EV charging explained: Everything you need to know to stay powered up

As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road continues to grow, the vision of a fully electric future feels closer than ever. Heading into 2025, many of us may be thinking about making the switch to an EV. However, as with any new technology, questions about how it all works are bound to arise.

To help you navigate this transition, we've compiled some answers to the most frequently asked questions about EV charging.

How do you charge an EV at home?

One of the main advantages of owning an EV is the convenience of charging at home. Instead of spending time at the petrol station, waiting in line to pay for your fuel, you can simply plug your car in overnight and let it charge while you sleep. With at-home charging, you’ll wake up every morning to a full battery, all the while benefiting from lower electricity rates.

Home charging with a driveway

If you have a driveway, installing a wall box is the most efficient home charging solution. A wall box is a compact, lightweight AC charging unit designed to be mounted on a wall, providing a reliable and easy way to charge your vehicle.

To get started, contact a certified installer who can set up a dedicated EV charge point at your property. Many governments and energy providers offer grants or incentives to help reduce installation costs, making it an affordable option for many.

If you’re renting, be sure to seek permission from your landlord before arranging an installation.

Home charging with on-road parking

If you park on the street and don't have access to a driveway, there are still options for charging your EV close to home.

Some local councils and utility companies install on-street charge points for residents without driveways. Check your area for availability and permits. In some cases, you may be able to share a charge point installed in your  local area.

Another option is a cable extension. If your property is close to the street, you might be able to run a charging cable from your home to your car. Always use a heavy-duty, weatherproof extension cable designed for EVs and ensure you’re not creating a trip hazard for pedestrians. Some councils require permits for this setup. An alternative and safer solution is to have an EV charging channel installed. This allows you to run your cable through a concealed channel beneath the pavement, keeping it protected and out of sight.

Home charging at apartment buildings

Due to the challenges of getting EV charging infrastructure into communal car parks, residents of apartment buildings often have no access to EV charging facilities at home, so if they have an EV, they’re left paying higher public charging rates due to the pavement tax. This tax discrepancy means EV drivers using public charging pay 20% VAT, compared to just 5% for those who charge their vehicles at home.

Traditional solutions often require significant upfront funding from the landlord, and in some cases, these costs are shared among all residents—whether they own an EV or not.

At Energy Park, we’re committed to levelling the playing field and making EV charging fairer and accessible for everyone.

By offering a fully funded, maintained and managed EV charging solution for landlords, we’re making reliable, low-cost EV charging a reality for the residents of apartment buildings.

Find out more about our funded solutions here.

How long does it take to charge an EV?

The time required to charge an EV depends on factors such as the battery size, the charger’s speed, and the vehicle’s charging capability.

Slow charging, also known as  ‘granny charging’ uses a standard 3-pin plug at home, delivering 2-3 kW of power. This method adds approximately 4-6 miles of range per hour, making it the slowest option. Charging a 60 kWh battery from empty to full could take anywhere from 20-40+ hours.While this is an option, it’s not something we’d recommend it. Domestic sockets are not designed to handle continuous high-power usage, which can place excessive strain on your circuit, cables and socket. This could lead to overheating and, in some cases, even fires.

Fast charging is commonly used for home wall boxes or public charge points, providing 7-22 kW of power. It adds 15-30 miles of range per hour, significantly reducing charging times. Depending on the charger and battery size, a full charge could take between 3 to 10 hours, an ideal option for those looking to charge overnight.

Rapid charging is typically available at public DC charge points and delivers power between 50-350 kW. This method can add 100-200+ miles of range in just 20-30 minutes. A full charge may take between 30-90 minutes, depending on the vehicle and charger capacity.

How much does it cost to charge an EV?

The cost of charging an EV depends on several factors, including the size of your vehicle's battery, the cost of electricity in your area and whether you charge at home or use public charge points.

Here's a breakdown to help you understand the potential expenses according to Zapmap’s price index as of January 2025:

Charging at home

Charging your EV at home is the most cost-effective option. On average:

• Electricity cost: In the UK, the cost of electricity for homes is capped at around 25p per kWh, but this will vary depending on your energy provider and tariff.

• Battery size: If your EV has a 60 kWh battery and you charge it from empty to full, at 25p per kWh, a full charge will cost £15. This provides an average range of 200–300 miles, depending on your car’s efficiency.

To work this out yourself, you need to know your car’s battery size and electricity cost per kWh.

Battery size X cost per kWh in pence = cost of a full charge

• Off-peak tariffs: Many energy providers offer off-peak tariffs that significantly reduce costs, especially if you charge overnight. For example, with an off-peak rate of 8p per kWh, the cost to fully charge the same 60 kWh battery drops to just £4.80.

Public charging stations

Public charging stations vary significantly in cost:

• Slow/fast chargers: The average cost of a slow/fast charger is 53p per kWh. A full charge for a 60 kWh battery would set you back £31.80.

• Rapid chargers: These are more expensive, usually costing 80p per kWh. Rapid charging is ideal for topping up quickly during long journeys, but is less economical for regular use. A full charge for a 60 kWh battery could take just 30 minutes but would cost £48.

Free charging options

Some workplaces and public locations offer free charge points. While these are less common, they can be a great way to reduce costs if they’re accessible to you.

Powering the charge

Switching to an EV is not just a change in how we drive - it's a move towards a more sustainable future. As EV adoption grows, understanding how to charge your vehicle efficiently and affordably allows you to fully enjoy the benefits of owning an EV.

At Energy Park, we're committed to making EV charging accessible, wherever you live. Our innovative solutions for apartment buildings provide residents with low- cost, convenient home charging.

Find out more

If you live in an apartment building and you’d like to be able to access affordable EV charging on your doorstep, contact us here to find out how we can help.

If you’re a residential landlord, find out more about our fully funded and managed EV charging solution for apartment buildings here.