You may resist electric vehicles (EVs) now, but electric power is coming to your driveway sooner or later, making it sensible to learn the basics of charging an electric car rather than panicking later.
Electric car batteries are essentially large-scale laptop batteries, using similar chemistry but much bigger, significantly more powerful, and far more robust. They can be recharged slowly—overnight at home or via kerbside chargers—or quickly using public rapid chargers.
Home charging is relatively straightforward. If you're considering an EV now, having a dedicated home charging point and a driveway significantly simplifies ownership. It makes life easier, cheaper, and ensures you start each day with a fully charged battery.
@breakingnews.ieYou may resist electric vehicles (EVs) now, but electric power is coming to your driveway sooner or later, making it sensible to learn the basics of charging an electric car rather than panicking later. Watch this video to learn how! For more, visit BreakingNews.ie by clicking the link in our bio.♬ original sound - breakingnews.ie
Charging at home involves using AC (Alternating Current), typically via a home charging wallbox. Although a standard outdoor socket and ‘granny cable’—named for occasional use when visiting relatives—is an option, the limited power output of a three-pin socket means charging can take over 24 hours.
Most home chargers deliver around 7.4kW (or 11kW with three-phase power), sufficient to fully charge an average electric car overnight. Typically, you'll rarely be charging from completely empty.
Home chargers are usually operated via a smartphone app, preventing unauthorised access and allowing you to schedule charging to take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity rates.
AC charging requires a Type 2 cable, often provided with your new EV and stored either in the boot or the front storage compartment (‘frunk’) if available. This cable has two ends: a smaller one for the charger and a larger one for the vehicle. Simply connect both ends and activate charging through your app.
Some home chargers are ‘tethered’, meaning the cable is permanently attached, requiring only one connection at the vehicle.
An essential tip is using the car’s pre-conditioning system, allowing climate control (heating or air conditioning) to operate while connected to the charger. This maintains battery efficiency, enhances driving range, and ensures the vehicle interior is comfortable and ready to drive. Set the pre-conditioning timer via your vehicle dashboard or smartphone app, and in the morning simply unplug and drive off, remembering to close the charging flap.
Type 2 cables are also needed for public AC chargers typically located at kerbsides or car parks. While the connection method remains the same, public charging usually involves payment, either via credit/debit card, smartphone app, or RFID card/fob. This variety can be challenging; car brands typically provide charging cards compatible with most public chargers.
Fast charging, or rapid charging, uses DC (Direct Current) and offers significantly higher power outputs—from around 50kW up to 400kW for the latest high-tech vehicles, adding roughly 300km of range in as little as ten minutes for top-performing models (primarily from Hyundai, Kia, Porsche, and Audi).
For most EVs, charging from 20-80% takes about 30 minutes, although actual charging times vary due to charger output, usage demand, and battery condition. Battery pre-conditioning, triggered when entering a fast-charging location into the navigation or manually via touchscreen, optimizes battery temperature for rapid charging but remains imprecise, causing variations in performance.
Fast charging can be costly, with prices reaching up to 78c per kWh, especially problematic for large batteries. Subscription services like Ionity or ESB can offer discounts, though fast charging remains relatively expensive.
Fast chargers use CCS connectors, larger plugs that directly connect to the vehicle’s charging port, often requiring you to open an additional flap or remove a protective cover. Charging beyond 80% at fast chargers isn't recommended, as it can damage batteries over time, and charging speeds decrease significantly after this threshold.
Watch out for overstay fees, imposed after reaching 80% or exceeding a 45-minute time limit, potentially costing an extra €1 per minute.
Finally, always disconnect the plug, return it securely, and close your vehicle’s charging flap before driving away.
