How to Charge an Electric Car

If you’re considering switching to an EV, you need to understand all the ways to charge it. After all, it’s the most important part of EV driving.

The good news is that charging your EV is often much easier than people expect. Charging quickly becomes part of your routine, whether that means plugging in overnight at a home EV charger or topping up at public EV charging stations during longer journeys.

The UK’s charging infrastructure is also growing, with thousands of charging points now available across supermarkets, retail parks, workplaces and motorway service locations. Combined with improving battery technology and faster charging speeds, owning an electric vehicle is becoming more practical every year.

Whether you are completely new to EV ownership or considering a new EV like the Skywell BE11, this guide explains everything you need to know about charging an electric car, including charging speeds, charging costs, charging networks and the different types of chargers available.

How Does Electric Car Charging Work?

Charging an electric vehicle involves transferring electricity from a charging station or home charger into the vehicle’s battery pack. Every EV has a charging port, located on the front, side or rear of the vehicle, which connects to a compatible charging point using the appropriate charging cable. Once connected, electricity flows into the battery, replenishing the energy used while driving. Unlike petrol or diesel vehicles, electric cars can be charged in a variety of locations, including at home, at work, at public charging stations, at motorway service areas and at destination charging locations such as hotels, shopping centres and leisure facilities. Most EV owners rely on home charging for their day to day driving needs and use rapid public charging stations when travelling longer distances. The Skywell BE11 has been designed to make charging straightforward and convenient, supporting AC charging up to 11kW for efficient overnight charging and DC rapid charging up to 80kW for faster top ups when you’re on the move.

Types of EV Chargers Explained

There are several different types of chargers available, each offering different charging speeds depending on where you charge and the power available.

Understanding the difference between charging types helps drivers choose the best charging option for their lifestyle.

Slow Charging

Slow charging usually refers to charging via a standard 3-pin domestic socket.

This method is sometimes called a granny charger and is typically the slowest way to charge an electric car. While it can be useful in emergencies, it is not generally recommended for regular long term use because charging times are much longer.

A full charge using a standard plug socket can take more than 24 hours, depending on battery size.

Fast Charging

Fast charging is the most common solution for home charging.

Most home chargers in the UK operate at around 7kW, although some vehicles and properties support faster 11kW charging.

This type of charger is ideal for overnight charging and daily use. Drivers can simply plug in during the evening and wake up to a fully charged vehicle the next morning.

The Skywell BE11 supports AC charging up to 11kW, helping reduce charging times at home or workplace charging stations.

Rapid Charging

Rapid charging is commonly found at public charging stations and motorway service areas.

A rapid charger uses direct current (DC) power to charge the battery much faster than standard AC charging. This makes rapid charging ideal for longer journeys where drivers may only need a quick top up.

The Skywell BE11 supports DC rapid charging up to 80kW and can charge from 20% to 70% in approximately 36 to 45 minutes, depending on battery specification.

Ultra Rapid Charging

Ultra rapid chargers are the fastest public chargers currently available.

These high powered charging stations can deliver charging speeds of 150kW+ on compatible vehicles and are increasingly appearing across UK charging networks.

Ultra rapid charging is designed to minimise waiting times during long distance travel and improve convenience for EV drivers using motorway charging locations.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?

Charging times vary depending on several factors:

• Battery size
• State of charge
• Type of charger
• Charging speed
• Weather conditions
• Vehicle charging capability

Smaller batteries generally charge faster than larger batteries, while rapid charging can significantly reduce waiting times compared to home charging.

Charger Type	Typical Charging Time
3-pin plug	20 to 40 hours
7kW home charger	6 to 12 hours
11kW charger	4 to 8 hours
50kW rapid charger	45 to 90 minutes
150kW ultra rapid charger	20 to 40 minutes

Charging an Electric Car at Home

Charging an electric car at home is the most convenient and cost effective solution. Installing a dedicated home EV charger allows drivers to charge overnight, take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs, avoid queues at public charging stations and start each day with a fully charged battery. Home charging can also reduce reliance on public charging infrastructure, making everyday EV ownership simpler and more predictable. Many modern home chargers include smart charging features that enable users to schedule charging sessions during cheaper electricity periods, helping to lower running costs further. In many ways, charging an EV at home is similar to charging a mobile phone; simply plug it in overnight and unplug it in the morning.

Public EV Charging Stations

While home charging is ideal for everyday driving, public charging stations play a vital role for longer journeys and for drivers who do not have access to off-street parking. The UK’s EV charging network has become much more reliable in recent years and is now available at motorway service areas, supermarkets, retail parks, hotels, public car parks, leisure destinations, and workplace sites. Most modern charging networks offer convenient access through mobile apps, RFID cards or simple contactless payment systems, making public charging easier and more accessible than ever. Many motorway service stations now feature multiple rapid charging bays specifically designed to support long distance EV travel, helping drivers recharge quickly and get back on the road. As charging infrastructure continues to improve across the UK, range anxiety is becoming far less of a concern for those considering the switch to an electric vehicle.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?

Charging costs depend on where and when you charge. In many cases, the cost of charging at home is significantly lower than the cost of refuelling a comparable petrol or diesel car. Public charging costs can vary depending on the charging provider and the charger’s speed. Standard public charging typically costs around £0.40 to £0.65 per kWh, while rapid charging is often priced between £0.60 to £0.85 per kWh. Rapid charging generally comes at a premium because drivers are paying for the convenience of much faster charging speeds. Even so, many EV owners find that their overall running costs remain lower than those of petrol or diesel vehicles, particularly when most charging is carried out at home.

EV Charging Connectors Explained

Different charging stations use different connector types, although UK charging standards are now far more consistent than they were in the early days of EV adoption.

The most common connector types include:

Type 2 Connector

Type 2 is the standard connector used for AC charging across most modern electric vehicles in the UK and Europe.

Most home chargers and public AC charging points use Type 2 connectors.

CCS Connector

Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors are used for rapid charging and ultra rapid charging.

Most modern EVs, including the Skywell BE11, support CCS rapid charging compatibility. This allows access to the majority of UK rapid charging networks.

Can You Charge an Electric Car in the Rain?

Yes. Electric vehicle charging systems are designed with multiple safety protections and are safe to use in wet weather.

Charging cables, charging ports, and charging stations are all weatherproof and rigorously tested to ensure safe operation in rain and other adverse weather conditions.

You should simply ensure equipment is undamaged and used correctly, just as you would with any other electrical device.

Is It Better to Charge an EV to 80%?

Many manufacturers recommend charging to around 80% for daily use because this can help optimise long term battery health.

This is particularly relevant when rapid charging is used frequently.

However, modern electric vehicles include sophisticated battery management systems that automatically help protect battery longevity.

For long journeys, charging to 100% is often completely appropriate when maximum range is needed.

The Skywell BE11 is backed by an 8-year battery warranty, helping provide reassurance for long term ownership.

Tips for Charging Your EV

If you are new to EV ownership, these simple tips can help improve your charging experience:

• Use a home charger whenever possible
• Take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs
• Plan longer journeys around charging networks
• Keep charging apps installed on your phone
• Avoid letting the battery regularly drop extremely low
• Understand the difference between charging speeds
• Use rapid charging strategically during longer journeys
• Check charger compatibility before travelling

Once you become familiar with EV charging, the process usually feels far simpler than expected.

Charging the Skywell BE11

The Skywell BE11 has been designed to make the transition to electric driving as straightforward and practical as possible. Offering up to 304 miles of WLTP range, the BE11 provides the flexibility needed for both everyday family use and longer journeys. Its charging capabilities support convenient home charging as well as faster public charging, with AC charging up to 11kW and DC rapid charging up to 80kW. Using a compatible rapid charger, the battery can charge from 20% to 70% in approximately 36 to 45 minutes, helping minimise downtime when travelling longer distances. For drivers moving from petrol or diesel vehicles, the BE11 combines impressive range, practical charging performance and premium comfort with the lower running costs associated with electric vehicle ownership. Its spacious SUV design, advanced infotainment system and generous standard specification also make it an excellent choice for drivers looking for a practical, family-friendly and technology focused EV.