Destination Charging Explained

Destination charging means using the slower AC chargers found at hotels, car parks, supermarkets, gyms and leisure venues, where you top up while you are parked for other reasons. These points are usually 7kW to 22kW AC rather than rapid DC, so they charge over hours, not minutes, and many are untethered, which means you plug in your own Type 2 charging cable. The idea is simple: your car gains range while you eat, shop, work or sleep, so charging costs you no extra time. Keep a good lead in the boot and destination charging becomes some of the easiest topping up you will do.

At a glance: destination charging basics

What is destination charging?

Destination charging is charging that happens where you are already going to spend time, rather than at a dedicated fast stop. It uses AC chargers of roughly 7kW to 22kW, so the car charges gradually while you do something else. A hotel car park is the classic example: plug in overnight and leave in the morning with a useful top-up. Because the charging fits around your day, the slower speed rarely matters. The main thing to know is that many of these chargers are untethered, so you need to carry your own cable.

Do I need to bring my own cable?

Usually yes, because most destination AC chargers are untethered, meaning there is a socket rather than a fixed cable. You supply a Type 2 to Type 2 lead, which is the standard on every EV sold in the UK since 2018. Rapid DC chargers are always tethered, so you never bring a cable for those, but destination points are different. A 5m lead suits most bays, while 7m helps if the charger is awkwardly placed relative to your car's inlet.

What length cable should I carry?

• 5m: fine for most car park and hotel bays
• 7m: handy when the socket is far from your charging port
• 10m: useful for shared or on-street chargers, but heavier

How fast is destination charging?

Destination charging is slower than rapid charging but perfectly matched to how long you park. A 7.4kW point adds roughly 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, so a few hours at a supermarket or a night at a hotel can add plenty. Some points offer 22kW, but you only get that if your car and, at home, your supply support it. Many cars cap AC charging at 7.4kW or 11kW, so a 22kW charger will not always be faster for your vehicle.

How much does destination charging cost?

Costs vary widely, so check on arrival. Some hotels, restaurants and shops offer charging free to customers as a perk, while others charge per kWh or per session through an app or contactless reader. Prices are usually lower than motorway rapid charging, which often sits around 45 to 80p per kWh. Because you are parked anyway, even a paid destination charger can be a convenient and reasonably priced way to add range without a special stop.

How do I find and use destination chargers?

You find destination chargers through mapping apps and network apps, then plug in using your own cable where the point is untethered. Many hotels list charging on their booking pages, and car park operators increasingly advertise EV bays. On arrival, connect your Type 2 lead, start the session via the app or contactless payment where required, and the connector locks while charging. Always plug the car end into your car and the charger end into the point, then confirm charging has started before you walk away.

Frequently asked questions

What is destination charging?

Destination charging is topping up at AC chargers where you are already spending time, such as hotels, car parks, supermarkets and gyms. These points typically run at 7kW to 22kW, so they charge over hours rather than minutes. Because you are parked anyway, the slower speed rarely matters, and you leave with a useful amount of extra range.

Do destination chargers come with a cable?

Most destination AC chargers are untethered, so they have a socket rather than a fixed cable, and you plug in your own Type 2 lead. Rapid DC chargers are always tethered and never need your cable. To be safe, keep a Type 2 to Type 2 cable in your boot so you can use any untethered point you come across.

How long does destination charging take?

It depends on the charger and your car, but a 7.4kW point adds roughly 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. Over a few hours of shopping or a night at a hotel, that adds up to a substantial top-up. Some points offer 22kW, but you only benefit if your car supports higher AC charging, as many cap at 7.4kW or 11kW.

Is destination charging free?

Sometimes. Some hotels, restaurants and shops offer charging free to customers, while others charge per kWh or per session. Prices are usually lower than motorway rapid charging. Costs and payment methods vary by venue, so check on arrival and be ready to pay by app or contactless card where required.

What cable length should I bring?

A 5m cable suits most car park and hotel bays. Carry 7m if you often find the socket sits far from your car's charging port, and 10m for shared or on-street setups, though longer cables are heavier and dearer. Choosing a length that matches where you charge most avoids struggling to reach the socket.

Can I charge at a destination overnight?

Yes, overnight charging at a hotel is one of the most common uses of destination charging. Plug in your Type 2 cable when you arrive, start the session, and the connector locks while charging. By morning you should have a strong top-up. Confirm charging has started before leaving the car, and check whether the venue charges a fee.

Destination charging is one of the easiest ways to keep topped up, as long as you carry the right lead. See our guide to which EV charging cable you need to pick the correct type and length, and browse ready-to-buy leads on the Type 2 cables page or match one to your car with the cable finder.