According to HeyCarUK, there are approximately 1 million electric car owners in the UK, as of January 2024. With the ever-increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EV), the demand for commercial electric car charging points has soared. As such, there are now more commercial EV chargers in Britain than ever before.
However, if you’re new to owning an electric car, or if you’re doing some research before taking the plunge, you might not be aware of how charging an electric car at a commercial premises works. From the different types of EV chargers to how long it takes to fully-charge your vehicle, here’s everything you need to know about EV chargers:
What is an EV charger?
An EV charger is a point at which an electric car owner is able to charge their vehicle. EV chargers are found either at home or in a commercial setting. They can be cable-connected (tethered) or socket only (untethered), depending on your needs, and they’re designed purely with efficiency in mind.
Both all-electric and hybrid vehicles can be charged from an EV charger in order to keep the battery full. This ensures that the maximum mileage can be utilised by the driver, as well as making sure that every aspect of the car is fully-functioning, making for a comfortable ride and smooth performance indefinitely.
How to charge an electric car
Typically, an EV charger will pull an electric current from the grid, if it’s hard-wired, or it will pull the electricity needed from a 240v outlet. This then enables electricity to be safely delivered to your vehicle. This is done using a cable, just like any other mains-powered appliance or any other device that requires a re-charge after continual use.
You will need to plug the cable that runs from the EV charger directly into your electric vehicle in order for it to charge. Some EV chargers will come with a cable attached, whereas others may require you to bring your own or source one from the premises you’re at.
What are the different types of commercial EV chargers?
Typically, there are two different types of commercial EV charging points found at the workplace: tethered and untethered. If you’re new to the electric vehicle scene, let us explain to you the differences between the two and how each one may benefit you in your electric vehicle-charging journey:
Tethered (cable-connected) EV chargers
Cable-connected commercial EV chargers, also known as tethered EV chargers, are charging points used to power electric vehicles, but the cable is connected to the unit rather than being separate from it. There are many advantages and disadvantages to opting for cable-connected EV chargers, with the biggest benefit being that the electric car owner won’t require their own cable and they won’t need to source one, either.
However, the disadvantage is that the cables will be visible, which can look unsightly. Depending on the model of cable-connected EV charger you choose, the cable may be on show or it can be contained within a box. Discuss your options with us here at EvieLife.
Untethered (socket-only) EV chargers
Socket only EV chargers, or untethered EV chargers, as they’re otherwise known, do not come equipped with a cable to plug into the electric vehicle. This means that the electric car owner will need to source their own if they’re looking to charge their vehicle at their place of work. The employer will need to supply a charging cable or the owner of the electric car will need to source one at their own expense. However, you will always have the choice as to whether or not you supply a cable for the user. You can discuss your options with us here at EvieLife.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
The time it takes for your electric vehicle to be fully-charged will depend solely on the make and model of vehicle you have. It can also depend on the charging point itself and the connectors that are used. It could take anywhere between 3 and 12 hours to fully-charge an all-electric vehicle. When it comes to owning an electric car and the amount of time it can take for it to be back up to full charge, it comes down, for the most part, to trial and error.
You will, eventually, find out how your car works and, on average, how long it takes for it to charge fully at a commercial charging point. It might be quicker when charged at home, for instance. Find what works best for you, because the length of time it takes really depends on the manufacturer and the charging point used, which can differ greatly.
EvieLife is pleased to be able to offer commercial EV charging installation for your premises. From holiday homes and holiday parks to hotels and office blocks, we will be able to install commercial EV charging points at your workplace. If you would like further information about the commercial EV charging installation we have available, get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today - we’re always pleased to hear from you.