promote EV adoption in residential communities.
Certain U.S. cities, such as Seattle and Washington, D.C., have also implemented right-to-charge laws to facilitate EV charging station installations. While most of these laws apply primarily to owner-occupied buildings, some—like those in California, Illinois, and Colorado—extend protections to renters, ensuring broader accessibility to EV charging infrastructure.
Even in states without a right to charge law, it might still be possible to get approval to install an electric car charger in a multi-family building, condo, or HOA. This usually involves submitting a written request to the board, apartment owner, or management company.
When making the request, consider where the EV charging station would be located and how someone could park while using it. The charger should ideally be mounted on a wall or post in a convenient parking area. Depending on the property’s layout, wiring can be a challenge. EV professionals can assist clients in evaluating these factors or even speaking at a condominium association or HOA meeting.
It’s also essential to address how the EV driver will pay for the electricity, charging equipment, and installation. Many chargers come with tracking systems to easily calculate electricity consumption, which can simplify payment arrangements and make the installation proposal more appealing to decision-makers.
If applicable, determine if other residents are interested in using the same charger. While some multi-unit buildings share EV chargers among households, this can create challenges, such as scheduling conflicts or prolonged vehicle occupancy in the charging spot.
For residents in states with a right to charge law, the process is typically smoother, as these laws provide legal backing to ensure fair consideration of such requests. Whether a state has adopted a right-to-charge law or not, careful planning and presenting a well-thought-out proposal can increase the likelihood of approval.
HOAs have a legal document called Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that describe the requirements and limitations of the property. Likewise, condominiums have declarations and bylaws that dictate the use, rules, and maintenance of the property. These legal governing documents may have information relevant to the installation and use of EV charging stations. There may also be applicable EV laws in a given state or town.
Many condo and apartment dwellers encounter issues with charging electric cars due to the lack of dedicated parking or charging infrastructure. However, right to charge laws, particularly in states like California, offer protections that make it easier for residents to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces.
To charge an electric car in a condo, check and obtain approval from the condo association, select a suitable location, and confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician. Choose an appropriate charging solution, obtain the required permits, and have the charger installed. Provide documentation to the association, schedule inspections, and, upon approval, manage charging efficiently to accommodate residents sharing the infrastructure.
Yes, under the right to charge law California, renters are allowed to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces, as long as they cover the installation and maintenance costs. Landlords can set reasonable conditions, such as requiring the use of licensed contractors and ensuring the installation meets building codes and safety standards. This law helps renters embrace sustainable transportation while maintaining property safety and integrity.
Under the California right to charge law, the tenant is typically responsible for covering all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the EV charger. However, tenants can take advantage of state or utility company rebates and incentives, which may help reduce some of these expenses. This allows tenants to install EV chargers while potentially lowering their upfront investment.
Many HOAs have electric car charging policies in place that govern the installation and use of EV chargers within the community. These policies typically include guidelines on approval processes, location restrictions, aesthetics, and any associated fees.
While the right to charge law ensures that residents in certain states, like California, have the right to install an EV charger, it's still important to review and comply with the HOA's specific policies. Residents should seek approval before proceeding with the installation to ensure they meet all requirements.
The California right to charge law requires property owners to allow the installation of EV charging stations in designated parking spaces, with certain conditions. Property owners can impose reasonable restrictions, such as ensuring safety and using licensed contractors. They may also request removal if safety standards aren’t met. This law helps promote electric vehicle adoption and supports California's commitment to sustainable transportation.
To install a Tesla charger in a condo, review and comply with condo rules, secure association approval, and select a suitable location. Confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician, choose a Tesla charger, and obtain necessary permits. Hire an electrician for installation, submit required documentation to the condo association, pass inspections, and obtain final approval for a seamless Tesla charger installation.
As more and more households want to install EV chargers, residents of multi-unit buildings and planned communities will be figuring out how to navigate the process. Knowing the EV laws in your area and how to navigate HOAs and condo boards will be critical for moving EV charger installation projects forward.
Navigating the EV charging station design and engineering process can be tricky. GreenLancer is an online marketplace where you can shop for vendors to fulfill your needs in record time. That means more time back to you and standardized solutions to accelerate your EV charging station installations. You can complete the form below if you are a professional EV charging station installer.
As electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids continue to rise in popularity, owners are facing the challenge of understanding the different charging options available. This guide will provide clarity on types of EV charging, the three main charging locations, charging times, connectors, and resources to help you charge your EV efficiently.
Whether you've just got an electric car or are considering getting one, this guide is for you. Here we’ll walk you through some of the first steps of your adventure into electric travel.
The good news is that charging an electric vehicle can happen almost anywhere. What’s more, this guide is the best place to start if you’re after a few simple facts to get you on the road.
So once you’ve got your shiny new electric motor – now what? Well, your first step is to be intrigued, because the switch to electric transport is really exciting. We’ve not witnessed a shift as big as this since people started driving petrol-powered ‘autocars’ in the late 1800s.
So don’t worry if you find your first charging session a little daunting. But do spare a thought for petrol pioneer Henry Sturmey, who drove from John o’ Groats to Land’s End in 1897. He was almost barred entry to a ferry outside Plymouth because the skipper didn’t know what a car was. You shouldn’t have to worry about that now.
You could also check out how to charge your electric car specifically in our range of model charging guides. These will help you understand your car’s charging times and connector types.
Just imagine, you plug your car in when you get home from work and wake up the next morning to find it fully charged – often on the cheapest renewable electricity the grid has to offer.
Home charge points are compact devices usually fixed to your house or garage. They’re weatherproof, and either have a charging cable attached or a socket to plug in a portable cable. Find out more in our guide to electric car charging at home.
The UK’s public charging network is a great alternative for all of your charging needs, offering a range of charging speeds at varying prices. (There are even some free EV charging points you can use.)
If you haven’t already, download the Zapmap app to take a look at the charge points in your local area – you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different charge points wherever you go.
You may find, for example, that you have dedicated on-street charging provision close to your home. This is a growing area of the UK’s public charging network, providing a solution for drivers who live in a flat or a house without off-street parking, and are therefore unable to charge their car at home.
Once you’ve taken a look at the charge points near you, think about your routine. How many miles do you drive each day, each week? What kind of long journeys do you do, if any?
At this point, says EV driver Maz Shar, you can start to look into the logistics in more detail: “Can you charge at your workplace? Can you charge while doing your weekly shop? While at the gym? Is there a charger within walking distance?
“Think about how long you normally spend there. If it’s an hour, it’ll be ideal to have a rapid charger – this is often the case at supermarkets and gyms. If it’s a few hours then a destination charger will suffice.”
In fact, there are so many different charging locations that we’ve created a whole set of filters in the Zapmap app to help you narrow down your choices. This enables you to find available chargers that suit your needs by filtering for charge point network, location type, payment method, power type and more.
As you may know, you can charge an electric car at many different speeds (we’ll come to this in a bit). This means there are a few types of charging provision across the public network.
For example, you tend to find the very quickest chargers at motorway service stations. These charge points are a great example of en-route charging provision, designed for drivers looking to recharge as quickly as possible on longer journeys. Find out more in the guides below.
A few years ago, navigating the UK’s public charging network certainly came with some complexity. However, the public network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a very positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
In part, this is thanks to standardisation of connector types. Type 2 and CCS connectors have almost become the standard connectors for electric vehicles (although Nissan is an exception). This has made finding compatible charge points significantly easier for drivers.
When it comes to the speed at which your car can charge, generally speaking there are two broad categories of charge points to be aware of when using the public network.
These charging devices encompass both ‘rapid’ and ‘ultra-rapid’ chargers, as you’ll hear them called. They’re designed to increase your car’s range as quickly as possible, getting you back on the road again in no time.
With the quickest ones you’ll have enough time for a short coffee break, while others are useful either to top up the battery or to charge up fully over lunch when en-route to your destination.
The quicker devices within this banding are useful when you’re leaving the car behind for a few hours. This might be a day trip with the family, maybe you’re running errands – or perhaps you have a business meeting in the city.
At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find some of the lowest-powered charge points integrated into lampposts and bollards on residential streets, or at places like hotels – anywhere you might leave your car parked for a long period of time. If you have a home charger installed, it’ll be within this range too. Because these particular chargers are designed for long stays or for overnight charging, at this speed your car will take anywhere from six to 18 hours to charge to 80%. (Although there are a few factors at play here, this essentially boils down to the capacity of the battery.)
These days charging your car is, for the most part, fairly intuitive. But there are definitely some tips and tricks to be aware of that will help you optimise your charging experience and make the most of your new electric lifestyle.
For starters, it’s best practice to top up your car before it drops below 20% charge. This is primarily for the health of the battery, but also for your own peace of mind. It’s good to have this 20% in reserve because you never know – there might be a diversion waiting for you just around the corner.
At the other end of the spectrum, it’s best to end your charging sessions once you reach 80%. From this point on, in order to protect the battery, it takes a lot longer to charge. In some cases, it can take as long to charge from 80-100% as it does from 20% to 80%.
There are tens of thousands of public charge points across the UK, and this number is growing all the time. You may have seen signs on the motorway for en-route charging networks such as GRIDSERVE. You’ve probably walked past charge points at your local supermarket. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different chargers wherever you go.
However, by far the most reliable way to locate charge points that suit your needs is to open the Zapmap app. With almost all public charge points mapped, it gives you the widest choice of charging options, tailored to your needs. You can also see the current status of each location, so you know which chargers are available right now.
“When I'm looking for charging locations, I use the Zapmap app with its handy filtering of location types. If I select ‘Supermarket,’ I can fit in a shop while I'm waiting for the car to charge. Very convenient!”
Ways to pay for charging vary, but the majority of charge point operators offer contactless payments via credit/debit card on the device itself, or alternative payment methods such as a network-specific app or RFID card.
The majority of rapid and ultra-rapid charge points now offer contactless payment. Quick, easy and accessible, contactless suits many people. The government has mandated that contactless payment be available on all new rapid chargers that are installed, and within the next couple of years this will also apply to any existing rapid chargers without contactless capability.
Zap-Pay is a cross-network payment solution that allows you to start charging at the click of a button, and pay via credit/debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You’ll want to select the charger you'd like to use within the app – a helpful Zap-Pay button will then pop up in a banner.
The UK’s public charging network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
As you may know, there are quite a number of EV charging networks across the country. Some are brand new and others well established, with many networks offering national coverage while others provide charging in a specific region.
Some networks are certainly doing a better job than others. Osprey Charging is a great example of an operator that’s prioritising accessibility, providing wider and longer bays for better access, and charge points designed to be used easily with just one hand.
When it comes to giving drivers protection from the elements, Fastned leads the pack. Many of Fastned’s charging hubs have a distinctive yellow canopy, which mirrors the protection offered at petrol stations and provides a safe, well-lit charging experience.
And remember, this is just the beginning of your journey, so don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow drivers for tips and advice. There’s a thriving community of electric car drivers in the EV Café on the Zapmap app. They’ll be eager to share their experiences with you and keen to lend a helping hand if ever you need one.
“I’ve been driving electric for over nine years. My initial motivation was the positive environmental benefits, but I could never go back now because I'm wedded to the smooth drive and simplicity of the automatic transmission - just press and go!”
Out of more than 59,000 charging devices on Zapmap, we found that – as of April 2024 – 2,354 were free to use. Put another way, that’s around 4% of all EV charging points that won’t incur a cost. So where are they all?
As you can see, some areas have far more free devices than others. The three areas with the highest number of free EV chargers are the South East with 438, Scotland with 286 and Greater London with 268.
There are some other noteworthy points too. Greater London’s 268 free chargers comprise only 1.4% of its total number of charging devices, reflecting the high concentration of paid-for on-street chargers and rapid devices in the capital.
In contrast, most slow chargers are now on-street chargers, the vast majority of which incur a cost. This would explain why there are only 323 free slow chargers across the UK (around 14% of total free devices).
Interestingly, there are 45 rapid chargers around the country that are still free, representing almost 2% of the total number of free chargers. While you can find these around the country, they are concentrated in Scotland, especially south of Glasgow. Here some local authorities are still providing free charging as an incentive for drivers to switch to electric, supporting their broader clean air and environmental objectives.
It is unlikely that this will continue indefinitely and an increasing number of these chargers are beginning to incur a cost. In Scotland, many cities and local authorities have already started to introduce a fee on the ChargePlace Scotland chargers. For example, in November 2022, there were 283 rapid chargers around the UK that were still free to use, representing just over 7% of the total number of free chargers at that time.
As you can see, public car parks have the most free EV devices, with 433. You’ll also find 359 free devices at dealership forecourts, and 306 at hotels and other accommodation around the UK.
If you take a look through Zapmap and filter by location type, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, pubs, museums, garden centres, theatres, zoos, National Trust properties and leisure centres that provide free charging.
Many hotels and B&Bs offer free charging to visitors, perhaps more than have registered. What’s more, Charity ZeroNet provides charge points for the hospitality and leisure sector. Around 15% of the network’s more than 350 charging points are free to use.
Taken together, public, retail and workplace car parks have by far the highest number of free EV charging devices, at 975. As with accommodation and also supermarkets, many retailers use free charging as a way to attract loyal customers.
Yes, it’s free at some supermarkets. Supermarkets with free EV charging points include Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi. Pod Point is the network provider and free charging is mostly on its fast 7/22kW chargers. Morrisons, Waitrose and Asda also have EV charging points, but they aren’t free to use on a pay-as-you-go basis.
As of November 2022, the fast 7/22kW Pod Point chargers at Tesco are no longer free to use. Indeed, customers now need to pay for these fast chargers, as has always been the case with the rapid charge points.
Yes, some of them do and this is something you’ll need to bear in mind when locating free chargers. Many free charge points have some kind of access restriction (e.g. devices that are ‘customer only’, for example).
Another consideration is that you’ll need to ensure you have the appropriate RFID card or app to start a charge and, while the charging might be free, there may well be some parking charges to pay.
Before you head off to grab your free charge – make sure you check Zapmap and, in particular, the user comments to get insights on all the details of a particular charge point.
Plus, if you’d like to know more, you can hear Zapmap Co-founder & COO Melanie Shufflebotham speaking to BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme about free EV charging points in the UK.
In essence, destination charging is designed to offer you the convenience of topping up your car battery while you’re away doing something more exciting. You could leave the car behind to go shopping, eat out or explore the great outdoors – and head back to find it nicely topped up upon your return, or even fully charged. This will often save you from needing to charge on your return or onward journey.
If you’ve just made the switch to an electric car but are unsure about how it all works, scroll on for more info and advice about destination charging in the UK.
Across the country, charge point operators such as Alfa Power, Mer and RAW Charging are installing medium-powered chargers for electric car drivers to top up their batteries while at a whole range of destinations.
Thanks to super-speedy en-route charging provision and the increasing ranges of newer EV models, the days of range anxiety on longer journeys are pretty much gone. But this is also thanks to a large number of destination charging providers that enable drivers to add a top-up charge almost anywhere they go.
As well as the three networks above, operators such as GeniePoint, Osprey, Pod Point and Tesla are continuing to roll out charge points at hotels, pubs, supermarkets and other tourist attractions.
Destination chargers are usually designed to make use of the time you’re away from your car, which varies between an hour and a few hours depending on the location. This means destination charge points tend to have a lower power rating than their speedier, ‘en-route’ cousins.
Generally speaking, destination chargers across the country have power ratings that range from 7kW - 50kW. This means you’ll come across both AC and DC charge points when topping up at a destination.
With this in mind, most of these chargers will be AC, and between 7kW and 22kW. You’ll also find some quicker DC devices at locations such as supermarkets, many of which will be 50kW, though some networks have installed 25kW DC chargers with CCS or CHAdeMO connector types.
Tesla destination chargers are often wall-mounted, or on small posts as pictured. They are free to use by all Tesla drivers who are customers of the destinations where the points are located. Typically 22kW chargers, they are intended to top up the Tesla's battery over the course of several hours.
The company often installs a non-Tesla-specific Type 2 charge point alongside its destination chargers. These are available for any EV driver to use, providing they have a Type 2 inlet on their car, since the units come with tethered cables.
The Pod Point network aims to offer a charge point everywhere drivers park. As such, Pod Point locations include Tesco and Lidl stores, as well as Center Parcs and National Park locations - for example in the Peak District. The operator's charge points range from bollard-style chargers (pictured) to larger charging units often found in supermarket car parks.
Like Pod Point, RAW charge points come in a range of types and sizes, with bollard-style RAW chargers usually found at retail locations. RAW Charging supplies charging infrastructure for several major property owners in the UK, including McArthurGlen Outlets, Aviva Investors and Greene King pubs.
Monta supplies the back-office software and payment systems for EV chargers belonging to a range of businesses. As such, its physical charge points vary from location to location. Wall-mounted and bollard-style charge points are the most commonly used in destination charging as they are usually lower power and take up less space in existing car parks.
Wherever you are in the UK, you can locate destination charging points quickly and easily with the Zapmap app and desktop map, both of which enable you to see the live availability status of more than 75% of these charge points, 24/7.
You may also want to use the ‘Power type’ slider to further refine your search. This enables you to filter for chargers with a lower power rating, which you’ll typically find at destinations such as supermarkets and garden centres.
Select Zap-Pay in the ‘Payment’ filter to find charge points where you can use it, and enjoy paying quickly and easily for your charging session. You can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Remember to check for any parking limitations and restrictions. Many car parks charge a fee to park as well as the electric vehicle charging cost, and will send out fines if you stay beyond the time limit.
It’s also worth remembering that some destination charge points are free to use, such as those offered for hotel guests. You can find these on Zapmap by filtering for free EV charging points under ‘Payment’.
In general, it’s polite to move your vehicle from the charging bay once your charging session has finished so that other drivers can access it, especially if they’re already waiting to charge.
It might be worth thinking of a charge point as a community hub rather than a personal parking space. For instance, some EV drivers help others to know when the charge point will become available by leaving a note on their windscreen indicating their expected time of departure.
Queues at destination charge points tend to be less common than at en-route charge points, where the power ratings are higher and visitor turnover more frequent. Even so, once you’re topped up it's time to unplug and move on. We recommend that Zapmap users pay for charging via Zap-Pay, so you can check on the status of your charge at any time in the Zapmap app.
Don’t forget to pack up your charging cable if you’ve used your own, and if you do spot another EV driver struggling to plug in, it’s always nice to lend a helping hand or pass on your charging expertise.
Electric Vehicle trendsElectric Vehicle and EV charging fundamentalsEV charging station designEV charging - electrical installation designEV charging - electrical architecturesEV charging - energy and asset managementSmart charging perpectives for optimal EV integration
In 2020, the electrical vehicle market is today shared equally between two main technologies: Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Both technologies are expected to grow fast in the coming years, with the growth of BEVs expected to increase its share up to 60% of total EV production in 2025, and around 40% for PHEVs.
Battery Electric Vehicles are electric vehicles propelled by an electric motor drawing current from an on-board battery energy storage system. BEVs are also called "100% pure electric vehicles" or "all-electric vehicles", because they are powered by electrical energy storage only. They do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE) as a back-up in case the battery is fully discharged.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is an electrical vehicle that can be powered by two energy sources: a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external source of electric power, and a diesel or petrol engine.
The battery capacity of a plug-in hybrid EV is significantly smaller than that of a 100% electric vehicle. A PHEV can, using its battery power, cover on average between 30 to 50km. After this, the petrol / diesel engine takes over.
PHEVs are considered a “transitional” technology. Indeed, with the development of fast charging electrical infrastructures, the increase of on-board battery capacity, and government regulation requirements, BEV (100% electric) technology is expected to grow faster.
Hybrid electric vehicles are internal combustion engine vehicles equipped with a small battery that can be recharged by braking energy recovery, but not by plugging into an external electricity source. These vehicles are not zero nor low emission, but provide an additional CO2 reduction compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
A fuel cell vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by electricity produced by a fuel cell instead of electricity stored in an electrical battery. The fuel cell produces electricity using oxygen and hydrogen as primary sources.
The FCEV does not yet have the maturity of other electric vehicle technologies, such as BEV and PHEV, and currently has only a small share (<1%) in terms of EV production.
Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism, in which the electric motor acts as a generator during the braking, and the generated energy is used to charge the battery. This technology can be used in electrical vehicles, such as HEVs, BEVs, and PHEVs.
Some car manufacturers offer electrical vehicle models with integrated solar PV cells on the vehicle roof. The on-board produced energy is not sufficient to charge the electrical battery but can be used to supply some accessory loads.
An electric vehicle (electric car) is a vehicle propelled by an electric motor, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Electric vehicles are equipped with a charging inlet(s), and an on-board charger that converts AC power into DC so that it can be stored in the battery. An on-board controller ensures the performance of the electric vehicle.
Electric cars are usually equipped with a lithium-ion battery energy storage system. The battery typically has a power range of 5 to 100 kWh and operates at voltage levels from 300 to 800 V.
The battery lifespan depends on the use of the car and the type of charging. Usually, the battery set lasts more than 10 years. However, if DC fast charging is used frequently (more than 3 times / month), the battery capacity, performance and life time are reduced.
Electric vehicles include an on-board charger, which converts the power from AC to DC to charge the battery. The charging capacity of the onboard charger is limited to 22kW AC. In case of fast DC charging (see charging mode 4), the onboard charger is bypassed, and the DC electricity is supplied directly to the battery.
An electrical vehicle has at least one AC charging inlet port. Electrical cars can have a second DC charging inlet for fast charging (mode 4). The DC charging inlet may or may not be an option, depending on car models or countries. Also, some models offer a single port for both AC and DC charging.
The J1772 connector is easily identifiable by three large pins – similar to the power outlet layout at home – and two smaller pin for the car connection. The three broad pins are for Phase, Neutral and Ground while the two small pins are used for communication between the charger and the electric car (Pilot Interface).
It can deliver between 3 and 7.4 kW and supports only single phase with a maximum current of 32 A. It includes an extra protection to lock the connector while charging, in order to avoid disconnection by a third party.
This type of connector is approved as the European standard. The connector stands out with a unique design, rounded but with a flat edge on the top. Its pins distribution is similar to type 1, but includes two more pins, corresponding to the two extra phases needed for three-phase charging.
CHAdeMO is the contraction of "Charge Move". But the acronym is also present in the Japanese sentence: "O cha demo ikaga desuka" which translates as "You will have tea while the car is charging". This sentence represents the will of the association composed by Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nissan, among others: fast charging with direct current. It can therefore be installed as a second socket by vehicle manufacturers next to an alternating current charging socket.
CCS Combo 1 is based on the J1772 Type 1 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
CCS Combo 2 is based on Type 2 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
breaker tripping: since the recharging socket used shares the same switchboard outgoing circuit as other power sockets, if the sum of power consumption exceeds the protection limit (generally 16A), the circuit breaker will trip, interrupting the vehicle charging.
Charging mode 2 is a method for the connection of an EV to a standard socket-outlet, with a control pilot function and a system for personal protection against electric shock, integrated into the connection cable, between the standard plug and the EV.
The rated values for current and voltage must not exceed 32 A and 250 V AC in single-phase, and 32 A and 480 V AC in a three-phase installation, as defined in IEC 61851-1
This mode is limited to domestic electric installations. The connection cable is usually provided with the electric car. As with mode 1, a standard socket outlet is used, but in this case, the protection device and the socket outlet should be able to carry higher charging currents, up to 32A, which is usually not the case for standard domestic power socket circuits.
Because Mode 3 uses a dedicated EV charger (and not a standard socket outlet), the power range is higher, from 3.7kW up to 22kW AC. This higher power range enables fast charging of electric cars, compared to Modes 1 and 2.
The addition of a pilot wire inside the charging cable enables communication between the vehicle and the charging equipment through standard protocols. It also allows the implementation of control functions, such as:
In Mode 4, charging is done through DC EV supply equipment, called EV charging station (or EV charger), connected to an AC or DC supply network. The EV charging station delivers DC current directly to the battery, e.g. bypassing the on-board charger. Charging of the electric vehicle can be done much faster than in mode 1, 2 and 3, as the electrical power charging range is higher than 24kW.
The charging time can be roughly calculated as the ratio between the electric vehicle battery capacity and the charging power. The charging power is limited to the power that the charging station can deliver and that which the Electrical Vehicle can accept.
the charging speed profile is not linear. Electric vehicles are not continuously charged at maximum power. In particular, DC charging (mode 4) is charging very fast until the battery reaches 80% - 90% of its capacity, and slows down significantly for the remaining 10-20%.
the charging speed depends on the battery temperature. The optimum temperature for charging is between 20°C and 30°C. If the battery temperature is outside of this range, charging can be slower.
Unlike conventional internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which refuel at gas stations, electric vehicles can recharge at multiple locations: @home (residential buildings), @work (small to large office buildings ...), @destinations (public parkings, hypermarkets ...), @fleet (city buses, delivery trucks, company cars ...), @transit (highways, city stations ...). The charging time and cost for the end user, the charging mode, the number of chargers and their power range are all dependent on the charging station location.
Home is the most common place to charge. Home charging is cost-effective and usually sufficient for daily trips. It is generally considered as more convenient than refuelling ICE vehicles at gas stations.
multi-family: residential buildings with multiple apartments (condominium), where charging points may be private (individual garage) or shared between condominium inhabitants (a number of EV charging points located in the common parking place)
Residential charging is done mainly at night, when the car is not in use and when electricity is usually cheaper. EV charging equipment is most commonly single-phase and with a power delivery rate up to a maximum of 7.4 kW. Charging is slow and may require several hours. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for its built-in safety features.
Workplace EV chargers are becoming available at a growing number of companies, especially those committed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. It can be attractive for employees, especially if the price for charging is equivalent or lower than the price for charging at home. Workplace charging can be an opportunity to encourage electric vehicle adoption for employees that do not have charging points at home or for employees needing to charge both at home and at work for their daily usage.
Workplace charging is done mainly during the day. EV chargers in the workplace are usually 3-phase with a power range of 11kW and 22kW. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for safety reasons.
Charging is done in mode 4 (DC charging, also sometimes called DC fast charging). The power range of the EV charging station is from 50kW up to 350kW. The charging time depends on the power range – usually less than 30min.
The Electrical Installation Guide is now available here as a wiki (Electrical Installation Wiki). This wiki is a collaborative platform, brought to you by Schneider Electric: our experts are continuously improving its content, as they were doing for the guide. Collaboration to this wiki is also open to all.
Zero-emission vehicles are gaining traction, but for EVs to become practical for more people, drivers need easy and reliable charging options. This is especially true for those living in apartments or condos, where installing a home charger can be a challenge.
Multi-unit properties often have unique obstacles to EV charger installation, from parking layouts to building designs and ownership structures. Additionally, many of these properties are part of planned communities with rules that can complicate how residents use their spaces. That’s where a right-to-charge law, like California’s, becomes essential.
How can residents of apartments or condos overcome these challenges to install home EV chargers? And how can EV professionals guide clients through the approval process? Let’s explore how a right-to-charge law helps make charging more accessible for everyone.
A right-to-charge law ensures individuals living in multi-unit buildings or planned communities can install an EV charging station for personal use, despite potential obstacles. These laws help remove barriers for charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, they often come with conditions, such as requiring the individual to cover the costs of electrical infrastructure upgrades, charging expenses, and maintaining an appropriate insurance policy.
Several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Virginia, have enacted right-to-charge laws. These laws differ by state but generally restrict homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or condo boards from outright denying EV charger installations.
While not widely known, right-to-charge laws are critical for EV drivers living in multi-unit housing. These laws empower residents to pursue sustainable transportation options while ensuring property managers, HOAs, and landlords comply with legal requirements. For EV professionals, understanding these laws is vital for helping clients navigate the installation process smoothly.
California continues to lead the way in clean energy adoption with forward-thinking legislation, including the California Solar Rights Act, the solar mandate for new construction, and the California right-to-charge law. Codified under California Civil Code Section 4745, the California right to charge law ensures that residents of condos, co-ops, and planned communities—whether owners or renters—have the right to install EV charging stations.
Under the California right to charge law, chargers can typically be installed “within an owner’s unit or in a designated parking space” or “at a parking space allocated for the lessee.” If these options are impractical or prohibitively expensive, the law allows for the installation of charging stations in common areas or other designated locations on the property.
By removing barriers to EV adoption, the California right to charge law empowers residents to embrace sustainable transportation, even in multi-unit housing or shared community settings, supporting the state’s ongoing transition to clean energy.
Right to charge laws are currently in effect in several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and, more recently, Illinois. Illinois enacted the Electric Vehicle Charging Act in 2023, granting condo owners and renters the right to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces. This aligns with the growing commitment of right to charge states to promote EV adoption in residential communities.
Certain U.S. cities, such as Seattle and Washington, D.C., have also implemented right-to-charge laws to facilitate EV charging station installations. While most of these laws apply primarily to owner-occupied buildings, some—like those in California, Illinois, and Colorado—extend protections to renters, ensuring broader accessibility to EV charging infrastructure.
Even in states without a right to charge law, it might still be possible to get approval to install an electric car charger in a multi-family building, condo, or HOA. This usually involves submitting a written request to the board, apartment owner, or management company.
When making the request, consider where the EV charging station would be located and how someone could park while using it. The charger should ideally be mounted on a wall or post in a convenient parking area. Depending on the property’s layout, wiring can be a challenge. EV professionals can assist clients in evaluating these factors or even speaking at a condominium association or HOA meeting.
It’s also essential to address how the EV driver will pay for the electricity, charging equipment, and installation. Many chargers come with tracking systems to easily calculate electricity consumption, which can simplify payment arrangements and make the installation proposal more appealing to decision-makers.
If applicable, determine if other residents are interested in using the same charger. While some multi-unit buildings share EV chargers among households, this can create challenges, such as scheduling conflicts or prolonged vehicle occupancy in the charging spot.
For residents in states with a right to charge law, the process is typically smoother, as these laws provide legal backing to ensure fair consideration of such requests. Whether a state has adopted a right-to-charge law or not, careful planning and presenting a well-thought-out proposal can increase the likelihood of approval.
HOAs have a legal document called Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that describe the requirements and limitations of the property. Likewise, condominiums have declarations and bylaws that dictate the use, rules, and maintenance of the property. These legal governing documents may have information relevant to the installation and use of EV charging stations. There may also be applicable EV laws in a given state or town.
Many condo and apartment dwellers encounter issues with charging electric cars due to the lack of dedicated parking or charging infrastructure. However, right to charge laws, particularly in states like California, offer protections that make it easier for residents to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces.
To charge an electric car in a condo, check and obtain approval from the condo association, select a suitable location, and confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician. Choose an appropriate charging solution, obtain the required permits, and have the charger installed. Provide documentation to the association, schedule inspections, and, upon approval, manage charging efficiently to accommodate residents sharing the infrastructure.
Yes, under the right to charge law California, renters are allowed to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces, as long as they cover the installation and maintenance costs. Landlords can set reasonable conditions, such as requiring the use of licensed contractors and ensuring the installation meets building codes and safety standards. This law helps renters embrace sustainable transportation while maintaining property safety and integrity.
Under the California right to charge law, the tenant is typically responsible for covering all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the EV charger. However, tenants can take advantage of state or utility company rebates and incentives, which may help reduce some of these expenses. This allows tenants to install EV chargers while potentially lowering their upfront investment.
Many HOAs have electric car charging policies in place that govern the installation and use of EV chargers within the community. These policies typically include guidelines on approval processes, location restrictions, aesthetics, and any associated fees.
While the right to charge law ensures that residents in certain states, like California, have the right to install an EV charger, it's still important to review and comply with the HOA's specific policies. Residents should seek approval before proceeding with the installation to ensure they meet all requirements.
The California right to charge law requires property owners to allow the installation of EV charging stations in designated parking spaces, with certain conditions. Property owners can impose reasonable restrictions, such as ensuring safety and using licensed contractors. They may also request removal if safety standards aren’t met. This law helps promote electric vehicle adoption and supports California's commitment to sustainable transportation.
To install a Tesla charger in a condo, review and comply with condo rules, secure association approval, and select a suitable location. Confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician, choose a Tesla charger, and obtain necessary permits. Hire an electrician for installation, submit required documentation to the condo association, pass inspections, and obtain final approval for a seamless Tesla charger installation.
As more and more households want to install EV chargers, residents of multi-unit buildings and planned communities will be figuring out how to navigate the process. Knowing the EV laws in your area and how to navigate HOAs and condo boards will be critical for moving EV charger installation projects forward.
Navigating the EV charging station design and engineering process can be tricky. GreenLancer is an online marketplace where you can shop for vendors to fulfill your needs in record time. That means more time back to you and standardized solutions to accelerate your EV charging station installations. You can complete the form below if you are a professional EV charging station installer.
As electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids continue to rise in popularity, owners are facing the challenge of understanding the different charging options available. This guide will provide clarity on types of EV charging, the three main charging locations, charging times, connectors, and resources to help you charge your EV efficiently.
Whether you've just got an electric car or are considering getting one, this guide is for you. Here we’ll walk you through some of the first steps of your adventure into electric travel.
The good news is that charging an electric vehicle can happen almost anywhere. What’s more, this guide is the best place to start if you’re after a few simple facts to get you on the road.
So once you’ve got your shiny new electric motor – now what? Well, your first step is to be intrigued, because the switch to electric transport is really exciting. We’ve not witnessed a shift as big as this since people started driving petrol-powered ‘autocars’ in the late 1800s.
So don’t worry if you find your first charging session a little daunting. But do spare a thought for petrol pioneer Henry Sturmey, who drove from John o’ Groats to Land’s End in 1897. He was almost barred entry to a ferry outside Plymouth because the skipper didn’t know what a car was. You shouldn’t have to worry about that now.
You could also check out how to charge your electric car specifically in our range of model charging guides. These will help you understand your car’s charging times and connector types.
Just imagine, you plug your car in when you get home from work and wake up the next morning to find it fully charged – often on the cheapest renewable electricity the grid has to offer.
Home charge points are compact devices usually fixed to your house or garage. They’re weatherproof, and either have a charging cable attached or a socket to plug in a portable cable. Find out more in our guide to electric car charging at home.
The UK’s public charging network is a great alternative for all of your charging needs, offering a range of charging speeds at varying prices. (There are even some free EV charging points you can use.)
If you haven’t already, download the Zapmap app to take a look at the charge points in your local area – you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different charge points wherever you go.
You may find, for example, that you have dedicated on-street charging provision close to your home. This is a growing area of the UK’s public charging network, providing a solution for drivers who live in a flat or a house without off-street parking, and are therefore unable to charge their car at home.
Once you’ve taken a look at the charge points near you, think about your routine. How many miles do you drive each day, each week? What kind of long journeys do you do, if any?
At this point, says EV driver Maz Shar, you can start to look into the logistics in more detail: “Can you charge at your workplace? Can you charge while doing your weekly shop? While at the gym? Is there a charger within walking distance?
“Think about how long you normally spend there. If it’s an hour, it’ll be ideal to have a rapid charger – this is often the case at supermarkets and gyms. If it’s a few hours then a destination charger will suffice.”
In fact, there are so many different charging locations that we’ve created a whole set of filters in the Zapmap app to help you narrow down your choices. This enables you to find available chargers that suit your needs by filtering for charge point network, location type, payment method, power type and more.
As you may know, you can charge an electric car at many different speeds (we’ll come to this in a bit). This means there are a few types of charging provision across the public network.
For example, you tend to find the very quickest chargers at motorway service stations. These charge points are a great example of en-route charging provision, designed for drivers looking to recharge as quickly as possible on longer journeys. Find out more in the guides below.
A few years ago, navigating the UK’s public charging network certainly came with some complexity. However, the public network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a very positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
In part, this is thanks to standardisation of connector types. Type 2 and CCS connectors have almost become the standard connectors for electric vehicles (although Nissan is an exception). This has made finding compatible charge points significantly easier for drivers.
When it comes to the speed at which your car can charge, generally speaking there are two broad categories of charge points to be aware of when using the public network.
These charging devices encompass both ‘rapid’ and ‘ultra-rapid’ chargers, as you’ll hear them called. They’re designed to increase your car’s range as quickly as possible, getting you back on the road again in no time.
With the quickest ones you’ll have enough time for a short coffee break, while others are useful either to top up the battery or to charge up fully over lunch when en-route to your destination.
The quicker devices within this banding are useful when you’re leaving the car behind for a few hours. This might be a day trip with the family, maybe you’re running errands – or perhaps you have a business meeting in the city.
At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find some of the lowest-powered charge points integrated into lampposts and bollards on residential streets, or at places like hotels – anywhere you might leave your car parked for a long period of time. If you have a home charger installed, it’ll be within this range too. Because these particular chargers are designed for long stays or for overnight charging, at this speed your car will take anywhere from six to 18 hours to charge to 80%. (Although there are a few factors at play here, this essentially boils down to the capacity of the battery.)
These days charging your car is, for the most part, fairly intuitive. But there are definitely some tips and tricks to be aware of that will help you optimise your charging experience and make the most of your new electric lifestyle.
For starters, it’s best practice to top up your car before it drops below 20% charge. This is primarily for the health of the battery, but also for your own peace of mind. It’s good to have this 20% in reserve because you never know – there might be a diversion waiting for you just around the corner.
At the other end of the spectrum, it’s best to end your charging sessions once you reach 80%. From this point on, in order to protect the battery, it takes a lot longer to charge. In some cases, it can take as long to charge from 80-100% as it does from 20% to 80%.
There are tens of thousands of public charge points across the UK, and this number is growing all the time. You may have seen signs on the motorway for en-route charging networks such as GRIDSERVE. You’ve probably walked past charge points at your local supermarket. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different chargers wherever you go.
However, by far the most reliable way to locate charge points that suit your needs is to open the Zapmap app. With almost all public charge points mapped, it gives you the widest choice of charging options, tailored to your needs. You can also see the current status of each location, so you know which chargers are available right now.
“When I'm looking for charging locations, I use the Zapmap app with its handy filtering of location types. If I select ‘Supermarket,’ I can fit in a shop while I'm waiting for the car to charge. Very convenient!”
Ways to pay for charging vary, but the majority of charge point operators offer contactless payments via credit/debit card on the device itself, or alternative payment methods such as a network-specific app or RFID card.
The majority of rapid and ultra-rapid charge points now offer contactless payment. Quick, easy and accessible, contactless suits many people. The government has mandated that contactless payment be available on all new rapid chargers that are installed, and within the next couple of years this will also apply to any existing rapid chargers without contactless capability.
Zap-Pay is a cross-network payment solution that allows you to start charging at the click of a button, and pay via credit/debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You’ll want to select the charger you'd like to use within the app – a helpful Zap-Pay button will then pop up in a banner.
The UK’s public charging network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
As you may know, there are quite a number of EV charging networks across the country. Some are brand new and others well established, with many networks offering national coverage while others provide charging in a specific region.
Some networks are certainly doing a better job than others. Osprey Charging is a great example of an operator that’s prioritising accessibility, providing wider and longer bays for better access, and charge points designed to be used easily with just one hand.
When it comes to giving drivers protection from the elements, Fastned leads the pack. Many of Fastned’s charging hubs have a distinctive yellow canopy, which mirrors the protection offered at petrol stations and provides a safe, well-lit charging experience.
And remember, this is just the beginning of your journey, so don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow drivers for tips and advice. There’s a thriving community of electric car drivers in the EV Café on the Zapmap app. They’ll be eager to share their experiences with you and keen to lend a helping hand if ever you need one.
“I’ve been driving electric for over nine years. My initial motivation was the positive environmental benefits, but I could never go back now because I'm wedded to the smooth drive and simplicity of the automatic transmission - just press and go!”
Out of more than 59,000 charging devices on Zapmap, we found that – as of April 2024 – 2,354 were free to use. Put another way, that’s around 4% of all EV charging points that won’t incur a cost. So where are they all?
As you can see, some areas have far more free devices than others. The three areas with the highest number of free EV chargers are the South East with 438, Scotland with 286 and Greater London with 268.
There are some other noteworthy points too. Greater London’s 268 free chargers comprise only 1.4% of its total number of charging devices, reflecting the high concentration of paid-for on-street chargers and rapid devices in the capital.
In contrast, most slow chargers are now on-street chargers, the vast majority of which incur a cost. This would explain why there are only 323 free slow chargers across the UK (around 14% of total free devices).
Interestingly, there are 45 rapid chargers around the country that are still free, representing almost 2% of the total number of free chargers. While you can find these around the country, they are concentrated in Scotland, especially south of Glasgow. Here some local authorities are still providing free charging as an incentive for drivers to switch to electric, supporting their broader clean air and environmental objectives.
It is unlikely that this will continue indefinitely and an increasing number of these chargers are beginning to incur a cost. In Scotland, many cities and local authorities have already started to introduce a fee on the ChargePlace Scotland chargers. For example, in November 2022, there were 283 rapid chargers around the UK that were still free to use, representing just over 7% of the total number of free chargers at that time.
As you can see, public car parks have the most free EV devices, with 433. You’ll also find 359 free devices at dealership forecourts, and 306 at hotels and other accommodation around the UK.
If you take a look through Zapmap and filter by location type, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, pubs, museums, garden centres, theatres, zoos, National Trust properties and leisure centres that provide free charging.
Many hotels and B&Bs offer free charging to visitors, perhaps more than have registered. What’s more, Charity ZeroNet provides charge points for the hospitality and leisure sector. Around 15% of the network’s more than 350 charging points are free to use.
Taken together, public, retail and workplace car parks have by far the highest number of free EV charging devices, at 975. As with accommodation and also supermarkets, many retailers use free charging as a way to attract loyal customers.
Yes, it’s free at some supermarkets. Supermarkets with free EV charging points include Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi. Pod Point is the network provider and free charging is mostly on its fast 7/22kW chargers. Morrisons, Waitrose and Asda also have EV charging points, but they aren’t free to use on a pay-as-you-go basis.
As of November 2022, the fast 7/22kW Pod Point chargers at Tesco are no longer free to use. Indeed, customers now need to pay for these fast chargers, as has always been the case with the rapid charge points.
Yes, some of them do and this is something you’ll need to bear in mind when locating free chargers. Many free charge points have some kind of access restriction (e.g. devices that are ‘customer only’, for example).
Another consideration is that you’ll need to ensure you have the appropriate RFID card or app to start a charge and, while the charging might be free, there may well be some parking charges to pay.
Before you head off to grab your free charge – make sure you check Zapmap and, in particular, the user comments to get insights on all the details of a particular charge point.
Plus, if you’d like to know more, you can hear Zapmap Co-founder & COO Melanie Shufflebotham speaking to BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme about free EV charging points in the UK.
In essence, destination charging is designed to offer you the convenience of topping up your car battery while you’re away doing something more exciting. You could leave the car behind to go shopping, eat out or explore the great outdoors – and head back to find it nicely topped up upon your return, or even fully charged. This will often save you from needing to charge on your return or onward journey.
If you’ve just made the switch to an electric car but are unsure about how it all works, scroll on for more info and advice about destination charging in the UK.
Across the country, charge point operators such as Alfa Power, Mer and RAW Charging are installing medium-powered chargers for electric car drivers to top up their batteries while at a whole range of destinations.
Thanks to super-speedy en-route charging provision and the increasing ranges of newer EV models, the days of range anxiety on longer journeys are pretty much gone. But this is also thanks to a large number of destination charging providers that enable drivers to add a top-up charge almost anywhere they go.
As well as the three networks above, operators such as GeniePoint, Osprey, Pod Point and Tesla are continuing to roll out charge points at hotels, pubs, supermarkets and other tourist attractions.
Destination chargers are usually designed to make use of the time you’re away from your car, which varies between an hour and a few hours depending on the location. This means destination charge points tend to have a lower power rating than their speedier, ‘en-route’ cousins.
Generally speaking, destination chargers across the country have power ratings that range from 7kW - 50kW. This means you’ll come across both AC and DC charge points when topping up at a destination.
With this in mind, most of these chargers will be AC, and between 7kW and 22kW. You’ll also find some quicker DC devices at locations such as supermarkets, many of which will be 50kW, though some networks have installed 25kW DC chargers with CCS or CHAdeMO connector types.
Tesla destination chargers are often wall-mounted, or on small posts as pictured. They are free to use by all Tesla drivers who are customers of the destinations where the points are located. Typically 22kW chargers, they are intended to top up the Tesla's battery over the course of several hours.
The company often installs a non-Tesla-specific Type 2 charge point alongside its destination chargers. These are available for any EV driver to use, providing they have a Type 2 inlet on their car, since the units come with tethered cables.
The Pod Point network aims to offer a charge point everywhere drivers park. As such, Pod Point locations include Tesco and Lidl stores, as well as Center Parcs and National Park locations - for example in the Peak District. The operator's charge points range from bollard-style chargers (pictured) to larger charging units often found in supermarket car parks.
Like Pod Point, RAW charge points come in a range of types and sizes, with bollard-style RAW chargers usually found at retail locations. RAW Charging supplies charging infrastructure for several major property owners in the UK, including McArthurGlen Outlets, Aviva Investors and Greene King pubs.
Monta supplies the back-office software and payment systems for EV chargers belonging to a range of businesses. As such, its physical charge points vary from location to location. Wall-mounted and bollard-style charge points are the most commonly used in destination charging as they are usually lower power and take up less space in existing car parks.
Wherever you are in the UK, you can locate destination charging points quickly and easily with the Zapmap app and desktop map, both of which enable you to see the live availability status of more than 75% of these charge points, 24/7.
You may also want to use the ‘Power type’ slider to further refine your search. This enables you to filter for chargers with a lower power rating, which you’ll typically find at destinations such as supermarkets and garden centres.
Select Zap-Pay in the ‘Payment’ filter to find charge points where you can use it, and enjoy paying quickly and easily for your charging session. You can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Remember to check for any parking limitations and restrictions. Many car parks charge a fee to park as well as the electric vehicle charging cost, and will send out fines if you stay beyond the time limit.
It’s also worth remembering that some destination charge points are free to use, such as those offered for hotel guests. You can find these on Zapmap by filtering for free EV charging points under ‘Payment’.
In general, it’s polite to move your vehicle from the charging bay once your charging session has finished so that other drivers can access it, especially if they’re already waiting to charge.
It might be worth thinking of a charge point as a community hub rather than a personal parking space. For instance, some EV drivers help others to know when the charge point will become available by leaving a note on their windscreen indicating their expected time of departure.
Queues at destination charge points tend to be less common than at en-route charge points, where the power ratings are higher and visitor turnover more frequent. Even so, once you’re topped up it's time to unplug and move on. We recommend that Zapmap users pay for charging via Zap-Pay, so you can check on the status of your charge at any time in the Zapmap app.
Don’t forget to pack up your charging cable if you’ve used your own, and if you do spot another EV driver struggling to plug in, it’s always nice to lend a helping hand or pass on your charging expertise.
Electric Vehicle trendsElectric Vehicle and EV charging fundamentalsEV charging station designEV charging - electrical installation designEV charging - electrical architecturesEV charging - energy and asset managementSmart charging perpectives for optimal EV integration
In 2020, the electrical vehicle market is today shared equally between two main technologies: Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Both technologies are expected to grow fast in the coming years, with the growth of BEVs expected to increase its share up to 60% of total EV production in 2025, and around 40% for PHEVs.
Battery Electric Vehicles are electric vehicles propelled by an electric motor drawing current from an on-board battery energy storage system. BEVs are also called "100% pure electric vehicles" or "all-electric vehicles", because they are powered by electrical energy storage only. They do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE) as a back-up in case the battery is fully discharged.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is an electrical vehicle that can be powered by two energy sources: a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external source of electric power, and a diesel or petrol engine.
The battery capacity of a plug-in hybrid EV is significantly smaller than that of a 100% electric vehicle. A PHEV can, using its battery power, cover on average between 30 to 50km. After this, the petrol / diesel engine takes over.
PHEVs are considered a “transitional” technology. Indeed, with the development of fast charging electrical infrastructures, the increase of on-board battery capacity, and government regulation requirements, BEV (100% electric) technology is expected to grow faster.
Hybrid electric vehicles are internal combustion engine vehicles equipped with a small battery that can be recharged by braking energy recovery, but not by plugging into an external electricity source. These vehicles are not zero nor low emission, but provide an additional CO2 reduction compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
A fuel cell vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by electricity produced by a fuel cell instead of electricity stored in an electrical battery. The fuel cell produces electricity using oxygen and hydrogen as primary sources.
The FCEV does not yet have the maturity of other electric vehicle technologies, such as BEV and PHEV, and currently has only a small share (<1%) in terms of EV production.
Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism, in which the electric motor acts as a generator during the braking, and the generated energy is used to charge the battery. This technology can be used in electrical vehicles, such as HEVs, BEVs, and PHEVs.
Some car manufacturers offer electrical vehicle models with integrated solar PV cells on the vehicle roof. The on-board produced energy is not sufficient to charge the electrical battery but can be used to supply some accessory loads.
An electric vehicle (electric car) is a vehicle propelled by an electric motor, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Electric vehicles are equipped with a charging inlet(s), and an on-board charger that converts AC power into DC so that it can be stored in the battery. An on-board controller ensures the performance of the electric vehicle.
Electric cars are usually equipped with a lithium-ion battery energy storage system. The battery typically has a power range of 5 to 100 kWh and operates at voltage levels from 300 to 800 V.
The battery lifespan depends on the use of the car and the type of charging. Usually, the battery set lasts more than 10 years. However, if DC fast charging is used frequently (more than 3 times / month), the battery capacity, performance and life time are reduced.
Electric vehicles include an on-board charger, which converts the power from AC to DC to charge the battery. The charging capacity of the onboard charger is limited to 22kW AC. In case of fast DC charging (see charging mode 4), the onboard charger is bypassed, and the DC electricity is supplied directly to the battery.
An electrical vehicle has at least one AC charging inlet port. Electrical cars can have a second DC charging inlet for fast charging (mode 4). The DC charging inlet may or may not be an option, depending on car models or countries. Also, some models offer a single port for both AC and DC charging.
The J1772 connector is easily identifiable by three large pins – similar to the power outlet layout at home – and two smaller pin for the car connection. The three broad pins are for Phase, Neutral and Ground while the two small pins are used for communication between the charger and the electric car (Pilot Interface).
It can deliver between 3 and 7.4 kW and supports only single phase with a maximum current of 32 A. It includes an extra protection to lock the connector while charging, in order to avoid disconnection by a third party.
This type of connector is approved as the European standard. The connector stands out with a unique design, rounded but with a flat edge on the top. Its pins distribution is similar to type 1, but includes two more pins, corresponding to the two extra phases needed for three-phase charging.
CHAdeMO is the contraction of "Charge Move". But the acronym is also present in the Japanese sentence: "O cha demo ikaga desuka" which translates as "You will have tea while the car is charging". This sentence represents the will of the association composed by Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nissan, among others: fast charging with direct current. It can therefore be installed as a second socket by vehicle manufacturers next to an alternating current charging socket.
CCS Combo 1 is based on the J1772 Type 1 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
CCS Combo 2 is based on Type 2 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
breaker tripping: since the recharging socket used shares the same switchboard outgoing circuit as other power sockets, if the sum of power consumption exceeds the protection limit (generally 16A), the circuit breaker will trip, interrupting the vehicle charging.
Charging mode 2 is a method for the connection of an EV to a standard socket-outlet, with a control pilot function and a system for personal protection against electric shock, integrated into the connection cable, between the standard plug and the EV.
The rated values for current and voltage must not exceed 32 A and 250 V AC in single-phase, and 32 A and 480 V AC in a three-phase installation, as defined in IEC 61851-1
This mode is limited to domestic electric installations. The connection cable is usually provided with the electric car. As with mode 1, a standard socket outlet is used, but in this case, the protection device and the socket outlet should be able to carry higher charging currents, up to 32A, which is usually not the case for standard domestic power socket circuits.
Because Mode 3 uses a dedicated EV charger (and not a standard socket outlet), the power range is higher, from 3.7kW up to 22kW AC. This higher power range enables fast charging of electric cars, compared to Modes 1 and 2.
The addition of a pilot wire inside the charging cable enables communication between the vehicle and the charging equipment through standard protocols. It also allows the implementation of control functions, such as:
In Mode 4, charging is done through DC EV supply equipment, called EV charging station (or EV charger), connected to an AC or DC supply network. The EV charging station delivers DC current directly to the battery, e.g. bypassing the on-board charger. Charging of the electric vehicle can be done much faster than in mode 1, 2 and 3, as the electrical power charging range is higher than 24kW.
The charging time can be roughly calculated as the ratio between the electric vehicle battery capacity and the charging power. The charging power is limited to the power that the charging station can deliver and that which the Electrical Vehicle can accept.
the charging speed profile is not linear. Electric vehicles are not continuously charged at maximum power. In particular, DC charging (mode 4) is charging very fast until the battery reaches 80% - 90% of its capacity, and slows down significantly for the remaining 10-20%.
the charging speed depends on the battery temperature. The optimum temperature for charging is between 20°C and 30°C. If the battery temperature is outside of this range, charging can be slower.
Unlike conventional internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which refuel at gas stations, electric vehicles can recharge at multiple locations: @home (residential buildings), @work (small to large office buildings ...), @destinations (public parkings, hypermarkets ...), @fleet (city buses, delivery trucks, company cars ...), @transit (highways, city stations ...). The charging time and cost for the end user, the charging mode, the number of chargers and their power range are all dependent on the charging station location.
Home is the most common place to charge. Home charging is cost-effective and usually sufficient for daily trips. It is generally considered as more convenient than refuelling ICE vehicles at gas stations.
multi-family: residential buildings with multiple apartments (condominium), where charging points may be private (individual garage) or shared between condominium inhabitants (a number of EV charging points located in the common parking place)
Residential charging is done mainly at night, when the car is not in use and when electricity is usually cheaper. EV charging equipment is most commonly single-phase and with a power delivery rate up to a maximum of 7.4 kW. Charging is slow and may require several hours. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for its built-in safety features.
Workplace EV chargers are becoming available at a growing number of companies, especially those committed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. It can be attractive for employees, especially if the price for charging is equivalent or lower than the price for charging at home. Workplace charging can be an opportunity to encourage electric vehicle adoption for employees that do not have charging points at home or for employees needing to charge both at home and at work for their daily usage.
Workplace charging is done mainly during the day. EV chargers in the workplace are usually 3-phase with a power range of 11kW and 22kW. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for safety reasons.
Charging is done in mode 4 (DC charging, also sometimes called DC fast charging). The power range of the EV charging station is from 50kW up to 350kW. The charging time depends on the power range – usually less than 30min.
The Electrical Installation Guide is now available here as a wiki (Electrical Installation Wiki). This wiki is a collaborative platform, brought to you by Schneider Electric: our experts are continuously improving its content, as they were doing for the guide. Collaboration to this wiki is also open to all.
Zero-emission vehicles are gaining traction, but for EVs to become practical for more people, drivers need easy and reliable charging options. This is especially true for those living in apartments or condos, where installing a home charger can be a challenge.
Multi-unit properties often have unique obstacles to EV charger installation, from parking layouts to building designs and ownership structures. Additionally, many of these properties are part of planned communities with rules that can complicate how residents use their spaces. That’s where a right-to-charge law, like California’s, becomes essential.
How can residents of apartments or condos overcome these challenges to install home EV chargers? And how can EV professionals guide clients through the approval process? Let’s explore how a right-to-charge law helps make charging more accessible for everyone.
A right-to-charge law ensures individuals living in multi-unit buildings or planned communities can install an EV charging station for personal use, despite potential obstacles. These laws help remove barriers for charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, they often come with conditions, such as requiring the individual to cover the costs of electrical infrastructure upgrades, charging expenses, and maintaining an appropriate insurance policy.
Several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Virginia, have enacted right-to-charge laws. These laws differ by state but generally restrict homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or condo boards from outright denying EV charger installations.
While not widely known, right-to-charge laws are critical for EV drivers living in multi-unit housing. These laws empower residents to pursue sustainable transportation options while ensuring property managers, HOAs, and landlords comply with legal requirements. For EV professionals, understanding these laws is vital for helping clients navigate the installation process smoothly.
California continues to lead the way in clean energy adoption with forward-thinking legislation, including the California Solar Rights Act, the solar mandate for new construction, and the California right-to-charge law. Codified under California Civil Code Section 4745, the California right to charge law ensures that residents of condos, co-ops, and planned communities—whether owners or renters—have the right to install EV charging stations.
Under the California right to charge law, chargers can typically be installed “within an owner’s unit or in a designated parking space” or “at a parking space allocated for the lessee.” If these options are impractical or prohibitively expensive, the law allows for the installation of charging stations in common areas or other designated locations on the property.
By removing barriers to EV adoption, the California right to charge law empowers residents to embrace sustainable transportation, even in multi-unit housing or shared community settings, supporting the state’s ongoing transition to clean energy.
Right to charge laws are currently in effect in several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and, more recently, Illinois. Illinois enacted the Electric Vehicle Charging Act in 2023, granting condo owners and renters the right to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces. This aligns with the growing commitment of right to charge states to promote EV adoption in residential communities.
Certain U.S. cities, such as Seattle and Washington, D.C., have also implemented right-to-charge laws to facilitate EV charging station installations. While most of these laws apply primarily to owner-occupied buildings, some—like those in California, Illinois, and Colorado—extend protections to renters, ensuring broader accessibility to EV charging infrastructure.
Even in states without a right to charge law, it might still be possible to get approval to install an electric car charger in a multi-family building, condo, or HOA. This usually involves submitting a written request to the board, apartment owner, or management company.
When making the request, consider where the EV charging station would be located and how someone could park while using it. The charger should ideally be mounted on a wall or post in a convenient parking area. Depending on the property’s layout, wiring can be a challenge. EV professionals can assist clients in evaluating these factors or even speaking at a condominium association or HOA meeting.
It’s also essential to address how the EV driver will pay for the electricity, charging equipment, and installation. Many chargers come with tracking systems to easily calculate electricity consumption, which can simplify payment arrangements and make the installation proposal more appealing to decision-makers.
If applicable, determine if other residents are interested in using the same charger. While some multi-unit buildings share EV chargers among households, this can create challenges, such as scheduling conflicts or prolonged vehicle occupancy in the charging spot.
For residents in states with a right to charge law, the process is typically smoother, as these laws provide legal backing to ensure fair consideration of such requests. Whether a state has adopted a right-to-charge law or not, careful planning and presenting a well-thought-out proposal can increase the likelihood of approval.
HOAs have a legal document called Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that describe the requirements and limitations of the property. Likewise, condominiums have declarations and bylaws that dictate the use, rules, and maintenance of the property. These legal governing documents may have information relevant to the installation and use of EV charging stations. There may also be applicable EV laws in a given state or town.
Many condo and apartment dwellers encounter issues with charging electric cars due to the lack of dedicated parking or charging infrastructure. However, right to charge laws, particularly in states like California, offer protections that make it easier for residents to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces.
To charge an electric car in a condo, check and obtain approval from the condo association, select a suitable location, and confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician. Choose an appropriate charging solution, obtain the required permits, and have the charger installed. Provide documentation to the association, schedule inspections, and, upon approval, manage charging efficiently to accommodate residents sharing the infrastructure.
Yes, under the right to charge law California, renters are allowed to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces, as long as they cover the installation and maintenance costs. Landlords can set reasonable conditions, such as requiring the use of licensed contractors and ensuring the installation meets building codes and safety standards. This law helps renters embrace sustainable transportation while maintaining property safety and integrity.
Under the California right to charge law, the tenant is typically responsible for covering all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the EV charger. However, tenants can take advantage of state or utility company rebates and incentives, which may help reduce some of these expenses. This allows tenants to install EV chargers while potentially lowering their upfront investment.
Many HOAs have electric car charging policies in place that govern the installation and use of EV chargers within the community. These policies typically include guidelines on approval processes, location restrictions, aesthetics, and any associated fees.
While the right to charge law ensures that residents in certain states, like California, have the right to install an EV charger, it's still important to review and comply with the HOA's specific policies. Residents should seek approval before proceeding with the installation to ensure they meet all requirements.
The California right to charge law requires property owners to allow the installation of EV charging stations in designated parking spaces, with certain conditions. Property owners can impose reasonable restrictions, such as ensuring safety and using licensed contractors. They may also request removal if safety standards aren’t met. This law helps promote electric vehicle adoption and supports California's commitment to sustainable transportation.
To install a Tesla charger in a condo, review and comply with condo rules, secure association approval, and select a suitable location. Confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician, choose a Tesla charger, and obtain necessary permits. Hire an electrician for installation, submit required documentation to the condo association, pass inspections, and obtain final approval for a seamless Tesla charger installation.
As more and more households want to install EV chargers, residents of multi-unit buildings and planned communities will be figuring out how to navigate the process. Knowing the EV laws in your area and how to navigate HOAs and condo boards will be critical for moving EV charger installation projects forward.
Navigating the EV charging station design and engineering process can be tricky. GreenLancer is an online marketplace where you can shop for vendors to fulfill your needs in record time. That means more time back to you and standardized solutions to accelerate your EV charging station installations. You can complete the form below if you are a professional EV charging station installer.
As electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids continue to rise in popularity, owners are facing the challenge of understanding the different charging options available. This guide will provide clarity on types of EV charging, the three main charging locations, charging times, connectors, and resources to help you charge your EV efficiently.
Whether you've just got an electric car or are considering getting one, this guide is for you. Here we’ll walk you through some of the first steps of your adventure into electric travel.
The good news is that charging an electric vehicle can happen almost anywhere. What’s more, this guide is the best place to start if you’re after a few simple facts to get you on the road.
So once you’ve got your shiny new electric motor – now what? Well, your first step is to be intrigued, because the switch to electric transport is really exciting. We’ve not witnessed a shift as big as this since people started driving petrol-powered ‘autocars’ in the late 1800s.
So don’t worry if you find your first charging session a little daunting. But do spare a thought for petrol pioneer Henry Sturmey, who drove from John o’ Groats to Land’s End in 1897. He was almost barred entry to a ferry outside Plymouth because the skipper didn’t know what a car was. You shouldn’t have to worry about that now.
You could also check out how to charge your electric car specifically in our range of model charging guides. These will help you understand your car’s charging times and connector types.
Just imagine, you plug your car in when you get home from work and wake up the next morning to find it fully charged – often on the cheapest renewable electricity the grid has to offer.
Home charge points are compact devices usually fixed to your house or garage. They’re weatherproof, and either have a charging cable attached or a socket to plug in a portable cable. Find out more in our guide to electric car charging at home.
The UK’s public charging network is a great alternative for all of your charging needs, offering a range of charging speeds at varying prices. (There are even some free EV charging points you can use.)
If you haven’t already, download the Zapmap app to take a look at the charge points in your local area – you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different charge points wherever you go.
You may find, for example, that you have dedicated on-street charging provision close to your home. This is a growing area of the UK’s public charging network, providing a solution for drivers who live in a flat or a house without off-street parking, and are therefore unable to charge their car at home.
Once you’ve taken a look at the charge points near you, think about your routine. How many miles do you drive each day, each week? What kind of long journeys do you do, if any?
At this point, says EV driver Maz Shar, you can start to look into the logistics in more detail: “Can you charge at your workplace? Can you charge while doing your weekly shop? While at the gym? Is there a charger within walking distance?
“Think about how long you normally spend there. If it’s an hour, it’ll be ideal to have a rapid charger – this is often the case at supermarkets and gyms. If it’s a few hours then a destination charger will suffice.”
In fact, there are so many different charging locations that we’ve created a whole set of filters in the Zapmap app to help you narrow down your choices. This enables you to find available chargers that suit your needs by filtering for charge point network, location type, payment method, power type and more.
As you may know, you can charge an electric car at many different speeds (we’ll come to this in a bit). This means there are a few types of charging provision across the public network.
For example, you tend to find the very quickest chargers at motorway service stations. These charge points are a great example of en-route charging provision, designed for drivers looking to recharge as quickly as possible on longer journeys. Find out more in the guides below.
A few years ago, navigating the UK’s public charging network certainly came with some complexity. However, the public network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a very positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
In part, this is thanks to standardisation of connector types. Type 2 and CCS connectors have almost become the standard connectors for electric vehicles (although Nissan is an exception). This has made finding compatible charge points significantly easier for drivers.
When it comes to the speed at which your car can charge, generally speaking there are two broad categories of charge points to be aware of when using the public network.
These charging devices encompass both ‘rapid’ and ‘ultra-rapid’ chargers, as you’ll hear them called. They’re designed to increase your car’s range as quickly as possible, getting you back on the road again in no time.
With the quickest ones you’ll have enough time for a short coffee break, while others are useful either to top up the battery or to charge up fully over lunch when en-route to your destination.
The quicker devices within this banding are useful when you’re leaving the car behind for a few hours. This might be a day trip with the family, maybe you’re running errands – or perhaps you have a business meeting in the city.
At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find some of the lowest-powered charge points integrated into lampposts and bollards on residential streets, or at places like hotels – anywhere you might leave your car parked for a long period of time. If you have a home charger installed, it’ll be within this range too. Because these particular chargers are designed for long stays or for overnight charging, at this speed your car will take anywhere from six to 18 hours to charge to 80%. (Although there are a few factors at play here, this essentially boils down to the capacity of the battery.)
These days charging your car is, for the most part, fairly intuitive. But there are definitely some tips and tricks to be aware of that will help you optimise your charging experience and make the most of your new electric lifestyle.
For starters, it’s best practice to top up your car before it drops below 20% charge. This is primarily for the health of the battery, but also for your own peace of mind. It’s good to have this 20% in reserve because you never know – there might be a diversion waiting for you just around the corner.
At the other end of the spectrum, it’s best to end your charging sessions once you reach 80%. From this point on, in order to protect the battery, it takes a lot longer to charge. In some cases, it can take as long to charge from 80-100% as it does from 20% to 80%.
There are tens of thousands of public charge points across the UK, and this number is growing all the time. You may have seen signs on the motorway for en-route charging networks such as GRIDSERVE. You’ve probably walked past charge points at your local supermarket. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different chargers wherever you go.
However, by far the most reliable way to locate charge points that suit your needs is to open the Zapmap app. With almost all public charge points mapped, it gives you the widest choice of charging options, tailored to your needs. You can also see the current status of each location, so you know which chargers are available right now.
“When I'm looking for charging locations, I use the Zapmap app with its handy filtering of location types. If I select ‘Supermarket,’ I can fit in a shop while I'm waiting for the car to charge. Very convenient!”
Ways to pay for charging vary, but the majority of charge point operators offer contactless payments via credit/debit card on the device itself, or alternative payment methods such as a network-specific app or RFID card.
The majority of rapid and ultra-rapid charge points now offer contactless payment. Quick, easy and accessible, contactless suits many people. The government has mandated that contactless payment be available on all new rapid chargers that are installed, and within the next couple of years this will also apply to any existing rapid chargers without contactless capability.
Zap-Pay is a cross-network payment solution that allows you to start charging at the click of a button, and pay via credit/debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You’ll want to select the charger you'd like to use within the app – a helpful Zap-Pay button will then pop up in a banner.
The UK’s public charging network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
As you may know, there are quite a number of EV charging networks across the country. Some are brand new and others well established, with many networks offering national coverage while others provide charging in a specific region.
Some networks are certainly doing a better job than others. Osprey Charging is a great example of an operator that’s prioritising accessibility, providing wider and longer bays for better access, and charge points designed to be used easily with just one hand.
When it comes to giving drivers protection from the elements, Fastned leads the pack. Many of Fastned’s charging hubs have a distinctive yellow canopy, which mirrors the protection offered at petrol stations and provides a safe, well-lit charging experience.
And remember, this is just the beginning of your journey, so don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow drivers for tips and advice. There’s a thriving community of electric car drivers in the EV Café on the Zapmap app. They’ll be eager to share their experiences with you and keen to lend a helping hand if ever you need one.
“I’ve been driving electric for over nine years. My initial motivation was the positive environmental benefits, but I could never go back now because I'm wedded to the smooth drive and simplicity of the automatic transmission - just press and go!”
Out of more than 59,000 charging devices on Zapmap, we found that – as of April 2024 – 2,354 were free to use. Put another way, that’s around 4% of all EV charging points that won’t incur a cost. So where are they all?
As you can see, some areas have far more free devices than others. The three areas with the highest number of free EV chargers are the South East with 438, Scotland with 286 and Greater London with 268.
There are some other noteworthy points too. Greater London’s 268 free chargers comprise only 1.4% of its total number of charging devices, reflecting the high concentration of paid-for on-street chargers and rapid devices in the capital.
In contrast, most slow chargers are now on-street chargers, the vast majority of which incur a cost. This would explain why there are only 323 free slow chargers across the UK (around 14% of total free devices).
Interestingly, there are 45 rapid chargers around the country that are still free, representing almost 2% of the total number of free chargers. While you can find these around the country, they are concentrated in Scotland, especially south of Glasgow. Here some local authorities are still providing free charging as an incentive for drivers to switch to electric, supporting their broader clean air and environmental objectives.
It is unlikely that this will continue indefinitely and an increasing number of these chargers are beginning to incur a cost. In Scotland, many cities and local authorities have already started to introduce a fee on the ChargePlace Scotland chargers. For example, in November 2022, there were 283 rapid chargers around the UK that were still free to use, representing just over 7% of the total number of free chargers at that time.
As you can see, public car parks have the most free EV devices, with 433. You’ll also find 359 free devices at dealership forecourts, and 306 at hotels and other accommodation around the UK.
If you take a look through Zapmap and filter by location type, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, pubs, museums, garden centres, theatres, zoos, National Trust properties and leisure centres that provide free charging.
Many hotels and B&Bs offer free charging to visitors, perhaps more than have registered. What’s more, Charity ZeroNet provides charge points for the hospitality and leisure sector. Around 15% of the network’s more than 350 charging points are free to use.
Taken together, public, retail and workplace car parks have by far the highest number of free EV charging devices, at 975. As with accommodation and also supermarkets, many retailers use free charging as a way to attract loyal customers.
Yes, it’s free at some supermarkets. Supermarkets with free EV charging points include Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi. Pod Point is the network provider and free charging is mostly on its fast 7/22kW chargers. Morrisons, Waitrose and Asda also have EV charging points, but they aren’t free to use on a pay-as-you-go basis.
As of November 2022, the fast 7/22kW Pod Point chargers at Tesco are no longer free to use. Indeed, customers now need to pay for these fast chargers, as has always been the case with the rapid charge points.
Yes, some of them do and this is something you’ll need to bear in mind when locating free chargers. Many free charge points have some kind of access restriction (e.g. devices that are ‘customer only’, for example).
Another consideration is that you’ll need to ensure you have the appropriate RFID card or app to start a charge and, while the charging might be free, there may well be some parking charges to pay.
Before you head off to grab your free charge – make sure you check Zapmap and, in particular, the user comments to get insights on all the details of a particular charge point.
Plus, if you’d like to know more, you can hear Zapmap Co-founder & COO Melanie Shufflebotham speaking to BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme about free EV charging points in the UK.
In essence, destination charging is designed to offer you the convenience of topping up your car battery while you’re away doing something more exciting. You could leave the car behind to go shopping, eat out or explore the great outdoors – and head back to find it nicely topped up upon your return, or even fully charged. This will often save you from needing to charge on your return or onward journey.
If you’ve just made the switch to an electric car but are unsure about how it all works, scroll on for more info and advice about destination charging in the UK.
Across the country, charge point operators such as Alfa Power, Mer and RAW Charging are installing medium-powered chargers for electric car drivers to top up their batteries while at a whole range of destinations.
Thanks to super-speedy en-route charging provision and the increasing ranges of newer EV models, the days of range anxiety on longer journeys are pretty much gone. But this is also thanks to a large number of destination charging providers that enable drivers to add a top-up charge almost anywhere they go.
As well as the three networks above, operators such as GeniePoint, Osprey, Pod Point and Tesla are continuing to roll out charge points at hotels, pubs, supermarkets and other tourist attractions.
Destination chargers are usually designed to make use of the time you’re away from your car, which varies between an hour and a few hours depending on the location. This means destination charge points tend to have a lower power rating than their speedier, ‘en-route’ cousins.
Generally speaking, destination chargers across the country have power ratings that range from 7kW - 50kW. This means you’ll come across both AC and DC charge points when topping up at a destination.
With this in mind, most of these chargers will be AC, and between 7kW and 22kW. You’ll also find some quicker DC devices at locations such as supermarkets, many of which will be 50kW, though some networks have installed 25kW DC chargers with CCS or CHAdeMO connector types.
Tesla destination chargers are often wall-mounted, or on small posts as pictured. They are free to use by all Tesla drivers who are customers of the destinations where the points are located. Typically 22kW chargers, they are intended to top up the Tesla's battery over the course of several hours.
The company often installs a non-Tesla-specific Type 2 charge point alongside its destination chargers. These are available for any EV driver to use, providing they have a Type 2 inlet on their car, since the units come with tethered cables.
The Pod Point network aims to offer a charge point everywhere drivers park. As such, Pod Point locations include Tesco and Lidl stores, as well as Center Parcs and National Park locations - for example in the Peak District. The operator's charge points range from bollard-style chargers (pictured) to larger charging units often found in supermarket car parks.
Like Pod Point, RAW charge points come in a range of types and sizes, with bollard-style RAW chargers usually found at retail locations. RAW Charging supplies charging infrastructure for several major property owners in the UK, including McArthurGlen Outlets, Aviva Investors and Greene King pubs.
Monta supplies the back-office software and payment systems for EV chargers belonging to a range of businesses. As such, its physical charge points vary from location to location. Wall-mounted and bollard-style charge points are the most commonly used in destination charging as they are usually lower power and take up less space in existing car parks.
Wherever you are in the UK, you can locate destination charging points quickly and easily with the Zapmap app and desktop map, both of which enable you to see the live availability status of more than 75% of these charge points, 24/7.
You may also want to use the ‘Power type’ slider to further refine your search. This enables you to filter for chargers with a lower power rating, which you’ll typically find at destinations such as supermarkets and garden centres.
Select Zap-Pay in the ‘Payment’ filter to find charge points where you can use it, and enjoy paying quickly and easily for your charging session. You can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Remember to check for any parking limitations and restrictions. Many car parks charge a fee to park as well as the electric vehicle charging cost, and will send out fines if you stay beyond the time limit.
It’s also worth remembering that some destination charge points are free to use, such as those offered for hotel guests. You can find these on Zapmap by filtering for free EV charging points under ‘Payment’.
In general, it’s polite to move your vehicle from the charging bay once your charging session has finished so that other drivers can access it, especially if they’re already waiting to charge.
It might be worth thinking of a charge point as a community hub rather than a personal parking space. For instance, some EV drivers help others to know when the charge point will become available by leaving a note on their windscreen indicating their expected time of departure.
Queues at destination charge points tend to be less common than at en-route charge points, where the power ratings are higher and visitor turnover more frequent. Even so, once you’re topped up it's time to unplug and move on. We recommend that Zapmap users pay for charging via Zap-Pay, so you can check on the status of your charge at any time in the Zapmap app.
Don’t forget to pack up your charging cable if you’ve used your own, and if you do spot another EV driver struggling to plug in, it’s always nice to lend a helping hand or pass on your charging expertise.
Electric Vehicle trendsElectric Vehicle and EV charging fundamentalsEV charging station designEV charging - electrical installation designEV charging - electrical architecturesEV charging - energy and asset managementSmart charging perpectives for optimal EV integration
In 2020, the electrical vehicle market is today shared equally between two main technologies: Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Both technologies are expected to grow fast in the coming years, with the growth of BEVs expected to increase its share up to 60% of total EV production in 2025, and around 40% for PHEVs.
Battery Electric Vehicles are electric vehicles propelled by an electric motor drawing current from an on-board battery energy storage system. BEVs are also called "100% pure electric vehicles" or "all-electric vehicles", because they are powered by electrical energy storage only. They do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE) as a back-up in case the battery is fully discharged.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is an electrical vehicle that can be powered by two energy sources: a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external source of electric power, and a diesel or petrol engine.
The battery capacity of a plug-in hybrid EV is significantly smaller than that of a 100% electric vehicle. A PHEV can, using its battery power, cover on average between 30 to 50km. After this, the petrol / diesel engine takes over.
PHEVs are considered a “transitional” technology. Indeed, with the development of fast charging electrical infrastructures, the increase of on-board battery capacity, and government regulation requirements, BEV (100% electric) technology is expected to grow faster.
Hybrid electric vehicles are internal combustion engine vehicles equipped with a small battery that can be recharged by braking energy recovery, but not by plugging into an external electricity source. These vehicles are not zero nor low emission, but provide an additional CO2 reduction compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
A fuel cell vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by electricity produced by a fuel cell instead of electricity stored in an electrical battery. The fuel cell produces electricity using oxygen and hydrogen as primary sources.
The FCEV does not yet have the maturity of other electric vehicle technologies, such as BEV and PHEV, and currently has only a small share (<1%) in terms of EV production.
Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism, in which the electric motor acts as a generator during the braking, and the generated energy is used to charge the battery. This technology can be used in electrical vehicles, such as HEVs, BEVs, and PHEVs.
Some car manufacturers offer electrical vehicle models with integrated solar PV cells on the vehicle roof. The on-board produced energy is not sufficient to charge the electrical battery but can be used to supply some accessory loads.
An electric vehicle (electric car) is a vehicle propelled by an electric motor, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Electric vehicles are equipped with a charging inlet(s), and an on-board charger that converts AC power into DC so that it can be stored in the battery. An on-board controller ensures the performance of the electric vehicle.
Electric cars are usually equipped with a lithium-ion battery energy storage system. The battery typically has a power range of 5 to 100 kWh and operates at voltage levels from 300 to 800 V.
The battery lifespan depends on the use of the car and the type of charging. Usually, the battery set lasts more than 10 years. However, if DC fast charging is used frequently (more than 3 times / month), the battery capacity, performance and life time are reduced.
Electric vehicles include an on-board charger, which converts the power from AC to DC to charge the battery. The charging capacity of the onboard charger is limited to 22kW AC. In case of fast DC charging (see charging mode 4), the onboard charger is bypassed, and the DC electricity is supplied directly to the battery.
An electrical vehicle has at least one AC charging inlet port. Electrical cars can have a second DC charging inlet for fast charging (mode 4). The DC charging inlet may or may not be an option, depending on car models or countries. Also, some models offer a single port for both AC and DC charging.
The J1772 connector is easily identifiable by three large pins – similar to the power outlet layout at home – and two smaller pin for the car connection. The three broad pins are for Phase, Neutral and Ground while the two small pins are used for communication between the charger and the electric car (Pilot Interface).
It can deliver between 3 and 7.4 kW and supports only single phase with a maximum current of 32 A. It includes an extra protection to lock the connector while charging, in order to avoid disconnection by a third party.
This type of connector is approved as the European standard. The connector stands out with a unique design, rounded but with a flat edge on the top. Its pins distribution is similar to type 1, but includes two more pins, corresponding to the two extra phases needed for three-phase charging.
CHAdeMO is the contraction of "Charge Move". But the acronym is also present in the Japanese sentence: "O cha demo ikaga desuka" which translates as "You will have tea while the car is charging". This sentence represents the will of the association composed by Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nissan, among others: fast charging with direct current. It can therefore be installed as a second socket by vehicle manufacturers next to an alternating current charging socket.
CCS Combo 1 is based on the J1772 Type 1 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
CCS Combo 2 is based on Type 2 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
breaker tripping: since the recharging socket used shares the same switchboard outgoing circuit as other power sockets, if the sum of power consumption exceeds the protection limit (generally 16A), the circuit breaker will trip, interrupting the vehicle charging.
Charging mode 2 is a method for the connection of an EV to a standard socket-outlet, with a control pilot function and a system for personal protection against electric shock, integrated into the connection cable, between the standard plug and the EV.
The rated values for current and voltage must not exceed 32 A and 250 V AC in single-phase, and 32 A and 480 V AC in a three-phase installation, as defined in IEC 61851-1
This mode is limited to domestic electric installations. The connection cable is usually provided with the electric car. As with mode 1, a standard socket outlet is used, but in this case, the protection device and the socket outlet should be able to carry higher charging currents, up to 32A, which is usually not the case for standard domestic power socket circuits.
Because Mode 3 uses a dedicated EV charger (and not a standard socket outlet), the power range is higher, from 3.7kW up to 22kW AC. This higher power range enables fast charging of electric cars, compared to Modes 1 and 2.
The addition of a pilot wire inside the charging cable enables communication between the vehicle and the charging equipment through standard protocols. It also allows the implementation of control functions, such as:
In Mode 4, charging is done through DC EV supply equipment, called EV charging station (or EV charger), connected to an AC or DC supply network. The EV charging station delivers DC current directly to the battery, e.g. bypassing the on-board charger. Charging of the electric vehicle can be done much faster than in mode 1, 2 and 3, as the electrical power charging range is higher than 24kW.
The charging time can be roughly calculated as the ratio between the electric vehicle battery capacity and the charging power. The charging power is limited to the power that the charging station can deliver and that which the Electrical Vehicle can accept.
the charging speed profile is not linear. Electric vehicles are not continuously charged at maximum power. In particular, DC charging (mode 4) is charging very fast until the battery reaches 80% - 90% of its capacity, and slows down significantly for the remaining 10-20%.
the charging speed depends on the battery temperature. The optimum temperature for charging is between 20°C and 30°C. If the battery temperature is outside of this range, charging can be slower.
Unlike conventional internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which refuel at gas stations, electric vehicles can recharge at multiple locations: @home (residential buildings), @work (small to large office buildings ...), @destinations (public parkings, hypermarkets ...), @fleet (city buses, delivery trucks, company cars ...), @transit (highways, city stations ...). The charging time and cost for the end user, the charging mode, the number of chargers and their power range are all dependent on the charging station location.
Home is the most common place to charge. Home charging is cost-effective and usually sufficient for daily trips. It is generally considered as more convenient than refuelling ICE vehicles at gas stations.
multi-family: residential buildings with multiple apartments (condominium), where charging points may be private (individual garage) or shared between condominium inhabitants (a number of EV charging points located in the common parking place)
Residential charging is done mainly at night, when the car is not in use and when electricity is usually cheaper. EV charging equipment is most commonly single-phase and with a power delivery rate up to a maximum of 7.4 kW. Charging is slow and may require several hours. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for its built-in safety features.
Workplace EV chargers are becoming available at a growing number of companies, especially those committed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. It can be attractive for employees, especially if the price for charging is equivalent or lower than the price for charging at home. Workplace charging can be an opportunity to encourage electric vehicle adoption for employees that do not have charging points at home or for employees needing to charge both at home and at work for their daily usage.
Workplace charging is done mainly during the day. EV chargers in the workplace are usually 3-phase with a power range of 11kW and 22kW. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for safety reasons.
Charging is done in mode 4 (DC charging, also sometimes called DC fast charging). The power range of the EV charging station is from 50kW up to 350kW. The charging time depends on the power range – usually less than 30min.
The Electrical Installation Guide is now available here as a wiki (Electrical Installation Wiki). This wiki is a collaborative platform, brought to you by Schneider Electric: our experts are continuously improving its content, as they were doing for the guide. Collaboration to this wiki is also open to all.
Zero-emission vehicles are gaining traction, but for EVs to become practical for more people, drivers need easy and reliable charging options. This is especially true for those living in apartments or condos, where installing a home charger can be a challenge.
Multi-unit properties often have unique obstacles to EV charger installation, from parking layouts to building designs and ownership structures. Additionally, many of these properties are part of planned communities with rules that can complicate how residents use their spaces. That’s where a right-to-charge law, like California’s, becomes essential.
How can residents of apartments or condos overcome these challenges to install home EV chargers? And how can EV professionals guide clients through the approval process? Let’s explore how a right-to-charge law helps make charging more accessible for everyone.
A right-to-charge law ensures individuals living in multi-unit buildings or planned communities can install an EV charging station for personal use, despite potential obstacles. These laws help remove barriers for charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, they often come with conditions, such as requiring the individual to cover the costs of electrical infrastructure upgrades, charging expenses, and maintaining an appropriate insurance policy.
Several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Virginia, have enacted right-to-charge laws. These laws differ by state but generally restrict homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or condo boards from outright denying EV charger installations.
While not widely known, right-to-charge laws are critical for EV drivers living in multi-unit housing. These laws empower residents to pursue sustainable transportation options while ensuring property managers, HOAs, and landlords comply with legal requirements. For EV professionals, understanding these laws is vital for helping clients navigate the installation process smoothly.
California continues to lead the way in clean energy adoption with forward-thinking legislation, including the California Solar Rights Act, the solar mandate for new construction, and the California right-to-charge law. Codified under California Civil Code Section 4745, the California right to charge law ensures that residents of condos, co-ops, and planned communities—whether owners or renters—have the right to install EV charging stations.
Under the California right to charge law, chargers can typically be installed “within an owner’s unit or in a designated parking space” or “at a parking space allocated for the lessee.” If these options are impractical or prohibitively expensive, the law allows for the installation of charging stations in common areas or other designated locations on the property.
By removing barriers to EV adoption, the California right to charge law empowers residents to embrace sustainable transportation, even in multi-unit housing or shared community settings, supporting the state’s ongoing transition to clean energy.
Right to charge laws are currently in effect in several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and, more recently, Illinois. Illinois enacted the Electric Vehicle Charging Act in 2023, granting condo owners and renters the right to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces. This aligns with the growing commitment of right to charge states to promote EV adoption in residential communities.
Certain U.S. cities, such as Seattle and Washington, D.C., have also implemented right-to-charge laws to facilitate EV charging station installations. While most of these laws apply primarily to owner-occupied buildings, some—like those in California, Illinois, and Colorado—extend protections to renters, ensuring broader accessibility to EV charging infrastructure.
Even in states without a right to charge law, it might still be possible to get approval to install an electric car charger in a multi-family building, condo, or HOA. This usually involves submitting a written request to the board, apartment owner, or management company.
When making the request, consider where the EV charging station would be located and how someone could park while using it. The charger should ideally be mounted on a wall or post in a convenient parking area. Depending on the property’s layout, wiring can be a challenge. EV professionals can assist clients in evaluating these factors or even speaking at a condominium association or HOA meeting.
It’s also essential to address how the EV driver will pay for the electricity, charging equipment, and installation. Many chargers come with tracking systems to easily calculate electricity consumption, which can simplify payment arrangements and make the installation proposal more appealing to decision-makers.
If applicable, determine if other residents are interested in using the same charger. While some multi-unit buildings share EV chargers among households, this can create challenges, such as scheduling conflicts or prolonged vehicle occupancy in the charging spot.
For residents in states with a right to charge law, the process is typically smoother, as these laws provide legal backing to ensure fair consideration of such requests. Whether a state has adopted a right-to-charge law or not, careful planning and presenting a well-thought-out proposal can increase the likelihood of approval.
HOAs have a legal document called Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that describe the requirements and limitations of the property. Likewise, condominiums have declarations and bylaws that dictate the use, rules, and maintenance of the property. These legal governing documents may have information relevant to the installation and use of EV charging stations. There may also be applicable EV laws in a given state or town.
Many condo and apartment dwellers encounter issues with charging electric cars due to the lack of dedicated parking or charging infrastructure. However, right to charge laws, particularly in states like California, offer protections that make it easier for residents to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces.
To charge an electric car in a condo, check and obtain approval from the condo association, select a suitable location, and confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician. Choose an appropriate charging solution, obtain the required permits, and have the charger installed. Provide documentation to the association, schedule inspections, and, upon approval, manage charging efficiently to accommodate residents sharing the infrastructure.
Yes, under the right to charge law California, renters are allowed to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces, as long as they cover the installation and maintenance costs. Landlords can set reasonable conditions, such as requiring the use of licensed contractors and ensuring the installation meets building codes and safety standards. This law helps renters embrace sustainable transportation while maintaining property safety and integrity.
Under the California right to charge law, the tenant is typically responsible for covering all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the EV charger. However, tenants can take advantage of state or utility company rebates and incentives, which may help reduce some of these expenses. This allows tenants to install EV chargers while potentially lowering their upfront investment.
Many HOAs have electric car charging policies in place that govern the installation and use of EV chargers within the community. These policies typically include guidelines on approval processes, location restrictions, aesthetics, and any associated fees.
While the right to charge law ensures that residents in certain states, like California, have the right to install an EV charger, it's still important to review and comply with the HOA's specific policies. Residents should seek approval before proceeding with the installation to ensure they meet all requirements.
The California right to charge law requires property owners to allow the installation of EV charging stations in designated parking spaces, with certain conditions. Property owners can impose reasonable restrictions, such as ensuring safety and using licensed contractors. They may also request removal if safety standards aren’t met. This law helps promote electric vehicle adoption and supports California's commitment to sustainable transportation.
To install a Tesla charger in a condo, review and comply with condo rules, secure association approval, and select a suitable location. Confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician, choose a Tesla charger, and obtain necessary permits. Hire an electrician for installation, submit required documentation to the condo association, pass inspections, and obtain final approval for a seamless Tesla charger installation.
As more and more households want to install EV chargers, residents of multi-unit buildings and planned communities will be figuring out how to navigate the process. Knowing the EV laws in your area and how to navigate HOAs and condo boards will be critical for moving EV charger installation projects forward.
Navigating the EV charging station design and engineering process can be tricky. GreenLancer is an online marketplace where you can shop for vendors to fulfill your needs in record time. That means more time back to you and standardized solutions to accelerate your EV charging station installations. You can complete the form below if you are a professional EV charging station installer.
As electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids continue to rise in popularity, owners are facing the challenge of understanding the different charging options available. This guide will provide clarity on types of EV charging, the three main charging locations, charging times, connectors, and resources to help you charge your EV efficiently.
Whether you've just got an electric car or are considering getting one, this guide is for you. Here we’ll walk you through some of the first steps of your adventure into electric travel.
The good news is that charging an electric vehicle can happen almost anywhere. What’s more, this guide is the best place to start if you’re after a few simple facts to get you on the road.
So once you’ve got your shiny new electric motor – now what? Well, your first step is to be intrigued, because the switch to electric transport is really exciting. We’ve not witnessed a shift as big as this since people started driving petrol-powered ‘autocars’ in the late 1800s.
So don’t worry if you find your first charging session a little daunting. But do spare a thought for petrol pioneer Henry Sturmey, who drove from John o’ Groats to Land’s End in 1897. He was almost barred entry to a ferry outside Plymouth because the skipper didn’t know what a car was. You shouldn’t have to worry about that now.
You could also check out how to charge your electric car specifically in our range of model charging guides. These will help you understand your car’s charging times and connector types.
Just imagine, you plug your car in when you get home from work and wake up the next morning to find it fully charged – often on the cheapest renewable electricity the grid has to offer.
Home charge points are compact devices usually fixed to your house or garage. They’re weatherproof, and either have a charging cable attached or a socket to plug in a portable cable. Find out more in our guide to electric car charging at home.
The UK’s public charging network is a great alternative for all of your charging needs, offering a range of charging speeds at varying prices. (There are even some free EV charging points you can use.)
If you haven’t already, download the Zapmap app to take a look at the charge points in your local area – you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different charge points wherever you go.
You may find, for example, that you have dedicated on-street charging provision close to your home. This is a growing area of the UK’s public charging network, providing a solution for drivers who live in a flat or a house without off-street parking, and are therefore unable to charge their car at home.
Once you’ve taken a look at the charge points near you, think about your routine. How many miles do you drive each day, each week? What kind of long journeys do you do, if any?
At this point, says EV driver Maz Shar, you can start to look into the logistics in more detail: “Can you charge at your workplace? Can you charge while doing your weekly shop? While at the gym? Is there a charger within walking distance?
“Think about how long you normally spend there. If it’s an hour, it’ll be ideal to have a rapid charger – this is often the case at supermarkets and gyms. If it’s a few hours then a destination charger will suffice.”
In fact, there are so many different charging locations that we’ve created a whole set of filters in the Zapmap app to help you narrow down your choices. This enables you to find available chargers that suit your needs by filtering for charge point network, location type, payment method, power type and more.
As you may know, you can charge an electric car at many different speeds (we’ll come to this in a bit). This means there are a few types of charging provision across the public network.
For example, you tend to find the very quickest chargers at motorway service stations. These charge points are a great example of en-route charging provision, designed for drivers looking to recharge as quickly as possible on longer journeys. Find out more in the guides below.
A few years ago, navigating the UK’s public charging network certainly came with some complexity. However, the public network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a very positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
In part, this is thanks to standardisation of connector types. Type 2 and CCS connectors have almost become the standard connectors for electric vehicles (although Nissan is an exception). This has made finding compatible charge points significantly easier for drivers.
When it comes to the speed at which your car can charge, generally speaking there are two broad categories of charge points to be aware of when using the public network.
These charging devices encompass both ‘rapid’ and ‘ultra-rapid’ chargers, as you’ll hear them called. They’re designed to increase your car’s range as quickly as possible, getting you back on the road again in no time.
With the quickest ones you’ll have enough time for a short coffee break, while others are useful either to top up the battery or to charge up fully over lunch when en-route to your destination.
The quicker devices within this banding are useful when you’re leaving the car behind for a few hours. This might be a day trip with the family, maybe you’re running errands – or perhaps you have a business meeting in the city.
At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find some of the lowest-powered charge points integrated into lampposts and bollards on residential streets, or at places like hotels – anywhere you might leave your car parked for a long period of time. If you have a home charger installed, it’ll be within this range too. Because these particular chargers are designed for long stays or for overnight charging, at this speed your car will take anywhere from six to 18 hours to charge to 80%. (Although there are a few factors at play here, this essentially boils down to the capacity of the battery.)
These days charging your car is, for the most part, fairly intuitive. But there are definitely some tips and tricks to be aware of that will help you optimise your charging experience and make the most of your new electric lifestyle.
For starters, it’s best practice to top up your car before it drops below 20% charge. This is primarily for the health of the battery, but also for your own peace of mind. It’s good to have this 20% in reserve because you never know – there might be a diversion waiting for you just around the corner.
At the other end of the spectrum, it’s best to end your charging sessions once you reach 80%. From this point on, in order to protect the battery, it takes a lot longer to charge. In some cases, it can take as long to charge from 80-100% as it does from 20% to 80%.
There are tens of thousands of public charge points across the UK, and this number is growing all the time. You may have seen signs on the motorway for en-route charging networks such as GRIDSERVE. You’ve probably walked past charge points at your local supermarket. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different chargers wherever you go.
However, by far the most reliable way to locate charge points that suit your needs is to open the Zapmap app. With almost all public charge points mapped, it gives you the widest choice of charging options, tailored to your needs. You can also see the current status of each location, so you know which chargers are available right now.
“When I'm looking for charging locations, I use the Zapmap app with its handy filtering of location types. If I select ‘Supermarket,’ I can fit in a shop while I'm waiting for the car to charge. Very convenient!”
Ways to pay for charging vary, but the majority of charge point operators offer contactless payments via credit/debit card on the device itself, or alternative payment methods such as a network-specific app or RFID card.
The majority of rapid and ultra-rapid charge points now offer contactless payment. Quick, easy and accessible, contactless suits many people. The government has mandated that contactless payment be available on all new rapid chargers that are installed, and within the next couple of years this will also apply to any existing rapid chargers without contactless capability.
Zap-Pay is a cross-network payment solution that allows you to start charging at the click of a button, and pay via credit/debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You’ll want to select the charger you'd like to use within the app – a helpful Zap-Pay button will then pop up in a banner.
The UK’s public charging network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
As you may know, there are quite a number of EV charging networks across the country. Some are brand new and others well established, with many networks offering national coverage while others provide charging in a specific region.
Some networks are certainly doing a better job than others. Osprey Charging is a great example of an operator that’s prioritising accessibility, providing wider and longer bays for better access, and charge points designed to be used easily with just one hand.
When it comes to giving drivers protection from the elements, Fastned leads the pack. Many of Fastned’s charging hubs have a distinctive yellow canopy, which mirrors the protection offered at petrol stations and provides a safe, well-lit charging experience.
And remember, this is just the beginning of your journey, so don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow drivers for tips and advice. There’s a thriving community of electric car drivers in the EV Café on the Zapmap app. They’ll be eager to share their experiences with you and keen to lend a helping hand if ever you need one.
“I’ve been driving electric for over nine years. My initial motivation was the positive environmental benefits, but I could never go back now because I'm wedded to the smooth drive and simplicity of the automatic transmission - just press and go!”
Out of more than 59,000 charging devices on Zapmap, we found that – as of April 2024 – 2,354 were free to use. Put another way, that’s around 4% of all EV charging points that won’t incur a cost. So where are they all?
As you can see, some areas have far more free devices than others. The three areas with the highest number of free EV chargers are the South East with 438, Scotland with 286 and Greater London with 268.
There are some other noteworthy points too. Greater London’s 268 free chargers comprise only 1.4% of its total number of charging devices, reflecting the high concentration of paid-for on-street chargers and rapid devices in the capital.
In contrast, most slow chargers are now on-street chargers, the vast majority of which incur a cost. This would explain why there are only 323 free slow chargers across the UK (around 14% of total free devices).
Interestingly, there are 45 rapid chargers around the country that are still free, representing almost 2% of the total number of free chargers. While you can find these around the country, they are concentrated in Scotland, especially south of Glasgow. Here some local authorities are still providing free charging as an incentive for drivers to switch to electric, supporting their broader clean air and environmental objectives.
It is unlikely that this will continue indefinitely and an increasing number of these chargers are beginning to incur a cost. In Scotland, many cities and local authorities have already started to introduce a fee on the ChargePlace Scotland chargers. For example, in November 2022, there were 283 rapid chargers around the UK that were still free to use, representing just over 7% of the total number of free chargers at that time.
As you can see, public car parks have the most free EV devices, with 433. You’ll also find 359 free devices at dealership forecourts, and 306 at hotels and other accommodation around the UK.
If you take a look through Zapmap and filter by location type, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, pubs, museums, garden centres, theatres, zoos, National Trust properties and leisure centres that provide free charging.
Many hotels and B&Bs offer free charging to visitors, perhaps more than have registered. What’s more, Charity ZeroNet provides charge points for the hospitality and leisure sector. Around 15% of the network’s more than 350 charging points are free to use.
Taken together, public, retail and workplace car parks have by far the highest number of free EV charging devices, at 975. As with accommodation and also supermarkets, many retailers use free charging as a way to attract loyal customers.
Yes, it’s free at some supermarkets. Supermarkets with free EV charging points include Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi. Pod Point is the network provider and free charging is mostly on its fast 7/22kW chargers. Morrisons, Waitrose and Asda also have EV charging points, but they aren’t free to use on a pay-as-you-go basis.
As of November 2022, the fast 7/22kW Pod Point chargers at Tesco are no longer free to use. Indeed, customers now need to pay for these fast chargers, as has always been the case with the rapid charge points.
Yes, some of them do and this is something you’ll need to bear in mind when locating free chargers. Many free charge points have some kind of access restriction (e.g. devices that are ‘customer only’, for example).
Another consideration is that you’ll need to ensure you have the appropriate RFID card or app to start a charge and, while the charging might be free, there may well be some parking charges to pay.
Before you head off to grab your free charge – make sure you check Zapmap and, in particular, the user comments to get insights on all the details of a particular charge point.
Plus, if you’d like to know more, you can hear Zapmap Co-founder & COO Melanie Shufflebotham speaking to BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme about free EV charging points in the UK.
In essence, destination charging is designed to offer you the convenience of topping up your car battery while you’re away doing something more exciting. You could leave the car behind to go shopping, eat out or explore the great outdoors – and head back to find it nicely topped up upon your return, or even fully charged. This will often save you from needing to charge on your return or onward journey.
If you’ve just made the switch to an electric car but are unsure about how it all works, scroll on for more info and advice about destination charging in the UK.
Across the country, charge point operators such as Alfa Power, Mer and RAW Charging are installing medium-powered chargers for electric car drivers to top up their batteries while at a whole range of destinations.
Thanks to super-speedy en-route charging provision and the increasing ranges of newer EV models, the days of range anxiety on longer journeys are pretty much gone. But this is also thanks to a large number of destination charging providers that enable drivers to add a top-up charge almost anywhere they go.
As well as the three networks above, operators such as GeniePoint, Osprey, Pod Point and Tesla are continuing to roll out charge points at hotels, pubs, supermarkets and other tourist attractions.
Destination chargers are usually designed to make use of the time you’re away from your car, which varies between an hour and a few hours depending on the location. This means destination charge points tend to have a lower power rating than their speedier, ‘en-route’ cousins.
Generally speaking, destination chargers across the country have power ratings that range from 7kW - 50kW. This means you’ll come across both AC and DC charge points when topping up at a destination.
With this in mind, most of these chargers will be AC, and between 7kW and 22kW. You’ll also find some quicker DC devices at locations such as supermarkets, many of which will be 50kW, though some networks have installed 25kW DC chargers with CCS or CHAdeMO connector types.
Tesla destination chargers are often wall-mounted, or on small posts as pictured. They are free to use by all Tesla drivers who are customers of the destinations where the points are located. Typically 22kW chargers, they are intended to top up the Tesla's battery over the course of several hours.
The company often installs a non-Tesla-specific Type 2 charge point alongside its destination chargers. These are available for any EV driver to use, providing they have a Type 2 inlet on their car, since the units come with tethered cables.
The Pod Point network aims to offer a charge point everywhere drivers park. As such, Pod Point locations include Tesco and Lidl stores, as well as Center Parcs and National Park locations - for example in the Peak District. The operator's charge points range from bollard-style chargers (pictured) to larger charging units often found in supermarket car parks.
Like Pod Point, RAW charge points come in a range of types and sizes, with bollard-style RAW chargers usually found at retail locations. RAW Charging supplies charging infrastructure for several major property owners in the UK, including McArthurGlen Outlets, Aviva Investors and Greene King pubs.
Monta supplies the back-office software and payment systems for EV chargers belonging to a range of businesses. As such, its physical charge points vary from location to location. Wall-mounted and bollard-style charge points are the most commonly used in destination charging as they are usually lower power and take up less space in existing car parks.
Wherever you are in the UK, you can locate destination charging points quickly and easily with the Zapmap app and desktop map, both of which enable you to see the live availability status of more than 75% of these charge points, 24/7.
You may also want to use the ‘Power type’ slider to further refine your search. This enables you to filter for chargers with a lower power rating, which you’ll typically find at destinations such as supermarkets and garden centres.
Select Zap-Pay in the ‘Payment’ filter to find charge points where you can use it, and enjoy paying quickly and easily for your charging session. You can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Remember to check for any parking limitations and restrictions. Many car parks charge a fee to park as well as the electric vehicle charging cost, and will send out fines if you stay beyond the time limit.
It’s also worth remembering that some destination charge points are free to use, such as those offered for hotel guests. You can find these on Zapmap by filtering for free EV charging points under ‘Payment’.
In general, it’s polite to move your vehicle from the charging bay once your charging session has finished so that other drivers can access it, especially if they’re already waiting to charge.
It might be worth thinking of a charge point as a community hub rather than a personal parking space. For instance, some EV drivers help others to know when the charge point will become available by leaving a note on their windscreen indicating their expected time of departure.
Queues at destination charge points tend to be less common than at en-route charge points, where the power ratings are higher and visitor turnover more frequent. Even so, once you’re topped up it's time to unplug and move on. We recommend that Zapmap users pay for charging via Zap-Pay, so you can check on the status of your charge at any time in the Zapmap app.
Don’t forget to pack up your charging cable if you’ve used your own, and if you do spot another EV driver struggling to plug in, it’s always nice to lend a helping hand or pass on your charging expertise.
Electric Vehicle trendsElectric Vehicle and EV charging fundamentalsEV charging station designEV charging - electrical installation designEV charging - electrical architecturesEV charging - energy and asset managementSmart charging perpectives for optimal EV integration
In 2020, the electrical vehicle market is today shared equally between two main technologies: Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Both technologies are expected to grow fast in the coming years, with the growth of BEVs expected to increase its share up to 60% of total EV production in 2025, and around 40% for PHEVs.
Battery Electric Vehicles are electric vehicles propelled by an electric motor drawing current from an on-board battery energy storage system. BEVs are also called "100% pure electric vehicles" or "all-electric vehicles", because they are powered by electrical energy storage only. They do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE) as a back-up in case the battery is fully discharged.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is an electrical vehicle that can be powered by two energy sources: a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external source of electric power, and a diesel or petrol engine.
The battery capacity of a plug-in hybrid EV is significantly smaller than that of a 100% electric vehicle. A PHEV can, using its battery power, cover on average between 30 to 50km. After this, the petrol / diesel engine takes over.
PHEVs are considered a “transitional” technology. Indeed, with the development of fast charging electrical infrastructures, the increase of on-board battery capacity, and government regulation requirements, BEV (100% electric) technology is expected to grow faster.
Hybrid electric vehicles are internal combustion engine vehicles equipped with a small battery that can be recharged by braking energy recovery, but not by plugging into an external electricity source. These vehicles are not zero nor low emission, but provide an additional CO2 reduction compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
A fuel cell vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by electricity produced by a fuel cell instead of electricity stored in an electrical battery. The fuel cell produces electricity using oxygen and hydrogen as primary sources.
The FCEV does not yet have the maturity of other electric vehicle technologies, such as BEV and PHEV, and currently has only a small share (<1%) in terms of EV production.
Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism, in which the electric motor acts as a generator during the braking, and the generated energy is used to charge the battery. This technology can be used in electrical vehicles, such as HEVs, BEVs, and PHEVs.
Some car manufacturers offer electrical vehicle models with integrated solar PV cells on the vehicle roof. The on-board produced energy is not sufficient to charge the electrical battery but can be used to supply some accessory loads.
An electric vehicle (electric car) is a vehicle propelled by an electric motor, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Electric vehicles are equipped with a charging inlet(s), and an on-board charger that converts AC power into DC so that it can be stored in the battery. An on-board controller ensures the performance of the electric vehicle.
Electric cars are usually equipped with a lithium-ion battery energy storage system. The battery typically has a power range of 5 to 100 kWh and operates at voltage levels from 300 to 800 V.
The battery lifespan depends on the use of the car and the type of charging. Usually, the battery set lasts more than 10 years. However, if DC fast charging is used frequently (more than 3 times / month), the battery capacity, performance and life time are reduced.
Electric vehicles include an on-board charger, which converts the power from AC to DC to charge the battery. The charging capacity of the onboard charger is limited to 22kW AC. In case of fast DC charging (see charging mode 4), the onboard charger is bypassed, and the DC electricity is supplied directly to the battery.
An electrical vehicle has at least one AC charging inlet port. Electrical cars can have a second DC charging inlet for fast charging (mode 4). The DC charging inlet may or may not be an option, depending on car models or countries. Also, some models offer a single port for both AC and DC charging.
The J1772 connector is easily identifiable by three large pins – similar to the power outlet layout at home – and two smaller pin for the car connection. The three broad pins are for Phase, Neutral and Ground while the two small pins are used for communication between the charger and the electric car (Pilot Interface).
It can deliver between 3 and 7.4 kW and supports only single phase with a maximum current of 32 A. It includes an extra protection to lock the connector while charging, in order to avoid disconnection by a third party.
This type of connector is approved as the European standard. The connector stands out with a unique design, rounded but with a flat edge on the top. Its pins distribution is similar to type 1, but includes two more pins, corresponding to the two extra phases needed for three-phase charging.
CHAdeMO is the contraction of "Charge Move". But the acronym is also present in the Japanese sentence: "O cha demo ikaga desuka" which translates as "You will have tea while the car is charging". This sentence represents the will of the association composed by Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nissan, among others: fast charging with direct current. It can therefore be installed as a second socket by vehicle manufacturers next to an alternating current charging socket.
CCS Combo 1 is based on the J1772 Type 1 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
CCS Combo 2 is based on Type 2 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
breaker tripping: since the recharging socket used shares the same switchboard outgoing circuit as other power sockets, if the sum of power consumption exceeds the protection limit (generally 16A), the circuit breaker will trip, interrupting the vehicle charging.
Charging mode 2 is a method for the connection of an EV to a standard socket-outlet, with a control pilot function and a system for personal protection against electric shock, integrated into the connection cable, between the standard plug and the EV.
The rated values for current and voltage must not exceed 32 A and 250 V AC in single-phase, and 32 A and 480 V AC in a three-phase installation, as defined in IEC 61851-1
This mode is limited to domestic electric installations. The connection cable is usually provided with the electric car. As with mode 1, a standard socket outlet is used, but in this case, the protection device and the socket outlet should be able to carry higher charging currents, up to 32A, which is usually not the case for standard domestic power socket circuits.
Because Mode 3 uses a dedicated EV charger (and not a standard socket outlet), the power range is higher, from 3.7kW up to 22kW AC. This higher power range enables fast charging of electric cars, compared to Modes 1 and 2.
The addition of a pilot wire inside the charging cable enables communication between the vehicle and the charging equipment through standard protocols. It also allows the implementation of control functions, such as:
In Mode 4, charging is done through DC EV supply equipment, called EV charging station (or EV charger), connected to an AC or DC supply network. The EV charging station delivers DC current directly to the battery, e.g. bypassing the on-board charger. Charging of the electric vehicle can be done much faster than in mode 1, 2 and 3, as the electrical power charging range is higher than 24kW.
The charging time can be roughly calculated as the ratio between the electric vehicle battery capacity and the charging power. The charging power is limited to the power that the charging station can deliver and that which the Electrical Vehicle can accept.
the charging speed profile is not linear. Electric vehicles are not continuously charged at maximum power. In particular, DC charging (mode 4) is charging very fast until the battery reaches 80% - 90% of its capacity, and slows down significantly for the remaining 10-20%.
the charging speed depends on the battery temperature. The optimum temperature for charging is between 20°C and 30°C. If the battery temperature is outside of this range, charging can be slower.
Unlike conventional internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which refuel at gas stations, electric vehicles can recharge at multiple locations: @home (residential buildings), @work (small to large office buildings ...), @destinations (public parkings, hypermarkets ...), @fleet (city buses, delivery trucks, company cars ...), @transit (highways, city stations ...). The charging time and cost for the end user, the charging mode, the number of chargers and their power range are all dependent on the charging station location.
Home is the most common place to charge. Home charging is cost-effective and usually sufficient for daily trips. It is generally considered as more convenient than refuelling ICE vehicles at gas stations.
multi-family: residential buildings with multiple apartments (condominium), where charging points may be private (individual garage) or shared between condominium inhabitants (a number of EV charging points located in the common parking place)
Residential charging is done mainly at night, when the car is not in use and when electricity is usually cheaper. EV charging equipment is most commonly single-phase and with a power delivery rate up to a maximum of 7.4 kW. Charging is slow and may require several hours. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for its built-in safety features.
Workplace EV chargers are becoming available at a growing number of companies, especially those committed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. It can be attractive for employees, especially if the price for charging is equivalent or lower than the price for charging at home. Workplace charging can be an opportunity to encourage electric vehicle adoption for employees that do not have charging points at home or for employees needing to charge both at home and at work for their daily usage.
Workplace charging is done mainly during the day. EV chargers in the workplace are usually 3-phase with a power range of 11kW and 22kW. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for safety reasons.
Charging is done in mode 4 (DC charging, also sometimes called DC fast charging). The power range of the EV charging station is from 50kW up to 350kW. The charging time depends on the power range – usually less than 30min.
The Electrical Installation Guide is now available here as a wiki (Electrical Installation Wiki). This wiki is a collaborative platform, brought to you by Schneider Electric: our experts are continuously improving its content, as they were doing for the guide. Collaboration to this wiki is also open to all.
Zero-emission vehicles are gaining traction, but for EVs to become practical for more people, drivers need easy and reliable charging options. This is especially true for those living in apartments or condos, where installing a home charger can be a challenge.
Multi-unit properties often have unique obstacles to EV charger installation, from parking layouts to building designs and ownership structures. Additionally, many of these properties are part of planned communities with rules that can complicate how residents use their spaces. That’s where a right-to-charge law, like California’s, becomes essential.
How can residents of apartments or condos overcome these challenges to install home EV chargers? And how can EV professionals guide clients through the approval process? Let’s explore how a right-to-charge law helps make charging more accessible for everyone.
A right-to-charge law ensures individuals living in multi-unit buildings or planned communities can install an EV charging station for personal use, despite potential obstacles. These laws help remove barriers for charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, they often come with conditions, such as requiring the individual to cover the costs of electrical infrastructure upgrades, charging expenses, and maintaining an appropriate insurance policy.
Several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Virginia, have enacted right-to-charge laws. These laws differ by state but generally restrict homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or condo boards from outright denying EV charger installations.
While not widely known, right-to-charge laws are critical for EV drivers living in multi-unit housing. These laws empower residents to pursue sustainable transportation options while ensuring property managers, HOAs, and landlords comply with legal requirements. For EV professionals, understanding these laws is vital for helping clients navigate the installation process smoothly.
California continues to lead the way in clean energy adoption with forward-thinking legislation, including the California Solar Rights Act, the solar mandate for new construction, and the California right-to-charge law. Codified under California Civil Code Section 4745, the California right to charge law ensures that residents of condos, co-ops, and planned communities—whether owners or renters—have the right to install EV charging stations.
Under the California right to charge law, chargers can typically be installed “within an owner’s unit or in a designated parking space” or “at a parking space allocated for the lessee.” If these options are impractical or prohibitively expensive, the law allows for the installation of charging stations in common areas or other designated locations on the property.
By removing barriers to EV adoption, the California right to charge law empowers residents to embrace sustainable transportation, even in multi-unit housing or shared community settings, supporting the state’s ongoing transition to clean energy.
Right to charge laws are currently in effect in several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and, more recently, Illinois. Illinois enacted the Electric Vehicle Charging Act in 2023, granting condo owners and renters the right to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces. This aligns with the growing commitment of right to charge states to promote EV adoption in residential communities.
Certain U.S. cities, such as Seattle and Washington, D.C., have also implemented right-to-charge laws to facilitate EV charging station installations. While most of these laws apply primarily to owner-occupied buildings, some—like those in California, Illinois, and Colorado—extend protections to renters, ensuring broader accessibility to EV charging infrastructure.
Even in states without a right to charge law, it might still be possible to get approval to install an electric car charger in a multi-family building, condo, or HOA. This usually involves submitting a written request to the board, apartment owner, or management company.
When making the request, consider where the EV charging station would be located and how someone could park while using it. The charger should ideally be mounted on a wall or post in a convenient parking area. Depending on the property’s layout, wiring can be a challenge. EV professionals can assist clients in evaluating these factors or even speaking at a condominium association or HOA meeting.
It’s also essential to address how the EV driver will pay for the electricity, charging equipment, and installation. Many chargers come with tracking systems to easily calculate electricity consumption, which can simplify payment arrangements and make the installation proposal more appealing to decision-makers.
If applicable, determine if other residents are interested in using the same charger. While some multi-unit buildings share EV chargers among households, this can create challenges, such as scheduling conflicts or prolonged vehicle occupancy in the charging spot.
For residents in states with a right to charge law, the process is typically smoother, as these laws provide legal backing to ensure fair consideration of such requests. Whether a state has adopted a right-to-charge law or not, careful planning and presenting a well-thought-out proposal can increase the likelihood of approval.
HOAs have a legal document called Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that describe the requirements and limitations of the property. Likewise, condominiums have declarations and bylaws that dictate the use, rules, and maintenance of the property. These legal governing documents may have information relevant to the installation and use of EV charging stations. There may also be applicable EV laws in a given state or town.
Many condo and apartment dwellers encounter issues with charging electric cars due to the lack of dedicated parking or charging infrastructure. However, right to charge laws, particularly in states like California, offer protections that make it easier for residents to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces.
To charge an electric car in a condo, check and obtain approval from the condo association, select a suitable location, and confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician. Choose an appropriate charging solution, obtain the required permits, and have the charger installed. Provide documentation to the association, schedule inspections, and, upon approval, manage charging efficiently to accommodate residents sharing the infrastructure.
Yes, under the right to charge law California, renters are allowed to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces, as long as they cover the installation and maintenance costs. Landlords can set reasonable conditions, such as requiring the use of licensed contractors and ensuring the installation meets building codes and safety standards. This law helps renters embrace sustainable transportation while maintaining property safety and integrity.
Under the California right to charge law, the tenant is typically responsible for covering all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the EV charger. However, tenants can take advantage of state or utility company rebates and incentives, which may help reduce some of these expenses. This allows tenants to install EV chargers while potentially lowering their upfront investment.
Many HOAs have electric car charging policies in place that govern the installation and use of EV chargers within the community. These policies typically include guidelines on approval processes, location restrictions, aesthetics, and any associated fees.
While the right to charge law ensures that residents in certain states, like California, have the right to install an EV charger, it's still important to review and comply with the HOA's specific policies. Residents should seek approval before proceeding with the installation to ensure they meet all requirements.
The California right to charge law requires property owners to allow the installation of EV charging stations in designated parking spaces, with certain conditions. Property owners can impose reasonable restrictions, such as ensuring safety and using licensed contractors. They may also request removal if safety standards aren’t met. This law helps promote electric vehicle adoption and supports California's commitment to sustainable transportation.
To install a Tesla charger in a condo, review and comply with condo rules, secure association approval, and select a suitable location. Confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician, choose a Tesla charger, and obtain necessary permits. Hire an electrician for installation, submit required documentation to the condo association, pass inspections, and obtain final approval for a seamless Tesla charger installation.
As more and more households want to install EV chargers, residents of multi-unit buildings and planned communities will be figuring out how to navigate the process. Knowing the EV laws in your area and how to navigate HOAs and condo boards will be critical for moving EV charger installation projects forward.
Navigating the EV charging station design and engineering process can be tricky. GreenLancer is an online marketplace where you can shop for vendors to fulfill your needs in record time. That means more time back to you and standardized solutions to accelerate your EV charging station installations. You can complete the form below if you are a professional EV charging station installer.
As electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids continue to rise in popularity, owners are facing the challenge of understanding the different charging options available. This guide will provide clarity on types of EV charging, the three main charging locations, charging times, connectors, and resources to help you charge your EV efficiently.
Whether you've just got an electric car or are considering getting one, this guide is for you. Here we’ll walk you through some of the first steps of your adventure into electric travel.
The good news is that charging an electric vehicle can happen almost anywhere. What’s more, this guide is the best place to start if you’re after a few simple facts to get you on the road.
So once you’ve got your shiny new electric motor – now what? Well, your first step is to be intrigued, because the switch to electric transport is really exciting. We’ve not witnessed a shift as big as this since people started driving petrol-powered ‘autocars’ in the late 1800s.
So don’t worry if you find your first charging session a little daunting. But do spare a thought for petrol pioneer Henry Sturmey, who drove from John o’ Groats to Land’s End in 1897. He was almost barred entry to a ferry outside Plymouth because the skipper didn’t know what a car was. You shouldn’t have to worry about that now.
You could also check out how to charge your electric car specifically in our range of model charging guides. These will help you understand your car’s charging times and connector types.
Just imagine, you plug your car in when you get home from work and wake up the next morning to find it fully charged – often on the cheapest renewable electricity the grid has to offer.
Home charge points are compact devices usually fixed to your house or garage. They’re weatherproof, and either have a charging cable attached or a socket to plug in a portable cable. Find out more in our guide to electric car charging at home.
The UK’s public charging network is a great alternative for all of your charging needs, offering a range of charging speeds at varying prices. (There are even some free EV charging points you can use.)
If you haven’t already, download the Zapmap app to take a look at the charge points in your local area – you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different charge points wherever you go.
You may find, for example, that you have dedicated on-street charging provision close to your home. This is a growing area of the UK’s public charging network, providing a solution for drivers who live in a flat or a house without off-street parking, and are therefore unable to charge their car at home.
Once you’ve taken a look at the charge points near you, think about your routine. How many miles do you drive each day, each week? What kind of long journeys do you do, if any?
At this point, says EV driver Maz Shar, you can start to look into the logistics in more detail: “Can you charge at your workplace? Can you charge while doing your weekly shop? While at the gym? Is there a charger within walking distance?
“Think about how long you normally spend there. If it’s an hour, it’ll be ideal to have a rapid charger – this is often the case at supermarkets and gyms. If it’s a few hours then a destination charger will suffice.”
In fact, there are so many different charging locations that we’ve created a whole set of filters in the Zapmap app to help you narrow down your choices. This enables you to find available chargers that suit your needs by filtering for charge point network, location type, payment method, power type and more.
As you may know, you can charge an electric car at many different speeds (we’ll come to this in a bit). This means there are a few types of charging provision across the public network.
For example, you tend to find the very quickest chargers at motorway service stations. These charge points are a great example of en-route charging provision, designed for drivers looking to recharge as quickly as possible on longer journeys. Find out more in the guides below.
A few years ago, navigating the UK’s public charging network certainly came with some complexity. However, the public network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a very positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
In part, this is thanks to standardisation of connector types. Type 2 and CCS connectors have almost become the standard connectors for electric vehicles (although Nissan is an exception). This has made finding compatible charge points significantly easier for drivers.
When it comes to the speed at which your car can charge, generally speaking there are two broad categories of charge points to be aware of when using the public network.
These charging devices encompass both ‘rapid’ and ‘ultra-rapid’ chargers, as you’ll hear them called. They’re designed to increase your car’s range as quickly as possible, getting you back on the road again in no time.
With the quickest ones you’ll have enough time for a short coffee break, while others are useful either to top up the battery or to charge up fully over lunch when en-route to your destination.
The quicker devices within this banding are useful when you’re leaving the car behind for a few hours. This might be a day trip with the family, maybe you’re running errands – or perhaps you have a business meeting in the city.
At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find some of the lowest-powered charge points integrated into lampposts and bollards on residential streets, or at places like hotels – anywhere you might leave your car parked for a long period of time. If you have a home charger installed, it’ll be within this range too. Because these particular chargers are designed for long stays or for overnight charging, at this speed your car will take anywhere from six to 18 hours to charge to 80%. (Although there are a few factors at play here, this essentially boils down to the capacity of the battery.)
These days charging your car is, for the most part, fairly intuitive. But there are definitely some tips and tricks to be aware of that will help you optimise your charging experience and make the most of your new electric lifestyle.
For starters, it’s best practice to top up your car before it drops below 20% charge. This is primarily for the health of the battery, but also for your own peace of mind. It’s good to have this 20% in reserve because you never know – there might be a diversion waiting for you just around the corner.
At the other end of the spectrum, it’s best to end your charging sessions once you reach 80%. From this point on, in order to protect the battery, it takes a lot longer to charge. In some cases, it can take as long to charge from 80-100% as it does from 20% to 80%.
There are tens of thousands of public charge points across the UK, and this number is growing all the time. You may have seen signs on the motorway for en-route charging networks such as GRIDSERVE. You’ve probably walked past charge points at your local supermarket. Whether you’re on the open road, close to home or at your destination, you’ll be able to find all sorts of different chargers wherever you go.
However, by far the most reliable way to locate charge points that suit your needs is to open the Zapmap app. With almost all public charge points mapped, it gives you the widest choice of charging options, tailored to your needs. You can also see the current status of each location, so you know which chargers are available right now.
“When I'm looking for charging locations, I use the Zapmap app with its handy filtering of location types. If I select ‘Supermarket,’ I can fit in a shop while I'm waiting for the car to charge. Very convenient!”
Ways to pay for charging vary, but the majority of charge point operators offer contactless payments via credit/debit card on the device itself, or alternative payment methods such as a network-specific app or RFID card.
The majority of rapid and ultra-rapid charge points now offer contactless payment. Quick, easy and accessible, contactless suits many people. The government has mandated that contactless payment be available on all new rapid chargers that are installed, and within the next couple of years this will also apply to any existing rapid chargers without contactless capability.
Zap-Pay is a cross-network payment solution that allows you to start charging at the click of a button, and pay via credit/debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You’ll want to select the charger you'd like to use within the app – a helpful Zap-Pay button will then pop up in a banner.
The UK’s public charging network has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. The general trend is a positive one, heading towards greater ease of use and a better user experience.
As you may know, there are quite a number of EV charging networks across the country. Some are brand new and others well established, with many networks offering national coverage while others provide charging in a specific region.
Some networks are certainly doing a better job than others. Osprey Charging is a great example of an operator that’s prioritising accessibility, providing wider and longer bays for better access, and charge points designed to be used easily with just one hand.
When it comes to giving drivers protection from the elements, Fastned leads the pack. Many of Fastned’s charging hubs have a distinctive yellow canopy, which mirrors the protection offered at petrol stations and provides a safe, well-lit charging experience.
And remember, this is just the beginning of your journey, so don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow drivers for tips and advice. There’s a thriving community of electric car drivers in the EV Café on the Zapmap app. They’ll be eager to share their experiences with you and keen to lend a helping hand if ever you need one.
“I’ve been driving electric for over nine years. My initial motivation was the positive environmental benefits, but I could never go back now because I'm wedded to the smooth drive and simplicity of the automatic transmission - just press and go!”
Out of more than 59,000 charging devices on Zapmap, we found that – as of April 2024 – 2,354 were free to use. Put another way, that’s around 4% of all EV charging points that won’t incur a cost. So where are they all?
As you can see, some areas have far more free devices than others. The three areas with the highest number of free EV chargers are the South East with 438, Scotland with 286 and Greater London with 268.
There are some other noteworthy points too. Greater London’s 268 free chargers comprise only 1.4% of its total number of charging devices, reflecting the high concentration of paid-for on-street chargers and rapid devices in the capital.
In contrast, most slow chargers are now on-street chargers, the vast majority of which incur a cost. This would explain why there are only 323 free slow chargers across the UK (around 14% of total free devices).
Interestingly, there are 45 rapid chargers around the country that are still free, representing almost 2% of the total number of free chargers. While you can find these around the country, they are concentrated in Scotland, especially south of Glasgow. Here some local authorities are still providing free charging as an incentive for drivers to switch to electric, supporting their broader clean air and environmental objectives.
It is unlikely that this will continue indefinitely and an increasing number of these chargers are beginning to incur a cost. In Scotland, many cities and local authorities have already started to introduce a fee on the ChargePlace Scotland chargers. For example, in November 2022, there were 283 rapid chargers around the UK that were still free to use, representing just over 7% of the total number of free chargers at that time.
As you can see, public car parks have the most free EV devices, with 433. You’ll also find 359 free devices at dealership forecourts, and 306 at hotels and other accommodation around the UK.
If you take a look through Zapmap and filter by location type, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, pubs, museums, garden centres, theatres, zoos, National Trust properties and leisure centres that provide free charging.
Many hotels and B&Bs offer free charging to visitors, perhaps more than have registered. What’s more, Charity ZeroNet provides charge points for the hospitality and leisure sector. Around 15% of the network’s more than 350 charging points are free to use.
Taken together, public, retail and workplace car parks have by far the highest number of free EV charging devices, at 975. As with accommodation and also supermarkets, many retailers use free charging as a way to attract loyal customers.
Yes, it’s free at some supermarkets. Supermarkets with free EV charging points include Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi. Pod Point is the network provider and free charging is mostly on its fast 7/22kW chargers. Morrisons, Waitrose and Asda also have EV charging points, but they aren’t free to use on a pay-as-you-go basis.
As of November 2022, the fast 7/22kW Pod Point chargers at Tesco are no longer free to use. Indeed, customers now need to pay for these fast chargers, as has always been the case with the rapid charge points.
Yes, some of them do and this is something you’ll need to bear in mind when locating free chargers. Many free charge points have some kind of access restriction (e.g. devices that are ‘customer only’, for example).
Another consideration is that you’ll need to ensure you have the appropriate RFID card or app to start a charge and, while the charging might be free, there may well be some parking charges to pay.
Before you head off to grab your free charge – make sure you check Zapmap and, in particular, the user comments to get insights on all the details of a particular charge point.
Plus, if you’d like to know more, you can hear Zapmap Co-founder & COO Melanie Shufflebotham speaking to BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme about free EV charging points in the UK.
In essence, destination charging is designed to offer you the convenience of topping up your car battery while you’re away doing something more exciting. You could leave the car behind to go shopping, eat out or explore the great outdoors – and head back to find it nicely topped up upon your return, or even fully charged. This will often save you from needing to charge on your return or onward journey.
If you’ve just made the switch to an electric car but are unsure about how it all works, scroll on for more info and advice about destination charging in the UK.
Across the country, charge point operators such as Alfa Power, Mer and RAW Charging are installing medium-powered chargers for electric car drivers to top up their batteries while at a whole range of destinations.
Thanks to super-speedy en-route charging provision and the increasing ranges of newer EV models, the days of range anxiety on longer journeys are pretty much gone. But this is also thanks to a large number of destination charging providers that enable drivers to add a top-up charge almost anywhere they go.
As well as the three networks above, operators such as GeniePoint, Osprey, Pod Point and Tesla are continuing to roll out charge points at hotels, pubs, supermarkets and other tourist attractions.
Destination chargers are usually designed to make use of the time you’re away from your car, which varies between an hour and a few hours depending on the location. This means destination charge points tend to have a lower power rating than their speedier, ‘en-route’ cousins.
Generally speaking, destination chargers across the country have power ratings that range from 7kW - 50kW. This means you’ll come across both AC and DC charge points when topping up at a destination.
With this in mind, most of these chargers will be AC, and between 7kW and 22kW. You’ll also find some quicker DC devices at locations such as supermarkets, many of which will be 50kW, though some networks have installed 25kW DC chargers with CCS or CHAdeMO connector types.
Tesla destination chargers are often wall-mounted, or on small posts as pictured. They are free to use by all Tesla drivers who are customers of the destinations where the points are located. Typically 22kW chargers, they are intended to top up the Tesla's battery over the course of several hours.
The company often installs a non-Tesla-specific Type 2 charge point alongside its destination chargers. These are available for any EV driver to use, providing they have a Type 2 inlet on their car, since the units come with tethered cables.
The Pod Point network aims to offer a charge point everywhere drivers park. As such, Pod Point locations include Tesco and Lidl stores, as well as Center Parcs and National Park locations - for example in the Peak District. The operator's charge points range from bollard-style chargers (pictured) to larger charging units often found in supermarket car parks.
Like Pod Point, RAW charge points come in a range of types and sizes, with bollard-style RAW chargers usually found at retail locations. RAW Charging supplies charging infrastructure for several major property owners in the UK, including McArthurGlen Outlets, Aviva Investors and Greene King pubs.
Monta supplies the back-office software and payment systems for EV chargers belonging to a range of businesses. As such, its physical charge points vary from location to location. Wall-mounted and bollard-style charge points are the most commonly used in destination charging as they are usually lower power and take up less space in existing car parks.
Wherever you are in the UK, you can locate destination charging points quickly and easily with the Zapmap app and desktop map, both of which enable you to see the live availability status of more than 75% of these charge points, 24/7.
You may also want to use the ‘Power type’ slider to further refine your search. This enables you to filter for chargers with a lower power rating, which you’ll typically find at destinations such as supermarkets and garden centres.
Select Zap-Pay in the ‘Payment’ filter to find charge points where you can use it, and enjoy paying quickly and easily for your charging session. You can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Remember to check for any parking limitations and restrictions. Many car parks charge a fee to park as well as the electric vehicle charging cost, and will send out fines if you stay beyond the time limit.
It’s also worth remembering that some destination charge points are free to use, such as those offered for hotel guests. You can find these on Zapmap by filtering for free EV charging points under ‘Payment’.
In general, it’s polite to move your vehicle from the charging bay once your charging session has finished so that other drivers can access it, especially if they’re already waiting to charge.
It might be worth thinking of a charge point as a community hub rather than a personal parking space. For instance, some EV drivers help others to know when the charge point will become available by leaving a note on their windscreen indicating their expected time of departure.
Queues at destination charge points tend to be less common than at en-route charge points, where the power ratings are higher and visitor turnover more frequent. Even so, once you’re topped up it's time to unplug and move on. We recommend that Zapmap users pay for charging via Zap-Pay, so you can check on the status of your charge at any time in the Zapmap app.
Don’t forget to pack up your charging cable if you’ve used your own, and if you do spot another EV driver struggling to plug in, it’s always nice to lend a helping hand or pass on your charging expertise.
Electric Vehicle trendsElectric Vehicle and EV charging fundamentalsEV charging station designEV charging - electrical installation designEV charging - electrical architecturesEV charging - energy and asset managementSmart charging perpectives for optimal EV integration
In 2020, the electrical vehicle market is today shared equally between two main technologies: Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Both technologies are expected to grow fast in the coming years, with the growth of BEVs expected to increase its share up to 60% of total EV production in 2025, and around 40% for PHEVs.
Battery Electric Vehicles are electric vehicles propelled by an electric motor drawing current from an on-board battery energy storage system. BEVs are also called "100% pure electric vehicles" or "all-electric vehicles", because they are powered by electrical energy storage only. They do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE) as a back-up in case the battery is fully discharged.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is an electrical vehicle that can be powered by two energy sources: a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external source of electric power, and a diesel or petrol engine.
The battery capacity of a plug-in hybrid EV is significantly smaller than that of a 100% electric vehicle. A PHEV can, using its battery power, cover on average between 30 to 50km. After this, the petrol / diesel engine takes over.
PHEVs are considered a “transitional” technology. Indeed, with the development of fast charging electrical infrastructures, the increase of on-board battery capacity, and government regulation requirements, BEV (100% electric) technology is expected to grow faster.
Hybrid electric vehicles are internal combustion engine vehicles equipped with a small battery that can be recharged by braking energy recovery, but not by plugging into an external electricity source. These vehicles are not zero nor low emission, but provide an additional CO2 reduction compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
A fuel cell vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by electricity produced by a fuel cell instead of electricity stored in an electrical battery. The fuel cell produces electricity using oxygen and hydrogen as primary sources.
The FCEV does not yet have the maturity of other electric vehicle technologies, such as BEV and PHEV, and currently has only a small share (<1%) in terms of EV production.
Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism, in which the electric motor acts as a generator during the braking, and the generated energy is used to charge the battery. This technology can be used in electrical vehicles, such as HEVs, BEVs, and PHEVs.
Some car manufacturers offer electrical vehicle models with integrated solar PV cells on the vehicle roof. The on-board produced energy is not sufficient to charge the electrical battery but can be used to supply some accessory loads.
An electric vehicle (electric car) is a vehicle propelled by an electric motor, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Electric vehicles are equipped with a charging inlet(s), and an on-board charger that converts AC power into DC so that it can be stored in the battery. An on-board controller ensures the performance of the electric vehicle.
Electric cars are usually equipped with a lithium-ion battery energy storage system. The battery typically has a power range of 5 to 100 kWh and operates at voltage levels from 300 to 800 V.
The battery lifespan depends on the use of the car and the type of charging. Usually, the battery set lasts more than 10 years. However, if DC fast charging is used frequently (more than 3 times / month), the battery capacity, performance and life time are reduced.
Electric vehicles include an on-board charger, which converts the power from AC to DC to charge the battery. The charging capacity of the onboard charger is limited to 22kW AC. In case of fast DC charging (see charging mode 4), the onboard charger is bypassed, and the DC electricity is supplied directly to the battery.
An electrical vehicle has at least one AC charging inlet port. Electrical cars can have a second DC charging inlet for fast charging (mode 4). The DC charging inlet may or may not be an option, depending on car models or countries. Also, some models offer a single port for both AC and DC charging.
The J1772 connector is easily identifiable by three large pins – similar to the power outlet layout at home – and two smaller pin for the car connection. The three broad pins are for Phase, Neutral and Ground while the two small pins are used for communication between the charger and the electric car (Pilot Interface).
It can deliver between 3 and 7.4 kW and supports only single phase with a maximum current of 32 A. It includes an extra protection to lock the connector while charging, in order to avoid disconnection by a third party.
This type of connector is approved as the European standard. The connector stands out with a unique design, rounded but with a flat edge on the top. Its pins distribution is similar to type 1, but includes two more pins, corresponding to the two extra phases needed for three-phase charging.
CHAdeMO is the contraction of "Charge Move". But the acronym is also present in the Japanese sentence: "O cha demo ikaga desuka" which translates as "You will have tea while the car is charging". This sentence represents the will of the association composed by Toyota, Mitsubishi and Nissan, among others: fast charging with direct current. It can therefore be installed as a second socket by vehicle manufacturers next to an alternating current charging socket.
CCS Combo 1 is based on the J1772 Type 1 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
CCS Combo 2 is based on Type 2 connector by adding two additional pins. The Combined Charging System is made for DC Fast Charging. The connector can do both AC and DC charging up to 350 kW.
breaker tripping: since the recharging socket used shares the same switchboard outgoing circuit as other power sockets, if the sum of power consumption exceeds the protection limit (generally 16A), the circuit breaker will trip, interrupting the vehicle charging.
Charging mode 2 is a method for the connection of an EV to a standard socket-outlet, with a control pilot function and a system for personal protection against electric shock, integrated into the connection cable, between the standard plug and the EV.
The rated values for current and voltage must not exceed 32 A and 250 V AC in single-phase, and 32 A and 480 V AC in a three-phase installation, as defined in IEC 61851-1
This mode is limited to domestic electric installations. The connection cable is usually provided with the electric car. As with mode 1, a standard socket outlet is used, but in this case, the protection device and the socket outlet should be able to carry higher charging currents, up to 32A, which is usually not the case for standard domestic power socket circuits.
Because Mode 3 uses a dedicated EV charger (and not a standard socket outlet), the power range is higher, from 3.7kW up to 22kW AC. This higher power range enables fast charging of electric cars, compared to Modes 1 and 2.
The addition of a pilot wire inside the charging cable enables communication between the vehicle and the charging equipment through standard protocols. It also allows the implementation of control functions, such as:
In Mode 4, charging is done through DC EV supply equipment, called EV charging station (or EV charger), connected to an AC or DC supply network. The EV charging station delivers DC current directly to the battery, e.g. bypassing the on-board charger. Charging of the electric vehicle can be done much faster than in mode 1, 2 and 3, as the electrical power charging range is higher than 24kW.
The charging time can be roughly calculated as the ratio between the electric vehicle battery capacity and the charging power. The charging power is limited to the power that the charging station can deliver and that which the Electrical Vehicle can accept.
the charging speed profile is not linear. Electric vehicles are not continuously charged at maximum power. In particular, DC charging (mode 4) is charging very fast until the battery reaches 80% - 90% of its capacity, and slows down significantly for the remaining 10-20%.
the charging speed depends on the battery temperature. The optimum temperature for charging is between 20°C and 30°C. If the battery temperature is outside of this range, charging can be slower.
Unlike conventional internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which refuel at gas stations, electric vehicles can recharge at multiple locations: @home (residential buildings), @work (small to large office buildings ...), @destinations (public parkings, hypermarkets ...), @fleet (city buses, delivery trucks, company cars ...), @transit (highways, city stations ...). The charging time and cost for the end user, the charging mode, the number of chargers and their power range are all dependent on the charging station location.
Home is the most common place to charge. Home charging is cost-effective and usually sufficient for daily trips. It is generally considered as more convenient than refuelling ICE vehicles at gas stations.
multi-family: residential buildings with multiple apartments (condominium), where charging points may be private (individual garage) or shared between condominium inhabitants (a number of EV charging points located in the common parking place)
Residential charging is done mainly at night, when the car is not in use and when electricity is usually cheaper. EV charging equipment is most commonly single-phase and with a power delivery rate up to a maximum of 7.4 kW. Charging is slow and may require several hours. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for its built-in safety features.
Workplace EV chargers are becoming available at a growing number of companies, especially those committed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. It can be attractive for employees, especially if the price for charging is equivalent or lower than the price for charging at home. Workplace charging can be an opportunity to encourage electric vehicle adoption for employees that do not have charging points at home or for employees needing to charge both at home and at work for their daily usage.
Workplace charging is done mainly during the day. EV chargers in the workplace are usually 3-phase with a power range of 11kW and 22kW. Charging Mode 3 is recommended for safety reasons.
Charging is done in mode 4 (DC charging, also sometimes called DC fast charging). The power range of the EV charging station is from 50kW up to 350kW. The charging time depends on the power range – usually less than 30min.
The Electrical Installation Guide is now available here as a wiki (Electrical Installation Wiki). This wiki is a collaborative platform, brought to you by Schneider Electric: our experts are continuously improving its content, as they were doing for the guide. Collaboration to this wiki is also open to all.
Zero-emission vehicles are gaining traction, but for EVs to become practical for more people, drivers need easy and reliable charging options. This is especially true for those living in apartments or condos, where installing a home charger can be a challenge.
Multi-unit properties often have unique obstacles to EV charger installation, from parking layouts to building designs and ownership structures. Additionally, many of these properties are part of planned communities with rules that can complicate how residents use their spaces. That’s where a right-to-charge law, like California’s, becomes essential.
How can residents of apartments or condos overcome these challenges to install home EV chargers? And how can EV professionals guide clients through the approval process? Let’s explore how a right-to-charge law helps make charging more accessible for everyone.
A right-to-charge law ensures individuals living in multi-unit buildings or planned communities can install an EV charging station for personal use, despite potential obstacles. These laws help remove barriers for charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, they often come with conditions, such as requiring the individual to cover the costs of electrical infrastructure upgrades, charging expenses, and maintaining an appropriate insurance policy.
Several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Virginia, have enacted right-to-charge laws. These laws differ by state but generally restrict homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or condo boards from outright denying EV charger installations.
While not widely known, right-to-charge laws are critical for EV drivers living in multi-unit housing. These laws empower residents to pursue sustainable transportation options while ensuring property managers, HOAs, and landlords comply with legal requirements. For EV professionals, understanding these laws is vital for helping clients navigate the installation process smoothly.
California continues to lead the way in clean energy adoption with forward-thinking legislation, including the California Solar Rights Act, the solar mandate for new construction, and the California right-to-charge law. Codified under California Civil Code Section 4745, the California right to charge law ensures that residents of condos, co-ops, and planned communities—whether owners or renters—have the right to install EV charging stations.
Under the California right to charge law, chargers can typically be installed “within an owner’s unit or in a designated parking space” or “at a parking space allocated for the lessee.” If these options are impractical or prohibitively expensive, the law allows for the installation of charging stations in common areas or other designated locations on the property.
By removing barriers to EV adoption, the California right to charge law empowers residents to embrace sustainable transportation, even in multi-unit housing or shared community settings, supporting the state’s ongoing transition to clean energy.
Right to charge laws are currently in effect in several states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and, more recently, Illinois. Illinois enacted the Electric Vehicle Charging Act in 2023, granting condo owners and renters the right to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces. This aligns with the growing commitment of right to charge states to promote EV adoption in residential communities.
Certain U.S. cities, such as Seattle and Washington, D.C., have also implemented right-to-charge laws to facilitate EV charging station installations. While most of these laws apply primarily to owner-occupied buildings, some—like those in California, Illinois, and Colorado—extend protections to renters, ensuring broader accessibility to EV charging infrastructure.
Even in states without a right to charge law, it might still be possible to get approval to install an electric car charger in a multi-family building, condo, or HOA. This usually involves submitting a written request to the board, apartment owner, or management company.
When making the request, consider where the EV charging station would be located and how someone could park while using it. The charger should ideally be mounted on a wall or post in a convenient parking area. Depending on the property’s layout, wiring can be a challenge. EV professionals can assist clients in evaluating these factors or even speaking at a condominium association or HOA meeting.
It’s also essential to address how the EV driver will pay for the electricity, charging equipment, and installation. Many chargers come with tracking systems to easily calculate electricity consumption, which can simplify payment arrangements and make the installation proposal more appealing to decision-makers.
If applicable, determine if other residents are interested in using the same charger. While some multi-unit buildings share EV chargers among households, this can create challenges, such as scheduling conflicts or prolonged vehicle occupancy in the charging spot.
For residents in states with a right to charge law, the process is typically smoother, as these laws provide legal backing to ensure fair consideration of such requests. Whether a state has adopted a right-to-charge law or not, careful planning and presenting a well-thought-out proposal can increase the likelihood of approval.
HOAs have a legal document called Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that describe the requirements and limitations of the property. Likewise, condominiums have declarations and bylaws that dictate the use, rules, and maintenance of the property. These legal governing documents may have information relevant to the installation and use of EV charging stations. There may also be applicable EV laws in a given state or town.
Many condo and apartment dwellers encounter issues with charging electric cars due to the lack of dedicated parking or charging infrastructure. However, right to charge laws, particularly in states like California, offer protections that make it easier for residents to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces.
To charge an electric car in a condo, check and obtain approval from the condo association, select a suitable location, and confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician. Choose an appropriate charging solution, obtain the required permits, and have the charger installed. Provide documentation to the association, schedule inspections, and, upon approval, manage charging efficiently to accommodate residents sharing the infrastructure.
Yes, under the right to charge law California, renters are allowed to install EV chargers in their designated parking spaces, as long as they cover the installation and maintenance costs. Landlords can set reasonable conditions, such as requiring the use of licensed contractors and ensuring the installation meets building codes and safety standards. This law helps renters embrace sustainable transportation while maintaining property safety and integrity.
Under the California right to charge law, the tenant is typically responsible for covering all costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and operation of the EV charger. However, tenants can take advantage of state or utility company rebates and incentives, which may help reduce some of these expenses. This allows tenants to install EV chargers while potentially lowering their upfront investment.
Many HOAs have electric car charging policies in place that govern the installation and use of EV chargers within the community. These policies typically include guidelines on approval processes, location restrictions, aesthetics, and any associated fees.
While the right to charge law ensures that residents in certain states, like California, have the right to install an EV charger, it's still important to review and comply with the HOA's specific policies. Residents should seek approval before proceeding with the installation to ensure they meet all requirements.
The California right to charge law requires property owners to allow the installation of EV charging stations in designated parking spaces, with certain conditions. Property owners can impose reasonable restrictions, such as ensuring safety and using licensed contractors. They may also request removal if safety standards aren’t met. This law helps promote electric vehicle adoption and supports California's commitment to sustainable transportation.
To install a Tesla charger in a condo, review and comply with condo rules, secure association approval, and select a suitable location. Confirm electrical capacity with a licensed electrician, choose a Tesla charger, and obtain necessary permits. Hire an electrician for installation, submit required documentation to the condo association, pass inspections, and obtain final approval for a seamless Tesla charger installation.
As more and more households want to install EV chargers, residents of multi-unit buildings and planned communities will be figuring out how to navigate the process. Knowing the EV laws in your area and how to navigate HOAs and condo boards will be critical for moving EV charger installation projects forward.
Navigating the EV charging station design and engineering process can be tricky. GreenLancer is an online marketplace where you can shop for vendors to fulfill your needs in record time. That means more time back to you and standardized solutions to accelerate your EV charging station installations. You can complete the form below if you are a professional EV charging station installer.
As electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids continue to rise in popularity, owners are facing the challenge of understanding the different charging options available. This guide will provide clarity on types of EV charging, the three main charging locations, charging times, connectors, and resources to help you charge your EV efficiently.
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