A variety of charging point equipment is available today that caters for Electric Vehicle charging needs on-street, at home or at work. This ranges from fast single phase and three phase ac to quick/rapid dc charging equipment. Most of the charging equipment offered by suppliers is eligible for the Plugged-In Midlands scheme grant of up to 60% match-funding. For more information on the scheme please register your interest here
Fast Charging Equipment
Dedicated fast charging points typically loosely resemble an on-street bollard (when ground mounted) or a wall box similar to a hose reel (when wall mounted) and provide either a tethered Type 1 (SAE J1772) five pin plug or a socket(s) capable of accepting Type 2 (EN62196-2 compliant) seven pin plugs. Fast charging points usually provide 7kW power at 32 Amps
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EN62196-2 compliant Type 2 seven pin plug (above)
and charging point socket (below)
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SAE J1772 Type 1 five pin plug (above)
and vehicle socket (below)
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Quick/Rapid Charging Equipment
Dedicated quick/rapid charging points typically resemble a forecourt petrol dispenser. The unit is comprised of high power electronics in a weatherproof housing with a heavy duty tethered cable and plug (JEVS G105-1993 or JARI Level 3). Quick/rapid charging points provide 50 kW dc power at ~125 Amps
| JARI Level 3 tethered plug |
JARI Level 3 vehicle socket |
Dedicated Charging Equipment vs Household Three Pin BS1363 Connection
Using dedicated fast or quick/rapid charging equipment offers distinct advantages over using a standard three pin UK household connection (BS1363):
- Safer - They can handle higher electrical currents for longer and are IP rated to withstand weather
- Faster - A 32 Amp (7kW) single phase ac fast charging point can charge an EV typically twice as fast. A 50 kW dc quick/rapid charging point can charge even faster achieving 80% State Of Charge (SOC) in 30min. This is 12-13 times faster
- Convenient - Fast charging points may contain additional features including a timer and energy meter to monitor electricity use and take advantage of lower rate night-time or EV tariffs. Quick/rapid charging points are being installed at strategic locations throughout the UK allowing EV users to extend their range without inconvenient overnight stops
- Futureproof - Fitting a dedicated charging point with a high capacity connection will ensure future upgrades to higher power faster chargers is made easier
- Connected - Charging points (depending upon their type and location) can be connected to a Charge Point Management System (CPMS; please see the Plugged-in Midlands CPMS homepage here) that provides charging data capture and allows users and charging point hosts to monitor charging. This system can also inform users where charging points are
- Installed and maintained - Many charging point and energy suppliers offer products that include installation and care packages taking the stress out of owning a charging point
Please select from the options below to find out more about charging point products that are relevant to your needs:
| I own an electric vehicle and wish to fit a charging point at my home |
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| I am an employer and wish to procure charging points for the workplace |
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| I am a local authority or business and wish to procure charging points for on-street locations or public car parks |
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| I am a local authority or business and wish to procure a DC Quick charging point for a public or private car park |
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