Are all electric car chargers the same?

The UK government has implemented strong new laws to phase out the sale of diesel and petrol cars by 2035. This is an attempt to reduce the emissions caused by fossil fuel-burning cars.

Though it will take considerably longer to phase out these vehicles completely, many consumers are considering the alternative option: electric cars.

Electric car charging points are becoming more common across the UK, and in England, any house built after June 15th 2022, must have a charging point installed.

Investing in installing an EV charger for older homes is something that people are considering. It offers a convenient way to charge an electric vehicle and can even add value to a home.

This article will look at the different chargers and charging cables available on the market, explaining their benefits to make it easier for you to decide.

Are all EV Chargers Universal?

Most cars are compatible with Level 1 or Level 2 charging, which are the most common speeds found on public charging stations. Level 3 or DC charging is not as common, and the Tesla Supercharger is only compatible with Teslas.

How Will I Know What Charger to Use?

Your car manual will let you know compatible chargers that you can use on your car. To give you a better idea of what is currently on the market, we have broken down the most popular electric car plug types, cable types, and the levels of speed you will be able to charge at.

Electric Car Plug Types

Drivers who have never used an electric vehicle might be puzzled by the charging system. The nozzles for diesel and petrol fit all cars, so fueling is always a case of taking the correct pump.

Thankfully, electric vehicle charging is not too challenging to get used to, and the following electric car plug types are the most common.

Type-1

The Type-1 car plug uses a 5-pin connector and is most commonly found in North America. The UK favours Type-2 plugs, but some older electric vehicles might use this connector.

They are designed for 3 and 7 kW chargers, which are only compatible with Level-1 and Level-2 AC chargers.

To help with compatibility, electric cars that operate with this system will typically have adapters that allow them to be connected to untethered chargers.

Type 2

You are far more likely to come across a Type-2 plug in the UK or Europe because EU legislation requires the 7-pin plug to be fitted as standard.

The Type-2 plug offers several benefits over the Type-1, including handling the higher energy output of a Level-3 charger. Though it can take up to 22kW, it is important that you check your vehicle can accept this.

The Type-2 plug also has a locking mechanism meaning someone can't disconnect it if you leave it to charge.

Combination plug

CCS (Combined Charging System) plugs are 2-pin plugs that can connect with both DC sockets for super-fast charging or home AC chargers. You will be able to use the two pins in the top half of your home charger to deliver electricity to your car battery.

CHAdeMO

The "Charge de Move" plug is designed for rapid charging from DC chargers.

The main difference from the CCS is that there are two sockets on the CHAdeMO car. In the grand scheme of things, this only changes the car's appearance by having a slightly larger access flap.

It also means you can use Type-1 or Type-2 plugs in the other socket. This option isn't as popular in Europe, but there is one other thing that makes it an interesting choice.

This plug type allows electricity to be transferred to and from the battery, meaning you could use electricity stored in the car to power your home.

Domestic socket

Though it is not the quickest or most efficient way to charge an electric car, using a domestic socket is possible.

Using either a Type-1 or Type-2 transformer box can be a great way to charge your car in an emergency. However, this is not recommended for continual charging as it can damage your home's wiring.

CEE

The CEE plug was more popular with early model electric cars and is the same plug system used in campsites to power campervans and caravans.

You can install the CEE plug at your home for slow charging of 3kW. Alternatively, it can be used with a three-phase industrial standard supply to deliver fast charging up to 22kW.

Tesla Supercharger

If you aren't going to invest in a Tesla, this option won't be of much use to you at present. This is because the Tesla Supercharger only works on Tesla vehicles. However, there are discussions as to whether their chargers will be made compatible with other electric vehicle use.

Electric Car Charging Cable Types

Your electric car should come with a charging cable. The cable type, along with the vehicle, will determine what kind of charger you can get.

It is also possible to buy longer cables or extensions, allowing you to easily reach a charger without parking awkwardly.

Mode-2

The Mode-2 charging cable will typically come with the Type 2 connector in the UK and a 3-pin plug at the other end. This is a basic cable that will allow slow charging.

Mode-3

The Mode-3 charging cable will give you access to power from untethered charging points.

Electric Car Charging Speeds

The speed your car charges at won’t necessarily always be quick. If you have an electric car charger installed at your home and plug the car in overnight to make the most of lower tariffs, you won't mind if it takes hours to get a full charge.

Alternatively, if you find yourself at an EV charging station and are running late for work or an appointment, the last thing you want is to have a slow charge.

The following levels will dictate the speed your car will charge at.

Level-1

Level-1 chargers take the longest time to charge an electric car fully. Depending on the vehicle and its battery, this can take between 8 and 12 hours.

They use a 120-volt plug that works on an AC system and can deliver between 1.4 and 3kW. This can be used in a standard domestic outlet and can be useful for people on a budget that want to charge at home.

Level-2

Level-2 charging offers 240 volts using an AC system and can offer between 7kW and 22kW. This is more commonly used by electric vehicle owners that are interested in installing electric car charging stations in their homes.

The faster-charging speed will take anywhere between one and eleven hours to fully charge an electric car, depending on the make, model, and battery size.

Overnight charging is advisable for this level to enjoy cheaper electricity rates and ensure you have a full battery by the morning.

Level-3

Level-3 charging offers drivers the option to use rapid chargers that can deliver a full charge in an incredible time. In some cases, that can be between 20 minutes and 1 hour for a full charge.

DC fast charging is not as common as Level-1 or Level-2, but it can be found in some city centres.

Find Your EV Charger with BOXT Today

Knowing a bit more about electric car plugs and charging systems before investing is advisable, but you don't need to worry about being an expert to find an EV charger with BOXT.

By answering a few quick questions online and speaking with our specialist team of experts on the phone or via Live Chat, we will be able to find the perfect electric car charger to suit your home and vehicle.

All of our electric vehicle charge points use smart technology to let you monitor your electricity use and save money. Installations are completed by fully qualified, experienced local electricians, and you will receive a fixed price, taking away the worry of hidden costs or surprises.

Final Thoughts

If you invest in an electric car, it is worth doing a little bit of research to understand better how the car works and will be charged. Doing so will make it easier if you decide to install an electric car charger at your home.

Charging stations are becoming more common as shopping centres, supermarkets, public car parks, and city centres see them as a great way to attract potential customers. However, enjoying the convenience of being able to charge your car overnight offers car owners peace of mind.

Choosing BOXT as your installer means you are guaranteed excellent workmanship, high-quality products, and prompt, friendly service. If you are interested in installing a charger for electric vehicles at your home, get in touch today for a free, no-obligation, fixed-price quote.