Charging an electric car without access to a driveway or garage can seem challenging, but there are actually quite a few convenient options available in the UK. In this guide, we'll cover the best ways to keep your EV charged up no matter where you live or work.
Free Supermarket and Council Car Park Charging
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to charge your electric car is by taking advantage of free chargers at supermarkets and council car parks. While there are some caveats to be aware of, these can be great options if you plan ahead.
Key things to know:
- Most supermarket chargers are in the 7-22kW range, adding 20-60 miles of range per hour
- Sessions are often limited to an hour while you shop
- Council car park chargers are similar, usually 7.4-11kW
- Spaces can fill up quickly, so have a backup plan
- Some locations may require a parking ticket purchase
[IMAGE: Electric car plugged into a supermarket charging station with a shopping cart nearby]
Alt text: An electric vehicle charging at a Tesco supermarket station in the UK.
Public Fast and Rapid Charging Networks
For faster top-ups, an extensive network of public chargers is rapidly growing across the country. These include 50kW fast chargers that can add around 100 miles of range per hour, 100-150kW rapids that are twice as fast, and even 350kW ultra-rapid chargers that are rolling out at charging hubs.
Companies like Shell Recharge and Gridserve are investing heavily in high-speed charging infrastructure:
- Shell is opening hundreds of hubs with 150-300kW chargers
- Gridserve plans 20+ Electric Hubs in 2022 alone
- Most UK cities now have a hub within 5 miles
While more expensive than AC charging, these DC fast chargers provide a quick and convenient option when you're low on range. Plug-in for 20-40 minutes and you'll be ready to go!
[IMAGE: A row of electric cars charging at a Shell Recharge hub]
Alt text: Multiple EVs charging simultaneously at a Shell Recharge 150kW+ hub in the UK.
Portable Charging Solutions
Believe it or not, a new wave of portable EV charging products is on the horizon. One exciting example is the Zipcharge Go, an 8kWh battery pack that can fit in your boot and add up to 40 miles of range.
Key specs of the Zipcharge Go include:
- 20-40 miles of range from a 4-8kWh capacity
- Compact size with wheels and a handle for portability
- Charges at 7.2kW, providing a top-up in about an hour
- Expected release in late 2022
While not a complete charging solution, innovations like this provide a helpful backup option for those without home charging. Simply charge it up using a standard outlet and bring it along in case of an emergency.
Motorway Charging
On longer road trips, taking advantage of ultra-rapid chargers at motorway service stations is often the best bet. These chargers typically operate at 150-350kW, allowing compatible EVs to charge from 10-80% in under 30 minutes.
For example, an Autel MaxiCharger DC Fast 350kW charger can add over 200 miles of range to an 800V EV like the Porsche Taycan in just 18 minutes. That's barely enough time to grab a coffee and use the restroom!
The main downside is cost - motorway charging is the most expensive option at over 50% higher rates than home electricity. But for the speed and convenience on a long journey, it's hard to beat.
Community Charging Schemes
Finally, a growing trend is the rise of community charging schemes that allow neighbourly EV drivers to share their home chargers. Co Charger is a great example of an app facilitating these arrangements.
Here's how Co Charger works:
- Hosts offer their home charger to other local EV drivers
- Guests find and book a charger in the app
- Payments are handled seamlessly in the app based on the host's pricing
- Reviews help ensure a safe and positive experience
While this requires some coordination, it provides an affordable and social charging option for those without their own charger. Just be a respectful guest and don't overstay your welcome!
By leveraging these various charging solutions, most UK electric car owners can make do without a driveway or garage of their own. It may take some extra planning, but a combination of free local charging, public networks, portable power banks, and community sharing can keep you driving electric without compromise.
