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Electric vehicles: What are the different types of chargepoint?

Chargepoint technologies are developing quickly, increasing in power and reducing in cost.


Electric vehicles - women charging cars

Chargepoints are primarily categorised by their power, measured in kilowatts (kW), reflecting the speed at which they can charge an EV. The most common categories are:

Slow/standard

  • 7kW or lower
  • typically available in 3.5kW and 7kW power
  • four to eight hours to fully recharge, depending on the vehicle and its battery size
  • add between 10-25 miles of range per hour
  • useful in locations where EVs are parked for a long time or overnight.

Fast

  • between 7-22kW
  • most fast chargepoints are 22kW
  • two to four hours to fully recharge, depending on the vehicle
  • provide up to around 75 miles of range per hour
  • useful at destinations where EVs are parked for a few hours (eg shopping centres).

Rapid

  • between 43-50kW
  • most rapid chargepoints are 50kW
  • 25-40 minutes for 80% recharge, depending on the vehicle
  • provide around 100 miles of range in half an hour
  • useful for EVs parked for a quick break (eg service stations, taxis, commercial vehicles).

Ultra-rapid

  • over 50kW
  • most ultra-rapid chargepoints are 100kW or 150kW, more powerful units available
  • provide around 200 miles of range in half an hour
  • at present, few EV models can accept an ultra-rapid charge
  • many EVs on sale from 2020 onwards are likely to accept 100kW charging
  • useful for EVs that need to refuel without a break, as if refuelling at a petrol station.

Chargepoints take a variety of forms and can be placed at on-street or off-street locations. Many public chargepoints are integrated into a free-standing column, similar in size to a bollard, whereas rapid chargers are more like a large parking payment machine. Chargepoints can also be integrated into some streetlights.