Charging

As electric vehicles become increasingly common across the UK, the question of how we keep them charged has moved to the forefront of public discussion. Charging infrastructure is no longer just a technical concern—it’s central to the widespread adoption of electric mobility. Whether you drive a production EV, a converted classic, or a home-built project, understanding the charging landscape is vital.

This Charging Infrastructure page offers an accessible overview of how EV charging works in the UK, what’s changing, and what BVS members need to know—from plugging in at home to navigating the public network.

Types of EV Charging

EV charging generally falls into three categories, defined by speed and power output:

1. Slow Charging (Up to 3kW)

Often using a standard three-pin plug, slow charging is ideal for overnight use. Most commonly seen in domestic settings, it suits vehicles with smaller batteries or those not used daily.

  • Typical time to full charge: 8–12 hours

  • Ideal for: Classic conversions, city cars, bikes, and mopeds

  • Caveats: Should always be used with caution—regular sockets must be in good condition and properly rated.

2. Fast Charging (7kW–22kW)

The most common form of home and workplace charging, fast chargers typically use a dedicated wallbox and a Type 2 socket.

  • Typical time to full charge: 3–6 hours (depending on battery size)

  • Suitable for most production EVs and converted vehicles with compatible onboard chargers

  • Can be installed at home, subject to permissions and appropriate wiring

3. Rapid and Ultra-Rapid Charging (50kW–350kW)

Found primarily on motorways and key routes, rapid chargers can add 100+ miles of range in as little as 30 minutes.

  • Use DC power with CHAdeMO, CCS or Tesla Supercharger connectors

  • Ideal for long-distance journeys and commercial vehicles

  • Not all vehicles—especially DIY builds—can accept DC rapid charging without specialist hardware

Charging at Home

For many EV users, charging at home remains the most convenient and cost-effective method. Most modern households can support a 7kW wallbox, which can fully charge a car overnight.

Things to consider:

  • Grants: The UK’s EV chargepoint grant can help with the cost of home charger installation (for renters and flat-dwellers).

  • Load balancing: Smart chargers can adjust output based on household electricity use to avoid overloading circuits.

  • Off-peak tariffs: Many electricity suppliers offer reduced rates for charging at night.

BVS Tip: Some members with solar panels use solar diverters or time-shifted charging to maximise use of renewable energy at home—an excellent option for the environmentally conscious.

Public Charging in the UK

The UK’s public charging network has grown dramatically over the past decade. As of 2025, there are over 60,000 public charge points across the country, with numbers rising monthly.

The network includes:

  • Destination chargers: Found at supermarkets, car parks, hotels, etc. Often free or subsidised.

  • Rapid chargers: Available at motorway service stations, petrol stations, and fleet hubs.

  • Community chargers: Hosted by individuals or organisations for local users.

Popular charging networks include Pod Point, bp pulse, Instavolt, Gridserve, Tesla, and ChargePlace Scotland. Most now offer contactless payment, apps, or RFID cards.

BVS Note: Many converted and DIY EVs may not be compatible with rapid DC chargers unless fitted with appropriate onboard charging equipment. Always check compatibility before relying on public infrastructure.

Charging for Converted and Custom EVs

Charging custom EVs requires a few additional considerations:

  • Charger compatibility: Ensure your vehicle’s onboard charger supports the voltage and current levels you plan to use.

  • Connector standards: Type 1 and Type 2 are most common for AC charging. Type 2 is the UK and EU standard.

  • Charge safety systems: Most modern charge points require communication (e.g., pilot signal) to enable charging—older DIY systems may need to be upgraded.

The BVS provides resources and technical guidance for setting up safe, reliable charging on custom builds, including:

  • Wiring schematics

  • Charge controller recommendations

  • DIY charge cable construction tips

  • Advice on integrating onboard chargers and BMS systems

Charging Challenges and Advocacy

The rapid growth of EVs has not been without its frustrations. The BVS actively advocates for:

  • Better access to on-street charging for renters and those without driveways

  • Simplified payment systems—ideally, universal contactless access

  • Improved charger reliability and maintenance

  • Rural charging investment to ensure equity across the UK

  • Open standards that allow custom and converted EVs to access the same infrastructure

We also campaign for fair treatment of low-volume builders and converted EVs in charge point policy—ensuring hobbyists are not locked out by manufacturer-only compatibility systems.

The Future of Charging

Charging is evolving quickly, and exciting developments are on the horizon:

  • Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems that allow your car to power your home or support the grid

  • Wireless charging pads for taxis, buses, and eventually private vehicles

  • Battery swapping for certain vehicle types (particularly in Asia, with growing interest in Europe)

  • Smart charging that adjusts rates based on demand, pricing, and renewables

BVS members are already experimenting with many of these technologies at home, often years before they hit the mainstream.

Charging Resources for BVS Members

We offer practical support for all charging needs:

  • Member-led installation guides and tutorials

  • Recommended chargers, cables and adapters for different vehicle types

  • A forum section dedicated to charging issues and upgrades

  • Talks and webinars from experts in charge point technology, electrical safety, and regulations

Charging infrastructure is more than just cables and plugs—it’s the backbone of electric mobility. With the right tools, knowledge, and support, every EV user can stay charged, wherever the road takes them.

Let’s build the future of charging together.

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