Making the switch to an electric vehicle means rethinking how you power your car. Instead of filling up at a petrol station, charging becomes part of your lifestyle. The good news is that with the right setup, keeping an EV topped up is simple, convenient, and often cheaper than refuelling a combustion engine.
Charging at Home
For most drivers, home charging is the backbone of EV ownership. Installing a 7kW wallbox is the most popular choice in the UK, allowing you to plug in overnight and wake up to a fully charged car. A complete charge typically takes between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the size of the battery.
If a wallbox isn’t an option, you can use a regular three-pin plug. This is much slower, often taking 20 to 30 hours for a full charge, but it can be useful for occasional top-ups. Take the OMODA E5 as an example. With a range of up to 257, plugging in at home once or twice a week will cover the majority of a typical driver’s needs.
Workplace and Destination Charging
Public “fast” chargers, usually rated at 7kW to 22kW, are found in supermarkets, shopping centres, gyms, and car parks. They are ideal for topping up while you go about your day. A longer two-hour shop could add around 50 to 60 miles of range, enough to cover most commutes.
For many EV drivers, this type of charging fits neatly into everyday routines and reduces the need for rapid charging on the road.
Rapid Charging on the Road
When it comes to longer trips, rapid chargers provide reassurance. These units deliver 50kW to 150kW and are commonly located on A-roads and motorway service stations. They can take most EVs from 0 to 80% charge in 30 to 60 minutes.
This is where EV driving becomes most like a traditional road trip, stop for a coffee or a bite to eat, and your car is ready to continue by the time you are.
OMODA’s new E5 model can go from 20-80% charge in 28 minutes with a fast charger, showing how EVs are becoming ever more practical for long-distance travel.
Ultra-Rapid Charging
The latest development in charging is ultra-rapid networks, offering 150kW to 350kW speeds. In cars designed to take advantage of these rates, you can add 200 miles of range in around 20 minutes.
While not every vehicle is capable of charging at these speeds, infrastructure is growing quickly across the UK. For those who regularly cover high mileage, ultra-rapid charging is a game-changer.
Charging Made Simple
It’s important to remember that you rarely need to charge from empty to full. Most drivers “top up” regularly, whether at home, at work, or at the shops. This approach not only reduces the need for long charging stops but also helps preserve battery health.
With over 82,000 public connectors now available across the UK, charging confidence is higher than ever. Smart apps and in-car navigation make it easy to find, start, and pay for charging on the go.
The Bottom Line
EV charging is flexible, affordable, and designed to fit around your life. Whether it’s a slow overnight charge, a convenient top-up while shopping, or a rapid boost on the motorway, there is a solution for every situation. With brands like OMODA bringing new models to market that balance range
