Charging an electric vehicle isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you live in a city flat or a countryside home, the best charging setup depends on your routine, mileage and lifestyle. Here’s how to pick the right fit — from overnight trickle to ultra-rapid top-ups.
Home Charging: Convenience on Your Driveway
For most drivers, home charging is the gold standard. It’s simple, cheap, and always available. With a smart charger connected to your home Wi-Fi, you can schedule overnight charging when electricity prices are lowest and start each morning with a full battery.
- Ideal for: Homeowners with private driveways or garages.
- Speed: 7 kW home chargers add roughly 30 miles of range per hour.
- Cost: Around 10–15p per kWh on off-peak tariffs.
In Ireland, the SEAI Home Charger Grant offers up to €600 toward installation, while UK drivers can find comparable support under workplace or lease schemes.
Public Fast Charging: Flexibility When You’re Out
For commuters, city drivers and apartment residents, public fast charging fills the home-charging gap. Most public chargers in the UK deliver 22–50 kW — enough for a 20–80% charge in roughly 60 minutes.
- Ideal for: Apartment dwellers and urban drivers without off-street parking.
- Speed: 20–80% in 45–60 minutes.
- Cost: Between 55p–75p per kWh depending on network.
Apps like ONEEV combine multiple networks into one payment system, showing real-time status and cost before you plug in — ending the “charger roulette” experience many drivers still face.
Ultra-Rapid Charging: The Long-Distance Game Changer
Ultra-rapid chargers (100–350 kW) are built for time-sensitive journeys — ideal for motorway stops or drivers covering long weekly miles. They’re increasingly found on service areas and retail parks across the UK and Ireland.
- Ideal for: Long-distance commuters, company car drivers, and family trips.
- Speed: 10–80% in 20–25 minutes on a compatible EV.
- Cost: Typically 75p–95p per kWh; some networks offer subscription discounts.
Networks such as IONITY and Gridserve are leading the rollout, with government regulations encouraging broader roaming access via the Public Charge Point Regulations.
Workplace and Destination Charging
Many employers and retail sites now offer free or discounted charging while you park. It’s slower (7–22 kW) but ideal for topping up during the workday or shopping trips. Some businesses even integrate charging rewards into staff benefits.
- Ideal for: Commuters and visitors to shopping or leisure locations.
- Speed: 25–40 miles of range per hour.
Drivers can use ONEEV Insights to plan destinations with accessible charging options and avoid range stress during busy hours.
Choosing the Setup That Fits Your Life
There’s no universal “best” way to charge. The key is combining options that match your routine:
- Use home charging for overnight convenience.
- Rely on public fast chargers during busy weeks or if you lack a driveway.
- Turn to ultra-rapid hubs for long trips and motorway breaks.
Using an integrated app like ONEEV ensures all these methods work seamlessly with transparent pricing and one secure payment system.
FAQs
How long does a home EV charge take?
With a 7 kW charger, most cars reach full charge overnight — typically 6–8 hours depending on battery size.
Can I use public chargers if I already have home charging?
Absolutely. Many drivers use rapid or ultra-rapid chargers during trips or emergencies to save time.
What’s the cheapest charging option overall?
Home charging on an off-peak tariff is usually the most cost-effective, followed by workplace chargers and loyalty-discounted public networks.
