EV charging explained: plugs, speeds, costs and how to pay
Charging an electric car is simpler than it looks once you know three things: which plug your car uses, how fast it can charge, and what each type of charger costs. Most EV drivers do most of their charging at home overnight, and use public rapid chargers on longer journeys.
This guide explains plugs, speeds, home and public charging costs, how to pay, and some charging etiquette.
Last updated 27 October 2026. Prices and charger numbers come from Zapmap and Ofgem (see the sources at the end).
Key takeaways
- Most modern EVs use a Type 2 plug for AC charging and a CCS plug for DC rapid charging.
- Older Nissan Leafs and some other early EVs use CHAdeMO for rapid charging, which fewer new chargers support.
- A three-pin plug adds roughly 8 to 10 miles of range an hour; a 7kW home charger roughly 20 to 30 miles.
- Public charging averaged 54p/kWh on slow and fast chargers and 79p/kWh on rapid chargers in September 2026.
- New public chargers of 8kW and above, and rapid chargers of 50kW and above, must accept contactless payment.
- There were 124,738 public chargers at 48,298 UK locations at the end of September 2026.
In this guide
- Which plug does my car use?
- How fast does an EV charge?
- What does charging cost?
- How do you pay at a public charger?
- Finding chargers
- Charging etiquette
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources and further reading
Which plug does my car use?
| Plug | Used for | Which cars |
| Three-pin (domestic) | Slow charging from a household socket using a “granny” cable | Almost all EVs, as a backup |
| Type 2 | AC charging at home and on public slow and fast chargers | Almost all modern EVs |
| CCS (Combined Charging System) | DC rapid and ultra-rapid charging | Almost all modern EVs, including Tesla in the UK |
| CHAdeMO | DC rapid charging | Older Nissan Leafs and some other early EVs |
For AC charging you usually use your own Type 2 cable. Rapid chargers have their own cable attached. If you are buying a used EV, make sure the cables come with it. See our used EV inspection checklist.
How fast does an EV charge?
Zapmap and the Department for Transport group public chargers into four speeds:
| Charger type | Power | Typical use | Range added (approx.) |
| Three-pin socket | Around 2.3kW | Occasional top-up at home | 8 to 10 miles an hour |
| Standard | 3kW to 7.9kW | Home wallbox, on-street | 20 to 30 miles an hour at 7kW |
| Standard Plus | 8kW to 49kW | Destination chargers, some on-street | Depends on the car’s onboard charger |
| Rapid | 50kW to 149kW | En-route charging | Around 80% in 40 to 60 minutes for many cars |
| Ultra-rapid | 150kW and above | Motorway hubs | 10% to 80% in 20 to 30 minutes for capable cars |
Range added depends on the car’s efficiency. The actual speed is limited by whichever is slower, the charger or the car. On AC, many cars can only take 7kW or 11kW whatever the charger offers. On DC, each car has a maximum rapid charging speed, and charging slows down as the battery fills, usually above about 80%. That is why most drivers charge to 80% on a rapid charger and move on.
Rapid charging speeds also drop in cold weather unless the battery is warmed first. Many cars can precondition the battery if you set the charger as the destination in the satnav. See how cold weather affects electric cars.
What does charging cost?
| Where | Typical price | Approx. cost per mile |
| Home, overnight EV tariff | Around 7p/kWh | About 2p |
| Home, standard price cap rate (Oct to Dec 2026) | 26.32p/kWh | About 7.5p |
| Public Standard and Standard Plus | 54p/kWh average | About 16p |
| Public Rapid and Ultra-rapid | 79p/kWh average | About 24p |
Public prices are Zapmap’s September 2026 pay-as-you-go averages. Across the ten biggest rapid networks, prices ranged from 59p to 92p/kWh. Off-peak rates, memberships and supermarket deals can be cheaper.
Home charging is cheapest by far, especially on a smart EV tariff that gives you cheap electricity overnight. VAT on home electricity has been cut to 0% from 1 October 2026 until 31 March 2027, while public charging carries 20% VAT. See our guide to installing a home EV charger.
How do you pay at a public charger?
Under the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023:
- Prices must be shown in pence per kWh, including any connection fee, on the charger or in a way that doesn’t require you to sign up first.
- New public chargers of 8kW and above, and rapid chargers of 50kW and above, must offer contactless payment, so you don’t need an app.
- Operators must provide a free 24/7 helpline.
- Rapid charging networks must be reliable 99% of the time on average.
You can also pay through the network’s app, an RFID card, or a payment app such as Zapmap’s, which works across several networks. Apps and memberships sometimes give lower prices.
Watch out for overstay or idle fees, which some networks charge if you leave your car plugged in after it has finished charging.
Finding chargers
The UK had 124,738 public chargers at 48,298 locations at the end of September 2026, according to Zapmap, including 14,053 en-route chargers and 1,070 hubs with eight or more rapid chargers. Apps such as Zapmap show locations, live availability, speed, price and recent user reports. Many cars’ satnavs also plan charging stops.
If you are worried about range on longer trips, our guide to EV charging anxiety has practical tips.
Charging etiquette
- Move your car once it has finished charging, especially at rapid chargers.
- Charge to 80% on a rapid charger unless you need more to reach your destination.
- Don’t park in an EV bay if you are not charging.
- Report faulty chargers to the operator and on Zapmap.
- Coil cables neatly and keep them off the pavement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I charge an electric car from a normal plug?
Yes, using the three-pin cable that comes with many EVs. It is slow, adding roughly 8 to 10 miles of range an hour, so it is best for occasional use. A home wallbox is faster and safer for everyday charging.
What is the difference between Type 2 and CCS?
Type 2 is for AC charging at home and on slower public chargers. CCS adds two extra pins below the Type 2 shape for DC rapid charging. Most modern EVs have a CCS socket that accepts both.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
From empty to full on a 7kW home charger, around six to twelve hours depending on the battery. On a rapid charger, most modern EVs go from 10% to 80% in 20 to 60 minutes.
Do I need an app to charge an EV?
Not on most newer chargers. New public chargers of 8kW and above and rapid chargers must accept contactless bank cards.
Why is public charging more expensive than home charging?
Public charging carries 20% VAT, against 0% on home electricity until 31 March 2027, and operators need to cover the cost of the equipment, grid connection and site.
Sources and further reading
- Zapmap: EV charging statistics 2026
- Zapmap: Charging price index
- Zapmap: Rapid charging prices
- Ofgem: Energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026
- Burges Salmon: New regulation for public charge points
- GreenFleet: Public charge points must offer contactless payments
About this guide: Rooster is a UK car insurance provider. This guide is general information for UK drivers. Charging prices and tariffs change often, so check current prices with your energy supplier and the charging network you use.
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