Where can I charge my Electric Vehicle?

Once you’ve decided to make the switch from petrol/diesel power to electric, knowing what options are available to keep the model fully charged is essential. Here at Allen Motor Group, we’re delighted to be able to provide you with full details on the various options that are available to you.


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Public Chargers

For most motorists, accessing suitable charging points will be achieved via public locations, with the network of high-powered, fast-charging options across the UK growing by the day. Such public charging points can be found at petrol stations, supermarkets, service stations and more, with added solutions being installed all the time.

A number of charging networks are available, each offering affordable solutions that will have your battery fully replenished for far less than it costs to refuel a traditional model. Many will even be able to top you up to an 80% charge in a matter of minutes. Networks such as BP Pulse, Ionity and Pod Point are some of the largest around, providing reliability and availability no matter where in the UK you are located.


Calculating the cost of charging your car, as well as finding the nearest charging point, can be determined on the Zap Map website. In addition, many electric vehicles feature technology that provides you with directions to the nearest charging point. As a result, you’ll always be within distance of a suitable option.


Calculating the cost of charging your car, as well as finding the nearest charging point, can be determined on the Zap Map website. In addition, many electric vehicles feature technology that provides you with directions to the nearest charging point. As a result, you’ll always be within distance of a suitable option.

Public Charge Point Networks

The table below contains links to the major public charge network operators and information sites.

Home Charging

Those with suitable off-road parking and accessibility will doubtless aim to benefit from affordable home charging options. The installation of home charging units ranges from £350-£800, making it a cost-effective solution for most homes, while charging overnight - when electricity is more affordable - means you will be able to keep your vehicle topped up with a full battery at all times.

At present, more than 40 manufacturers provide charging units for the home, with two power rating options - 3kW or 7kW - often available. 


As you might expect, the larger of the two provides quicker charging for your vehicle but comes at a greater cost for purchasing.

Note that any home charging point should always be installed by an OLEV authorised installer.

Workplace Charging

Being able to charge your vehicle when at work and your vehicle is otherwise idle represents the perfect solution for many motorists. And, from an employer’s perspective, there are plenty of incentives to help encourage workplace drivers and fleet managers to make the switch to electric performance, with running costs and lower tax obligations to be met.

Unlike home charging units which offer charging of up to 7kW, businesses can opt to install high-speed charging systems such as a 22kW unit. 


This will make charging company, employee and visitor vehicles quick and effective.


How to Charge?​

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    Socketed A socket charging unit enables you to connect a removable Type 1 or Type 2 EV cable that can be used at home or in public.
    Tethered A tethered charging point is one that is permanently fixed to the charging point and offers a Type 1 or Type 2 EV cable connection.


    How Fast Is Charging?

    How Long Will It Take to Fully Charge My Vehicle?

    Charging your electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle is a process that can take anywhere from a few minutes to many hours. The time it takes depends on a number of factors, namely the size of the battery, the connection type, and the charger being used. Rapid charging units found at service stations can often boost your charge to 80% in a matter of minutes, whereas home charging units providing 3kW will take between 8-10 hours to fully recharge. You can learn more about the recharge time of your vehicle by referring to your handbook or by liaising with a member of the Allen Motor Group team today.

    Batterysize / Charge Power + Charge Time

    90 kwh battery
    50 kwh charger
    2 hours to charge


    We understand that when becoming an electric driver, it's useful to know the range you're getting during the time you're charging your vehicle to know if you can reach your next destination.


    Average miles of range added per hour of charging*

    3.7kW slow 7kW fast 22kW fast 43-50kW rapid 150kW rapid
    Up to 15 miles Up to 30 miles Up to 90 miles Up to 90 miles in 30 mins Up to 200 miles in 30 mins

    *avg. result (each vehicle will be dependent on the size of the battery)

    What effects the Range of an Electric Vehicle

    An Electric Vehicle’s range varies with conditions such as selectable driving modes, external elements like temperature, driving behaviours (e.g., motorways vs. urban driving), vehicle maintenance, electrical load (i.e., auxiliaries – like power windows, door mirrors and locks), and battery age & health. Selectable drive modes adjust various settings to optimise performance and help get the most from the battery

    • Extreme hot or cold weather conditions affect batteries and can reduce range. Heating or cooling the inside of your vehicle will also draw extra energy from your battery. We’d recommend adjusting the inside temperature of your vehicle while you’re still plugged into the charger.
    • In any type of vehicle, high speeds and heavy acceleration use more power and reduce range, so you’ll get more miles out of your potential range by travelling at a steady speed and accelerating gradually.
    • Regenerative braking can capture and reuse more than 90% of the energy normally lost during the braking process, recharging the high-voltage battery and maximising your range. Try to predict traffic situations ahead to optimise your braking for maximum energy recuperation.
    • Regular maintenance ensures that one’s vehicle is running at its best. For instance, tyres with the correct air pressure and without too much wear will reduce rolling resistance and maximize range.
    • Most auxiliary systems in a vehicle need electrical power from the battery, with heating and air conditioning consuming the most energy in a vehicle and leaving less electricity for powering the motor(s).
    • All rechargeable batteries lose capacity with use and time, even if you do everything right. An EV’s battery health declines with age and therefore so does its capacity and the vehicle’s range. Continual advances in battery technology mean that issues surrounding degradation of performance are being reduced all the time, plus there are ways to help preserve the power and efficiency of a battery over time (such as not fully charging it or fully using all of the energy stored).