Types of chargers

There are three types of electric vehicle chargers available; rapid, fast and slow.

In order to cope with the varying power outputs, different connectors are used. However, most vehicles come with two cables to ensure you are able to connect to the necessary charge points.

Rapid chargers

Rapid chargers are the fastest way to charge your car and can charge from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes.

They have 43kW, 50kW or 120kW outputs.

Greater Manchester will be installing 25 more rapid chargers in 2020.

Rapid chargers are available at more than 1,000 locations in the UK.

Fast chargers

Fast chargers are the most common type of public charging point, with nearly 9,000 in the UK.

They tend to be found where an electric vehicle can be parked for an hour or more, such as a car park or supermarket.

Fast chargers have 7kW or 22kW power outputs.

A vehicle will charge in 3-4 hours with a 7kW charger or 1-2 hours with a 22kW charger.

Slow chargers

Slow charging is the most common way to charge an electric vehicle.

Due to the time to charge (10-12 hours) they are typically used at home overnight.

Slow chargers are up to 3kW and also use a Type 2 connection.

Find out more

• Charging your vehicle
• Sign up to the GMEV network
• Find a charge point
• Future network