Where and how is an electric car charged?
When it comes to charging your electric vehicle, you have plenty of options for where you can do this – depending on what fits in most conveniently with your daily routine and suits your needs at any given time. In fact, as you’ll either be charging at home, your place of work, or a charging station nearby, you won’t have to drive far out of your way – as is often the case with refuelling at a gas station.
You also have options when it comes to how fast you charge. And although there are various different charging and connector types that may seem a little confusing at first, the actual process of plugging in an EV to charge is as quick and simple as charging up your mobile phone.
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Where and how is an electric car charged?
EV Charging: On demand wherever you are
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Charging at home
This is the most common, convenient and cost-effective way for motorists to recharge their electric vehicle. It does require off-street parking, although on-street residential charging is becoming increasingly common. You’ll also need a home charging point if you don’t already have one. Government grants for installation are often available here, depending on where you live. Once installed, all you have to do is plug in your EV when you get home and it will be fully charged by the morning!
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Charging at work
More and more companies now offer on-site workplace charging to employees – incentivised again by government grants and enhanced capital allowances. That’s excellent news for millions of EV drivers who can conveniently charge up their electric vehicle just outside their office over the course of their working day.
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Charging out and about – at public charging stations
Nowadays there is an extensive network of public charging stations, especially in urban areas. Some providers offer national coverage, while others are found in specific regions. Many are free to use, while some (particularly fast and rapid chargers) require payment. Many gas stations and highway services now also having charging points for those times when you’re driving further afield.
Where can I find my nearest public charging stations?
Wherever you live, you’ll be able to access apps with special maps containing aggregated data. They show you all the different providers of charging stations in your particular area. So you’ll always be able to see where the nearest one is – at a glance!
A brief guide to how to charge an electric vehicle
Not all cars have the same types of charging connector. But once you know which one you have, the rest is extremely simple! There are two connectors to consider: the one that plugs into your car, and the one that connects to the power source. The particular ones you use will depend on your specific model of EV, where you’re charging (at home, work or a public charging station), and the charging type.
There are three main types (or modes) of EV charging – rapid, fast and slow. And four main types of connector – Type 1, Type 2, Type 2 Combo and CHAdeMO.
The different EV connector types
Type 1
Type 2
Type 2 Combo
CHAdeMO
| Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 2 Combo | CHAdeMO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIA E-NIRO | • |
• |
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| KIA E-SOUL | • |
• |
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| KIA NIRO PLUG-IN HYBRID | • |
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| KIA XCEED PLUG-IN HYBRID | • |
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| KIA SORENTO PLUG-IN HYBRID | • |
Each charger type has an associated set of connectors which are designed for low or high-power use, and for either AC or DC charging. But in practice, you only need to make sure you’re using a charging point with a connector that fits your electric vehicle. When purchasing an EV, your dealer can provide advice on which type of home charger best suits your needs.
While your location, connectors and charging time may vary, the principle is always the same simple one: Park up, plug in … and that’s it!
The Kia brand range.
Explore the range of Kia Electrified Vehicles
ELECTRIC
PLUG-IN HYBRID
HYBRID
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The Kia EV6 GT.
Kia Niro EV
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Kia Niro Hybrid
Kia e-Soul
Kia Ceed SW Plug-In Hybrid
Kia XCeed Plug-In Hybrid
Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Kia Sportage Hybrid
Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Kia Sorento Hybrid
