Electric car charging guide

You charge on the go by using public charge points at places like service areas, supermarkets, car parks and dedicated charging hubs. Simply park, plug in with the provided cable (or your own, if required), and start the session using contactless payment or an app.
Many sites offer rapid and ultra‑rapid chargers, which can add a useful amount of range in the time it takes to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. Apps and in‑car navigation can help you find compatible chargers, check availability and plan longer journeys around convenient charging stops.

Self‑charging describes how hybrid and plug‑in hybrid cars can top up their batteries while you drive. When you slow down or brake, the electric motor works as a generator, turning kinetic energy into electricity and storing it in the battery (regenerative braking). In some systems, the petrol engine can also act as a generator, using some of its power to recharge the battery on the move.

It depends on the charger and the battery size. At home with a home wallbox, most drivers charge overnight. At public rapid or ultra‑rapid chargers, you can often add a useful amount of range in 20–40 minutes during a short break.

Plug‑in hybrids have smaller batteries, so they charge faster. On a home wallbox, many plug‑in hybrids can recharge from empty to full in around 3–4 hours, making it easy to top up between journeys.

Yes. Electric and plug‑in hybrid cars, charge points, and cables are designed to be safely used in all normal weather conditions, including rain. Just plug in as usual and follow the on‑screen instructions.

A dedicated home wallbox is usually the best option. It’s faster and smarter than a standard three‑pin plug and often lets you schedule charging for cheaper off‑peak electricity, helping to reduce running costs.

Yes, but it’s slower and best kept for occasional use. A three‑pin plug is useful in an emergency or when no other option is available.

Slow and fast chargers (like most home and workplace units) are ideal for regular, overnight or long‑stay charging. Rapid and ultra‑rapid chargers at service areas and hubs are designed to add range quickly when you’re on longer journeys.

Many public chargers now accept contactless payment, just like a card machine. Others may use an app. Simply plug in, follow the instructions on the screen or app, and confirm payment.

Most modern electric and plug‑in hybrid cars use widely adopted connector types. Many public chargers have built‑in cables for rapid charging, while others require you to use your own cable. Always check compatibility in your Owner’s Brochure.

Regenerative braking is a technology that helps recharge the battery while you drive. When you slow down, the system captures some of the energy that would normally be lost as heat and converts it back into electricity, which is then used to top up the battery and improve efficiency.

The cost of charging at home depends on your electricity tariff and how much energy your car needs. Many drivers pay less per mile than they would for petrol or diesel, especially if they use off‑peak or EV‑specific tariffs. Using a home wallbox to charge overnight can help keep running costs down.

At home, the cost is simply added to your normal electricity bill. For public charging, many chargers now offer contactless payment, just like a card machine. Others use apps. You simply plug in, follow the instructions on the charger or app, and confirm payment before you start your session.