Understanding EV Charging: A Beginner’s Guide for New Electric Car Owners

Making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) is exciting — quieter drives, zero emissions, and lower running costs. But for many new owners, charging can seem confusing at first. What’s the difference between AC and DC charging? Which EV charging cable do you need? And how can you charge your car efficiently at home?

This guide breaks down the essentials of EV charging in simple terms — helping you charge smarter, save money, and get the most from your electric car.

Find the right EV charging cable for your car with our vehicle reg tool.

How EV Charging Works

Charging an electric vehicle is a bit like charging your smartphone, just on a larger scale. Electricity flows into your car’s battery, either from a home charger or a public charging station.

There are two main types of charging:

AC (Alternating Current) – the type of power that comes from your home or most public chargers. Your car converts it into DC power to store in the battery.
DC (Direct Current) – used by rapid chargers at service stations. The conversion happens inside the charger, so power goes directly into your battery, much faster.

Use AC charging at home overnight for cost-effective energy use, and save DC fast charging for road trips or quick top-ups.

Find out more about AC and DC charging in our blog: AC vs DC EV Charging: Everything You Need to Know .

Choosing the Right EV Charging Cable

Most electric cars in the UK use a Type 2 charging connector, the European standard for home and public charging. You’ll need a Type 2 to Type 2 cable to plug into untethered (non-fixed) chargers.

Key factors to consider:

Amperage:

16A cables charge up to 3.6 kW or 11 kW (depending on supply).
32A cables charge up to 7.4 kW or 22 kW — ideal for faster charging.

Length:

5m cables are perfect for garages and short driveways.
7m cables offer extra flexibility and are the most popular choice.
10m and 15m cables are great for public or on-street parking, where extra reach is needed.

Phases:

Single-phase (7.4 kW) for home use.
Three-phase (22 kW) for workplace or public charging.

Home Charging vs Public Charging

Charging your EV at home is usually the cheapest and most convenient option. By installing a wall-mounted home charger, you can:

Fully charge your vehicle overnight.
Use off-peak electricity tariffs to reduce costs.
Avoid queues at public stations.

Public chargers are ideal when travelling — especially rapid and ultra-rapid DC chargers, which can boost your battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

Always carry your own charging cable. Many public chargers (particularly AC ones) require drivers to bring their own Type 2 cable.

Understanding EV Charging Speeds

Charging speed depends on three key factors:

Charger power output (kW).
Your vehicle’s onboard charger capacity.
The type of charging cable used.

EV charging speeds vary depending on the type of charger and your vehicle’s capabilities. For instance a 3.6kW slow charger, such as a standard 13A household plug, might typically take around 12 to 15 hours for a full charge — best suited for occasional or overnight use.

Most EV drivers prefer a 7.4kW fast home wall box, which reduces charging time to around 6 to 8 hours, ideal for daily home charging. At workplaces, 11kW chargers can complete a full charge in less than 6 hours, while 22kW public AC chargers offer faster top-ups in roughly 3 to 4 hours, depending on the car’s onboard charger.

For drivers on the go, rapid DC chargers rated at 50kW or higher are the quickest option, capable of charging most EVs from 10% to 80% in just 20 to 60 minutes — perfect for long-distance motorway journeys.

Find out more about EV charging speeds in our blog: Understanding EV Charging Speeds: Should You Choose a Single Phase or Three Phase Cable?

EV Charging Etiquette

Public charging is shared — and good etiquette keeps it running smoothly:

Unplug when finished so others can use the charger.
Avoid parking in EV bays if you’re not charging.
Keep cables tidy to prevent tripping hazards.
Check app updates like Zap-Map or PlugShare for real-time charger availability.

How to Maintain Your EV Charging Cable

A quality cable can last years if properly cared for.

Keep it dry and the connectors free from dirt or dust.
Avoid tight coils that may damage internal wiring.
Use protective end caps to keep connectors clean.
Store it in a case — EVwired cables include a free carry bag for this reason.

Regular care not only protects your investment but ensures safe, efficient charging every time.

Find out more in our blog: Spring Clean Your Charging Setup: EV Cable Care and Maintenance Tips.

Why Choose EVwired for Your Charging Cable

EVwired cables are built to last — combining premium construction, safety certification, and everyday convenience.

Free fast-tracked UK delivery.
5-year warranty for peace of mind.
IP55 weather-resistant design.
Free carry case and protective end caps included.
UK-based customer support.

Order a Type 2 EV charging cable today.

Each cable is tested for performance, durability, and compatibility with all Type 2 equipped EVs — including Tesla, BMW, Polestar, Volkswagen, and Kia.

Learning how EV charging works is one of the first steps toward confident, cost-efficient electric driving. Once you understand the basics — AC vs DC charging, charging speeds, and cable types — charging your car becomes as simple as plugging in your phone.

Louise O'Connell