Mastering EV Charge Points: The Ultimate 2024 Guide for a Sustainable Future

They’re one of the most fundamental sustainable energy shifts we need to protect the environment. But among the biggest consumer objections to buying an EV is having to learn about EV charge points and find them whenever your car needs recharging. That is why we put together this comprehensive guide to EV charge points in 2024. In this guide, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about charge points (also known as charging points and charging stations). This includes the different types, technical specifications, installation and maintenance, government policies and incentives, and more. Here at Soly, we’re experts on solar-power and today, we’re about to shine some much needed light on EV charge point experts.

• A charge point (also known as a charging point or charging station) is essential if you have an electric vehicle (EV). They’re what you use to recharge your vehicle. 
• You should understand that there are different types of charge points and they’re classified by their power output and where they should be used. If you have an EV, you need to know which equipment is appropriate for your vehicle.
• The UK needs more charge points every year, this makes it easier for you to have an EV and cut down on fossil fuel vehicle use. This is a key part of a strategy for less air pollution and a much cleaner environment. 
• You use a connector to connect the charge point to your EV. You’ll need to be sure to use the right one. 
• Site preparation and getting planning permission are necessary to install a charge point on your property. 
• You need to properly maintain your charge point, keeping it clean. 
• There are apps you can use to quickly and easily find public charge points near you. 
• The UK government and local authorities are taking action to make it easier and more affordable for you to install a charge point. 
• Charge point technology is still evolving, with new innovations, such as smart charging, on the rise.
• Powering your charge point with solar power is the most sustainable approach. That way, you don’t have to use the grid. It’s also much more affordable over the long run. After all, sunlight is free! You just need the right solar panels. At Soly, we offer residential packages and top-notch customer service.

Without accessible charge points, you’re not going to want to buy an EV. After all, you need them to recharge your vehicle, and that’s what makes them so important to promoting the adoption of this eco-friendly technology. You don’t want to risk being on a road trip without having a way to refuel! Even town driving can end up with a call to a tow truck company if you can’t find a charging point. Here we’ll explore the fundamentals of charge points, including the different types and why they’re essential. 

Definition and Importance 

So, let’s start with the basics. Specifically, what are charge points? A charge point is the device or equipment you use to recharge your EV batteries. If you have a traditional fossil-fuel vehicle, you stop at the petrol  station when you need to refuel. If you have an EV, you go to a charge point. In February of this year, it was reported that fully electric vehicles accounted for less than 17% of the new car market in the UK in 2023. 

In the UK, we need to add more charge points to make it possible for more people to buy and drive EVs. Building more charge points is essential for the UK to walk away from fossil-fuel to renewable energy. As everyone knows today, this is key to cutting down on carbon emissions and making sure we have clean, fresh air to breathe. 

Types of Charge Points 

There isn’t just one type of charging station. There are four, and they vary by their power output. The power is measured in kilowatts (kW). This tells you how fast your EV will charge using the charge point. Each type of charge point also tends to be used in specific locations. You need to understand the different types of charge points so that you can figure out which one you need. 

Power Output Categories

Here are the categories we use to organise charge point types by power output.  

• Slow-Charging Devices: Residential owners needing overnight charging should choose slow-charging devices. They’re usually on the lower end of a 3kW to 6kW rating range, meaning they charge your EV slowly but steadily.  
• Fast-Charging Devices: The charge points you find at your workplace or other public places are generally fast-charging devices. These devices have a rating starting at 7kW and sometimes going all the way up to 22kW. As you can guess from their name, they charge your EV much faster than the slow-charging device you’d have at home. 
• Rapid Charging Devices: Service station charge points usually have rapid charging devices, so their customers can charge their EVs much more quickly than they would in a workplace parking lot. If you’re going on a road trip in your EV, you’ll certainly depend on this kind of charge point. Rapid charging devices start at 25kW and go up to 100kw.
• Ultra-Rapid Charging Devices: These are charging devices with the fastest charging times. They always have a rating of 100kW or more. If you need your EV charged at the fastest possible speed, an ultra-rapid charging device is the best option.

Location-Based Categories

Now let’s take a look at the location-based categories for charge points. 

• On-street Charge Points: On-street charge points are installed especially for local people who have EVs but don’t have their own parking space to have a private charge point (for example, in a driveway). 
• En-route Charge Points: As you can guess from their name, en-route charge points are found in places where you’d stay by to charge your vehicle while en-route to somewhere else. For example, motorway and other service stations have en-route charge points.
• Destination Charge Points: When places such as office buildings and shopping centres have charge points, these are destination charge points. These places are considered destinations in themselves, where you spend a significant amount of time and may want to charge your EV while you’re there. 
• Other Charge Points: There are other charge points that don’t fall into any of these location-based categories, and we call these other charge points. In many cases, these charge points have certain restrictions for access. For example, they could be in a workplace car park. 

Role in EV Adoption 

As we touched on earlier, the provision of enough charge points necessary for EV drivers to drive conveniently and without worry is essential for widespread EV adoption. You’re not likely to drive an EV if there’s a danger of ending up stranded somewhere or late for an important meeting because you couldn’t find a charge point in a timely manner. An ample number of charge points that can match the ubiquity of petrol stations is essential for EV charging infrastructure. 

The UK government reports that “As of 1 January 2024, there were 53,677 public electric vehicle charging devices installed in the UK.” The most sustainable option for EV charging points is to integrate solar panels. That way, the power comes from the sun. Soly provides the solar panels needed to power charge points for your EV.

If you’re thinking about getting an EV or you already have one, you should learn about the technology of car charging points. Their specific technical points help you understand which kind of charge point is appropriate for your purposes. We’re going to talk about EV power ratings and connector types, as well as compatibility considerations. 

Power Ratings 

A charge point’s power rating helps you figure out how fast it will recharge your EV battery. If you need the fastest charging, you should find access to the charge point with the highest power rating you can find. You’ll remember we talked about all of that in the Types of Charge Ports section. 

Connector Types 

It’s just as important to understand the types of connectors as the charge points themselves. The connector is what connects the charge point with your EV. You need to use a specific connector type compatible with the technical specifications needed for your vehicle and the charge point.

Common Connector Types 

Type 1: Type 1 connectors are common in Japan. In the United States, they’re the standard variety. Type 1 connectors have a single-phase design. 

Type 2: Type 2 connectors have a three-phase design. This means it has three currents. This kind of connector is the universal option in the UK and Europe. 

CHAdeMO: CHAdeMO connectors are often used in Japan. The word CHAdeMO is also the name of the company that created the connector’s technology. 

CCS (Combined Charging System): CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors have a design that facilitates AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) charging, alternating these two current types. 

Compatibility Considerations 

You need to make sure that the charge point you use is compatible with your EV. For example, you have to check your EV’s charging standard and charging port, and what kind of connector type the charge point uses. It’s important to know what charging points are compatible with your EV, as if you use an incompatible one, your vehicle won’t charge properly and you could damage the battery. Fortunately, many charge point companies in the UK seek to make it easy for EV drivers to easily find a charging station their EV can use.

It’s crucial for charge points to be correctly installed and maintained. Let’s discuss how to install charge points and how to maintain them. 

Installation Process

You have to follow several steps to install a charge point. As we’ll discuss below, this includes site assessment, equipment selection, and seeing to compliance and permits. Let’s take a look at each of these in more detail below. 

Site Assessment

Before you make a final decision on the location where you install the charge point, you need to assess the potential site. This means that you make sure that the site is safe, has the right power supply, and is accessible. Soly is an expert at solar panel installation  that’s ideal for your charge point. If possible, it’s best to get your private charge point installed before you buy your EV. 

Equipment Selection 

The only way a charge point is going to work effectively  is by ensuring you have the right equipment. You need all the technical specifications, including your EV’s power requirements and compatibility specs. Find out everything you can about your EV and what the manufacturer says about how it should be charged. In most cases, your vehicle will do well with a 32-amp charging station. 

For those who choose the most sustainable options with solar panels as part of your setup, Soly can give you all the information you need on solar battery installation. 

The UK government provides information on the minimum technical specifications for residential charging stations. They tell us which outlet configurations are permitted for use as charging outlets. We’ll outline these government rules below. 

For Standard AC (3.5kW to 7kW), the “charging equipment outlet must be rated 230Vac ± 10% single-phase.” The “charging equipment output must be greater than 3.5 kW and not greater than 7kW.”

For Fast AC (7kW to 23kW), the “charging equipment outlet must be rated 230Vac ± 10% single-phase or 400Vac ± 10% three-phase.” The “charging equipment output must be greater than 7kW and not greater than 23kW.” 

For Fast DC (3.5kW to 22kW), the “charging equipment outlet must be greater than 3.5kW and not greater than 22 kW.”

Please be aware that there are certain outlet configurations that aren’t permitted in the UK, so you must avoid these. They include slow AC (less than 3.5kW); semi-rapid AC (23kW to 43kW), rapid AC (43kW to 44kW); semi-rapid DC (22kW to 50kW); rapid DC (50kW to 62.5kW); and ultra-rapid DC (62.5kW to 400kW).  

Compliance and Permits

Before you set up your charging station, make sure you know all the local rules and regulations on compliance and permits. These will vary by location, so don’t assume that what a friend in another location told you will be the same for you. Learn about how to apply for the necessary permits. If you don’t follow all the required steps, your charge point may not be legal or safe. If you’re setting up an EV charging station on your private property, it’s your responsibility to get all the proper permissions before you start installation. Be aware that if you don’t get the right permissions, you may be fined and have to deal with other consequences. 

An important part of getting planning permission is to reduce how much the installation will affect the appearance of your community. In other words, try to make it as “discreet and unobtrusive” as possible. For example, you could put it “around the side of your house” or somewhere where “bushes and plants” might hide it. 

Driving an EV vehicle instead of a fossil-fuel one benefits the environment, this may be considered a “material consideration” that benefits you in your application. In other words, the local authorities will be more likely to want to approve your application. 

Maintenance Requirements

Once you have your EV charging point installed, you have to properly maintain it to keep it working safely. Let’s discuss doing routine checks and how to troubleshoot common problems. 

Routine Checks

Routine checks of your charge point should include inspection and cleaning, as well as electrical safety checks. Inspect your EV charger on a regular basis. Whenever you plug in your EV, take a look at your charger. Check if there is anything that isn’t as it should be. You should look out for problems such as a broken socket cap, loose connections, or a damaged casing. 

Also, you should clean your charge point. This makes sure that dirt and debris doesn’t end up inside the equipment, potentially affecting the electronics. Frequently remove all dirt and debris from the shell and casing. Use Q-tips to clean the charging contacts area. Don’t use cleaning chemicals. If you do, you could end up with a damaged charger. 

Also, make sure you take good care of your charging cables. Clean them after every use, and don’t let them get tangled. Take a close look at them to make sure there isn’t any damage.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting is what you do when your EV charge point is having problems but you don’t know the cause. For example, a power supply interruption might be the cause of the issues. Or perhaps malfunctioning connectors or software errors are the root of the problem. If you’re trying to charge your EV but it’s not working, there are certain troubleshooting steps you can try. 

Check your EV charging connectors. It’s possible that they’re incompatible with your EV. You should also check your EV’s automatic charging settings. Some smartphone apps allow you to set up an automatic timer for when your car charges, and if you’ve set this for another time, that might be the reason your car won’t charge. You should also check for faulty charging points. If you’re sure that your cord is compatible, the port might be the problem.

If you’re new to EV charge points, perhaps you feel a bit overwhelmed. It’s always a bit intimidating getting used to new equipment and experiences. In this section, we’re going to focus on the charge point user experience. We’ll talk about how to use a charge point and how apps come into the experience. 

Using a Charge Point 

Let’s talk about how to use a charge point. Before you get started, download the relevant app to your phone. Create an account on the app. You can use your RFID card to initiate charging, or if you have an app that includes it, you can use the charge point app interface. To use a charge point, follow the steps below:

1. Using your phone and with the app open, tap your phone over the station’s RFID card reader. 
2. You should hear a beep and then a click. This means the connector is unlocked. 
3. Take the connector out of the station. 
4. Open the charging port door of your EV and plug in the connector.
5. Check the indicator lights on your dashboard to make sure your car is charging. 
6. When your battery has fully charged or you’ve charged as much as you want to, tap your phone again over the station’s RFID reader. A beep sound means the charging has stopped. 
7. Take the connector out of your car’s port. 

As we can see here, it’s simple and easy to use a charge point. You just have to know how, and now you do. 

Locating Charge Points 

You can use EV charge point maps and apps to find the nearest EV charging stations. There are several EV charge point location apps available in the UK, such as Octopus Electroverse, Bonnet, Chargepoint, Zap Pay, and Plugsurfing. Check each app and decide which one best fits your needs and preferences. 

Are you going to have a charge point at home? Powering them with solar panels and batteries is the greenest option. If you have solar panels to power your charging station, most of the time you have to remember to keep them clean for the best performance. This is why at Soly, our customers have asked us, do solar panels need cleaning? Unlike other solar panels, Soly’s Solar panels don’t need cleaning. 

Soly solar panels mean that you source your energy independently. No need to pay a traditional grid power company to power your charge point. When you have Soly solar panels and solar batteries to power, the Enphase app allows  you to see the exact amount of energy your solar panels are generating. Plus, it lets you see when your batteries are fully charged. Remember, solar energy is the most sustainable way to generate power.

The UK government is taking action to encourage people to buy and drive EVs. It’s creating incentives to encourage the creation of more charge points. In this section, we’ll talk about UK policies, grants, and general incentives to promote a better and more convenient charge point infrastructure.  

UK Government Policies

The more people who drive electric vehicles instead of fossil-fueled ones, the cleaner the air. But as we talked about earlier, the lack of EV charging infrastructure is a major obstacle for most people. That is why the UK government has created policies to encourage better EV charging infrastructure and better EV sales. 

Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV)

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) is a team set up by the UK government specifically to support the movement to ZEVs (zero emission vehicles). It is offering the crucial help needed for the country to achieve better uptake of electric vehicles, including building a better EV charging infrastructure. The goal is to significantly reduce the air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions created by fossil fuel vehicles. 

Local Authority Funding 

Local authorities aren’t on their own when it comes to funding the installation of public charge points. In fact, they can apply to get government funding, especially for areas where it’s most needed. 

There is a plan called the on-street residential chargepoint scheme (ORCS). It gives grants to local authorities for installing on-street residential charging stations. These are essential for people who want to own electric vehicles but don’t have the private parking space or driveway to install a private charge point. 

The government and local authority action to promote EV infrastructure is proving successful. There have been significant gains in charge point numbers. In July 2024, Zapmap revealed its statistics on public charge point installations. They reported that there were “more than 64,000 public charging devices available to EV drivers.” This is “a net increase of 11,195 chargers over the last six months and represents overall year-on-year growth of 46 per cent.” 

Incentives for Businesses

Businesses in the UK can take advantage of grants and tax breaks that make it easier and more affordable to install charge points on their properties. One of the best is the Workplace Charging Scheme. 

Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) 

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) offers organisations the chance to get funding helping to install as many as 40 EV charge points.

 It covers “up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints (including VAT).” There is a cap, however. It’s £350 per socket. 

As well as businesses, charities, public sector organisations, and small accommodation businesses can access this grant. An OZEV authorised installer must install the charge points in order for the organisation to be eligible. 

Enhanced Capital Allowances

Businesses can “claim ‘enhanced capital allowances’ (a type of 100% first year allowance)” for specific kinds of equipment, “which must be new and unused.” Some of the equipment this covers are “electric cars and cars with zero CO2 emissions.” 

Incentives for Individuals 

There are also government incentives and grants for individuals who want to install charge points on their properties. One of these is the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS).  

Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS)

You’ll sometimes hear people call the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) the EV Chargepoint Grant. When you get this grant, it pays you for “75% of the cost of buying and installing a home recharging station, up to £350 (including VAT).” 

If you want to get this grant, make sure that your EV is on the scheme’s eligible vehicles list. You also need to have “dedicated off-street parking at your property.”

The EV charging industry continues to evolve. New technologies are constantly being developed. In this section, we’ll talk about two of those innovations: smart charging, wireless charging, and ultra-fast charging. 

Smart Charging

Smart charging is a technology that promotes charging your EV during times of low electricity demand. This is often at night, when there is more renewable energy available on the grid. 

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology means that your EV’s battery contributes “back to the power grid.” That helps take strain off the grid and makes it more efficient overall.  

Dynamic Load Management

Dynamic Load Management (DLM) is a technology that “ensures that power is distributed fairly among all electric vehicles (EVs) charging at the same time.” Also, this system “helps to make the most of charging capacity when there’s enough power available.” 

Wireless Charging 

Wireless charging is most attractive because of its convenience. You don’t need physical connectors with this charging technology. Two types of wireless charging being developed are charging pads and dynamic wireless charging systems. 

Inductive Charging Pads 

Inductive charging will involve parking your EV on a charging pad. This technology usually involves a magnetic field allowing the energy to move from the pad to your EV. 

Although it will be a while before wireless charging is mainstream, the UK is making great strides to creating more conventional charge points in car parks. Part of this incentive is being assisted by CTEK, a charging specialist based in Sweden. In April 2024, it was announced that CTEK “will install electric vehicle charging points in car parks managed by APCOA, which is active in the areas of parking, charging, technologies and urban solutions in 13 European countries.” 

Dynamic Wireless Charging 

Dynamic wireless charging is perhaps one of the most innovative new trends. This technology is being developed to charge your EV while you’re driving it, meaning  you won’t have to park to recharge your car. 

Ultra-Fast Charging

When ultra-fast EV charging points are available, they’ll mean that you can charge your car much faster than you would otherwise. It’ll make long-distance travel much easier and more convenient. The fundamental technologies involved in ultra-fast charge points are High-Power Charging (HPC) and Advanced Cooling Systems. 

High-Power Charging (HPC)

With an HPC (High-Power Charging Station), you can fully charge your EV in just minutes. This type of charge point offers at least 350kW of power. This is an emerging technology, but there are some examples of HPC stations in use. An example is from SCU Power. It has “modular structure design” and “consists of one power unit and 2 charge posts.” This charger “can charge any CCS Compatible eBus or eVehicles with 350kW, 500A max.” 

Advanced Cooling Systems

HPC chargers generate such extreme heat that they need Advanced Cooling Systems. It’s essential to avoid this type of charger, due to it becoming so hot that it no longer charges as it should or even becomes dangerous. With the necessary Advanced Cooling System, an HPC is able to maintain the appropriate operating temperature. 

Here’s the recap of the key learnings from this ultimate guide to EV charging stations. Make sure you understand all these concepts when you’re thinking about using or installing EV charge points. 

• If you have an EV, you need a charge point. There are several kinds of charge points out there.
• Charge points vary by factors such as power output and where they’re located. 
• You need to know the power rating and connector type of the charge point you use. Make sure they’re compatible with your EV. 
• Charge points must be installed and maintained correctly in order for them to work as they should and stay in optimal repair.
• Technological innovations continue to be made in the EV charging industry. These include smart charging, ultra-fast charging, and even wireless charging. 
• In the UK, the government has created helpful initiatives and policies to encourage better EV charging station infrastructure. Local authorities, businesses, and individuals have access to grants and assistance. 
• The most sustainable way to power your charge point is with solar energy. 
• Soly offers the solar panels and batteries you need to power your charge point economically and sustainably.

EV charge points are an essential part of a better future with less pollution and much cleaner air. That is exactly why we put together this essential guide to EV charging stations in the UK. Are you thinking about installing a charge point on your property? Save money by powering it with solar energy. Soly will work with you and our certified installers to get your solar panels and batteries in place, so you don’t have to use the grid. Before you go, be sure to check out our guide to solar batteries in 2024, and our guide to how we install solar panels. It’s time to get started on your journey to sustainable solar energy for powering your charge point. Calculate your potential savings and schedule a no-obligation consultation today.