EV charging guides
Straight answers to the questions UK electric car drivers ask most, with real prices and the maths shown.
Charging basics
From about 45 minutes on a rapid charger to more than a day on a 3-pin plug, with a calculator for your car.
What's the best time to charge at home?Off-peak hours for every UK EV tariff, and how to set your car to use them.
Can you charge from a 3-pin plug?Yes, at about 8 miles of range an hour. How long it takes, what it costs and how to do it safely.
Where can you charge for free?Hotels, dealers, some car parks and a few supermarkets. Where to look, and the catches.
EV tariffs
Off-peak rates, hours and which saves the most.
E.ON Next Drive review6.5p overnight with Next Drive Smart, no exit fees.
EDF GoElectric review6.66p from 11pm to 6am, no smart charger needed.
Intelligent Octopus Go review8p overnight plus extra smart charging slots.
British Gas EV Power review9.5p overnight, fixed until March 2028.
Home charging
Easee, Ohme, Tesla and zappi compared.
EV charger installation costAbout £1,000 typical, and the extras to watch for.
EV charger grantsUp to £500 for renters, flats and on-street parking.