Innovations in EV infrastructure have encouraged the growth in the number of public charging stations available for drivers. There are now more than 42,000 charge points located across 15,500 locations in the UK and access is getting even easier.

Is there enough charging infrastructure?

An increase in EV drivers requires a larger range of public charging stations to be deployed across the UK, but there have been concerns about insufficient infrastructure to support the pace of growth. 

Recent investments have found the UK in fourth place for ‘EV readiness’ based on supply, demand and regulation, so we expect to decrease the gaps and bottlenecks in charge point supply.

Locating charge points

Innovations in EV charging technology have made it easier for users to locate charge stations from their smart devices. Charge points with smart technology link to apps that enable them to monitor and schedule charging, as well as to public EV maps of the UK’s charging networks, making the public charging process more straight forward.

Apps will allow users to filter search results by operator, connector, and speed, in line with your vehicle to ensure that you locate the right station for you.

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle? 

Charging times will differ according to the make and model of the vehicle and the type of charge point being used. In most instances charging networks are distributed according to the driver’s vehicle usage and the number of stops made, similar to the comparison between petrol and diesel cars when making short or long-distance trips.

Typically, vehicle charging tends to be slower in popular destinations due to the supply demand required per socket. This type of charge point will restore up to 30 miles of range per hour whereas charge stations that are located on major routes like motorways and A roads provide frequent charging opportunities within 25 miles of each other, and much faster charging capabilities.

This type of fast charger will restore up to 100 miles of range per 30 minutes of plug-in time.

Is there a fee for public charging?

Most public EV charge points offer a pay-per-session option, but recent chargepoint installations at supermarkets have created a ‘charge whilst you shop’ incentive that is free to customers shopping instore.

The public EV charging network is continuously looking for ways to improve, and it has now removed the need to search for compatible Radio Frequency Identification Cards (RFIDs). Upgrades allow users to manage their charge point payments from their smartphones without the hassle of applying for a specific RFID card to suit the charger.

The charge point will log the vehicle usage whilst it is on charge, creating a digital receipt for the total cost once the process has stopped or the car has been unplugged.

Whilst most new plug-in and electric vehicles are supported by the smart charging system, the Department for Transport have also created contactless payment methods for those with older vehicles that are still be dependent on the ‘pay as you access’ form of credit or debit card payments.

Supporting EV Connectors

The UK’s charging infrastructure mainly consists of type 2 socket charge points. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle drivers now tend to come supplied with compatible charging cables when purchasing or leasing them, removing the uncertainty from using public charging stations.