How to charge an electric car: a beginner’s guide
Charging an electric vehicle (EV) might seem unfamiliar at first, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it. Whether you’re charging at home or using public chargers, this beginner-friendly guide walks you through the process step by step.
- Charging can be done at home or at public stations across Ireland
- Most EVs use Type 2 or CCS connectors
- Charging times depend on charger speed and battery size
- You can monitor and manage charging via your car or charger app
1. Understand where you can charge
EVs can be charged in two main places:
- At home: Using a wall-mounted charger or a standard socket (Level 1 or Level 2)
- On the road: Using public chargers found at car parks, supermarkets, service stations, and workplaces
Home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective, while public charging is useful for long journeys or topping up while out and about.
2. Know your charger plug types
Most electric vehicles in Ireland use one of the following connectors:
- Type 2: The standard plug for AC charging (home and public)
- CCS (Combined Charging System): For DC fast charging (usually found at motorway service stations)
- CHAdeMO: Less common, used by some older EVs like the Nissan Leaf
When using a public charger, the connector is usually built into the unit for fast chargers and rapid chargers. For home use, you may use a tethered charger (with an attached cable) or bring your own cable for untethered models.
3. How to charge your EV step-by-step
Here’s how a typical charging session works:
- Park your car close to the charger, ensuring the cable can comfortably reach the charging port.
- Plug in the connector securely into your car’s charging port.
- Start the charge:
- At home: Charging starts automatically when connected, or at a scheduled time if using a smart charger.
- At public stations: You may need to tap a card (e.g. ESB ecars RFID card) or use a charging app to begin.
- Monitor the session: Your car dashboard or charger app will show charging status and estimated time to full.
- End the session: Unplug the charger once charging is complete. For public chargers, stop the session through the app or card before unplugging.
4. How long does charging take?
Charging time depends on three things: your battery size, the charger’s speed, and how much charge you need. Here’s a quick guide:
| Charger type | Power | Time to charge (20%–80%) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-pin plug (Level 1) | 2.3 kW | 18–26 hours |
| Home wall charger (Level 2) | 7.4 kW | 4–8 hours |
| Fast public charger (AC) | 22 kW | 2–4 hours |
| Rapid charger (DC) | 50–150 kW | 30–60 minutes |
5. Charging tips for new EV drivers
- Charge overnight at home to take advantage of cheaper night-time rates
- Download EV charging apps like ESB ecar connect, EasyGo, or PlugShare to find nearby stations
- Keep your charging cable clean, dry, and stored safely when not in use
- Don’t block public chargers when not actively charging—unplug and move on
- Schedule charging during off-peak times if your smart charger allows it
Conclusion: Charging made simple
Charging your electric car is straightforward once you know the basics. With the right setup at home and a bit of planning when you’re on the move, powering up your EV becomes second nature.
Whether you’re new to EVs or just starting to explore charging options, we recommend speaking to a few trusted local installers to learn more about charger types, installation requirements, and the best approach for your home. Just fill out the form with your details, and we’ll connect you with up to four local EV charger suppliers who can guide you every step of the way.
