EV Summer Trips – A Beginner’s Guide to Public Charging

Thinking about going electric? Renting an EV for a summer trip could be a great way to test the waters and see if it’s right for you. You get all the perks – quiet drives, no tailpipe emissions, and often lower running costs – without having to commit to buying one just yet.

And here’s the great news: modern EVs often go further on a single charge than headlines would suggest. For most trips, you might not even need to charge en route. And if you do, charging an EV is a simple process, even if it can feel a little daunting at first.

To make things even simpler, we’ve broken down the process to get you charging like a pro:

First, what are the different types of public chargers:

Public chargers come in 3 flavours:

• Slow (up to 7kW) – ideal for overnight stays.
• Fast (7–22kW) – perfect for topping up while shopping or dining, but not so much for quick charges
• Rapid (50-149kW) and ultra-rapid (150kW+) – designed for speed and efficiency, they’re perfect for quick pit stops on longer journeys.

Most modern EVs can gain up to 80% charge, equating to around 200 miles in some cases, in 20–30 minutes at ultra-rapid stations. But your car’s max charging speed depends on its onboard charging capacity, so make sure to check your handbook or in-car display to see what’s supported.

⚡ Bonus tip: Plan your coffee stops around rapid chargers. You and your car can recharge together. Win-win.

What about connectors?

Charging cables have a connector at both ends: one plugs into the car, the other into the charger. Which connector you use depends on your EV and the type of charger you use.

Most British EVs use:

Rapid chargers come with a CCS cable attached, so no need to BYO. But for Type 2, you’ll usually need to provide your own (so if you’re renting your EV, make sure to check it’s in the boot before you set off).

Want to know more? Check our website for more on chargepoints and connectors

Where can you find public chargers?

Unlike petrol stations, chargers can pop up just about anywhere: Motorway services, supermarkets, car parks, hotels, gyms, even in lamp posts! With over 80,000 public chargers in the UK, there’s always one nearby

Here’s how to find then:

• Roaming apps like Zapmap and Electroverse let you find chargers, see their charging speed and prices, and even let you pay directly across multiple networks.
• Google Maps, which now shows many chargers with user ratings.
• Your EV’s built-in navigation app will also show charging stops along your route.

⚡ Bonus tip: EVA England members get 90 days of Zapmap Premium. You’ll unlock handy features like route planning with charger stops, live availability, and even save 5% when you pay for charging through the Zapmap app. Perfect for a stress-free road trip!

How much does it cost?

Charging costs vary by network and charger type. Generally, the faster the charger, the higher the price:

There are a few ways to pay, including:

• Tap your debit/credit card (a £25-40 may be held, which is then refunded or increased, so that you are charged the actual amount)
• Use a network RFID card – some charging providers offer these cards that you can tap at their chargers and get billed monthly.
• Pay via the network or a roaming app – with the added benefit that you can manage the charge from your phone

⚡ Bonus tip: Roaming apps will not only let you pay across many networks (which means fewer apps on your phone), they often offer discounts on your charging (see previous tip).

It’s worth downloading and setting up the ones you’re likely to use before you drive off, so you don’t have to worry about patchy internet coverage.

When and how should I charge?

Aim to keep your battery between 20–80% for optimum charging speed and battery health.

Charging your car can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 8 hours, depending on the type of charger and your car’s battery level.

• Slow chargers: 6–12 hours
• Fast chargers: 1–4 hours
• Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers: Around 30 mins for 80%

Plus, charging slows down as you approach 100%, so it’s often quicker to unplug at 80% and get back on the road.

Once you’re at the charger:

• For CCS, plug the cable straight into your car.
• For Type 2, connect the larger end of your cable (if there isn’t one attached to the charger already) and the smaller end in the socket in the chargepoint

Then follow the instructions on-screen or in the app.

To stop charging, simply follow the prompts on the charger’s screen or in the app. In case of emergencies, all chargers have an emergency stop button.

What if the charge point isn’t working?

It happens sadly. So if you’ve plugged it in, followed all the instructions, and nothing’s happening, it’s time to contact the number on the charge point. They’ll often fix it remotely, talk you through getting it fixed, or help you find another charger close by if the issue can’t be resolved.

⚡ Bonus tip: Have a backup charger planned for longer trips, just in case your first choice is busy or out of service.

---

Charging on the go doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little prep and the right apps, you’ll be cruising to your holiday destination with confidence, and maybe even enjoying a coffee or an ice cream while your car powers up.

Want more tips? EVA England members get access to exclusive guides and resources to make every journey smoother. Find out more about becoming a member!

Happy charging!