Guides
EV charging
guides.
Straight answers on connectors, charging speeds and what actually fits your car. No jargon, no filler.
Buying Guides
What Is a kWh? EV Charging Units Made Simple
A kWh is a unit of energy: it measures how much electricity your EV battery stores and uses, while kW measures how fast it charges. Battery size is in kWh; charging speed is in kW; electricity is billed per kWh Charging at 7kW for one hour delivers 7kWh of energy Multiply kWh added by your price per kWh to estimate charging cost
Buying Guides
How to Find EV Charging Points in the UK
The quickest way to find UK EV chargers is a live charger map app that shows location, connector, power and availability, filtered to your car. Use one main map app plus your key network's own app Filter by connector and power, and check recent reviews for reliability Bring your own Type 2 cable for untethered AC points
Reviews
Best EV Charging Accessories 2026: The Essentials
If you buy one EV charging accessory this year, make it a portable backup charger, then add a lock, a bag, a holder, an inflator and an adapter as needed. One pick per category covers the practical side of EV ownership Prioritise a backup charger and a cable lock, then tidiness and safety kit Buy separately over bundles so each item is the best for the job
Buying Guides
EV Charging Jargon Glossary: 30 Terms Explained
A plain-English glossary of the 30 EV charging terms that matter most, from kW and kWh to Type 2, CCS, tethered and V2L. kW measures power (speed); kWh measures energy (battery size) Type 2 is the UK standard connector; CCS and CHAdeMO are for rapid DC Charging runs at the speed of the weakest link, including the onboard charger
How-to
What to Do If Your EV Charging Cable Gets Stuck
A stuck EV cable is usually just locked: end the charging session, unlock the car, then pull the connector straight out. Type 2 connectors lock while charging and release when you unlock the car Most cars have a manual release near the port or under the boot floor Never force a frozen connector; warm it gently instead
Buying Guides
What Does IP Rating Mean for EV Equipment?
An IP rating is a two-digit code showing how well equipment resists solids and water. The first digit covers dust and solids, the second covers water A higher second digit means better resistance to rain and jets Always check the specific rating stated in a product's own listing
Compatibility
Do EV Charging Cables Work in Cold Weather?
Yes, EV charging cables work safely in cold weather, though they become stiffer and harder to handle. Type 2 cables deliver power reliably in freezing temperatures Slower winter charging is caused by the cold battery, not the cable Precondition the battery to restore charging speed in the cold
How-to
What Is Preconditioning an EV?
Preconditioning warms the battery and cabin to an ideal temperature before charging or driving, most useful in winter. A warm battery charges faster and delivers better range Precondition while plugged in so the energy comes from the mains Many cars precondition the battery automatically when routing to a rapid charger
How-to
Can You Overcharge an EV?
No, a modern EV cannot be overcharged because its battery management system stops the current at 100%. The BMS cuts off charging automatically, whatever cable or charger you use Leaving it plugged in overnight is safe, but avoid sitting at 100% for days Battery wear comes from habits, not overcharging: cap daily charging around 80%
Compatibility
What Is an Onboard Charger in an EV?
The onboard charger is the unit inside your EV that converts AC to DC, and its rating sets the maximum AC charging speed your car can accept. Common ratings are 7.4kW, 11kW or 22kW A cable cannot charge faster than this limit Rapid DC chargers bypass it entirely
Compatibility
What Is an EV Charging Curve?
A charging curve is how charging speed changes as the battery fills: high early on, then tapering sharply above around 80% on rapid DC to protect the cells. The fast, useful band is roughly 10 to 80% The car controls the curve, not the cable Home AC charging is barely affected
Buying Guides
Are EV Charging Cables Universal?
EV cables are near-universal for post-2018 cars because Type 2 is the standard, but the car end and power rating still have to match your car. The charger end is always Type 2 in the UK Some older cars need a Type 1 car end Rapid DC chargers are tethered, so no cable needed
How-to
Can You Repair an EV Charging Cable?
In almost every case you should replace an EV charging cable, not repair it, because it carries mains current and a botched fix is a fire and shock risk. Only truly cosmetic scuffs are safe to ignore Exposed copper, cracked connectors or melted pins mean replace Good storage and handling prevent most damage
Comparisons
AC vs DC EV Charging Explained
AC charging uses your car's onboard charger and is best for everyday use, while DC rapid charging bypasses it for fast top-ups on long trips. AC: home and destination points, your own Type 2 cable, 7.4kW to 22kW DC: public rapid chargers, always tethered, 50kW to 350kW A bigger AC cable does not beat your onboard charger's speed limit
Compatibility
How Does EV Charging Work? A Beginner's Guide
EV charging feeds electricity into the battery as AC that the car converts, or as DC delivered straight to the battery by rapid chargers. AC charging uses your car's onboard charger and your own Type 2 cable Rapid DC bypasses the onboard charger and is always tethered Type 2 is the UK AC standard; CCS or CHAdeMO handle rapid DC
Buying Guides
EV Charging Apps Explained: Which You Need
Most EV drivers only need one or two mapping apps plus the network apps for chargers they use often. Mapping and journey-planning apps find chargers and plan trips Roaming and contactless reduce how many apps you juggle No app supplies a cable, so keep your own Type 2 lead in the boot
Buying Guides
Destination Charging Explained
Destination charging uses slower AC points at hotels, car parks and shops to top up while you are parked anyway. Typically 7kW to 22kW AC, adding roughly 25 to 30 miles per hour at 7.4kW Most points are untethered, so bring your own Type 2 cable Sometimes free for customers, often cheaper than rapid charging
Buying Guides
EV Charging Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
Good charging etiquette means freeing the bay once done, never unplugging someone else's car, not hogging rapids, and leaving your cable tidy. Move your car promptly once charging finishes to avoid idle fees Charge to around 80% at busy rapids, then move on Coil your cable, take it with you, and leave accessible bays free
Buying Guides
On-Street EV Charging Explained
On-street chargers use lampposts, bollards and posts, are almost all untethered AC, and need your own Type 2 cable, usually 7m or 10m for kerbside reach. Lamppost points run around 5 to 7kW, ideal for overnight charging Bring your own longer Type 2 lead and keep the pavement run tidy Pay via the network app or contactless, and check current rates
Buying Guides
How to Charge an EV Without a Driveway
No driveway is no barrier: mix on-street posts, lamppost chargers, public rapids and workplace charging, and use a longer cable to reach kerbside sockets safely. Build a routine around one or two reliable local AC points Bring a 7m or 10m Type 2 lead for untethered kerbside sockets Keep pavement runs short and use a cable protector
Buying Guides
EV Charging on a Road Trip: A UK Guide
Plan rapid DC stops around natural breaks, start full from home, charge to about 80% on the move, and carry your Type 2 lead for AC top-ups. Rapid chargers are tethered, so you never bring a cable for them Bring a Type 2 lead for untethered AC points at hotels and car parks Set up charging apps and payment before you leave
How-to
Winter EV Charging Tips for UK Drivers
Cold weather cuts EV range and slows charging, so precondition on the plug, charge little and often, and keep your cable pins clean and dry. Precondition the battery and cabin while still plugged in Warm a stiff cable indoors and uncoil it gently Charge overnight on an off-peak tariff to offset higher winter usage
Buying Guides
Is It Worth Buying a Spare EV Charging Cable?
A spare EV cable is worth it if your home charger is tethered or two drivers share one lead, but optional if you already own a loose untethered cable. Tethered wallbox owners need a loose Type 2 lead for public untethered points Two-driver homes benefit from a second cable so both cars can charge out Skip it if you already have one loose cable and drive alone
Buying Guides
How to Choose an EV Charging Cable in 5 Steps
Choose an EV charging cable in five steps: connector, power, length, current rating and build quality. Type 2 to Type 2 fits most UK cars sold since 2018 Plan around 7.4kW and 32A single phase for a standard home Pick 5m for driveways, 7m to 10m for awkward parking