How quickly electricity is sent from a charger to an EV, measured in kW.
Charging speed refers to the rate at which an electric vehicle's (EV) battery can be charged. In the UK, EVs can be charged using various methods, including home charging points and public charging stations. The charging speed determines how quickly an EV can replenish its battery and get back on the road.
In the UK, there are different charging speeds available for EVs. The most common ones are:
1. Slow Charging: This method typically uses a standard household socket and provides a charging speed of up to 3 kilowatts (kW). Slow charging is suitable for overnight charging at home or when you have plenty of time to charge your EV.
2. Fast Charging: Fast chargers are commonly found at public charging stations and can provide charging speeds of around 7-22 kW. They are faster than slow chargers and can charge an EV's battery to a significant level within a few hours.
3. Rapid Charging: Rapid chargers are the fastest charging option in the UK and can provide charging speeds of 50 kW or more. These chargers are usually found at motorway service stations and can charge an EV's battery to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes, depending on the specific vehicle model.
It's important for UK drivers to be aware of the charging speed their EV supports and plan their charging accordingly. Understanding the charging speed can help drivers estimate the time required to charge their vehicles and ensure they have enough power for their journeys.