How EV charging works

The technical side of charging, explained without jargon: which connectors your car uses, why the charger and the car each cap the speed, and what features such as OCPP, Plug and Charge and load management actually do.

29 guides

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Best EVs with Plug and Charge in the UK (2026)

The best EVs with Plug and Charge in the UK are the BMW i5, Porsche Taycan, and Kia EV9. All support ISO 15118-2 over CCS and work with IONITY's UK network today. Tesla is notably absent.

8 min read

3D illustration of a speed dial, a mint green electric car and a wall-mounted home charger on a floating island at night

Does Your Home Charger Limit How Fast Your EV Charges?

Yes, sometimes. But more often it is the car that limits the charger, not the other way round. Your actual charging rate is always the lowest of three stacked limits: mains supply, wallbox, and your car's onboard charger.

8 min read

3D illustration of a speed dial, a mint green electric car and a wall-mounted home charger on a floating island at night

Which EVs Actually Support 22 kW AC Charging? (UK 2026)

Very few mainstream EVs accept full 22 kW AC input. The Renault Zoe R135 (Q-OBC), BYD Atto 3, and Smart ForTwo ED are the main examples. Most popular EVs cap at 11 kW on three-phase.

7 min read

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Which EVs Have Built-in Smart Charging Scheduling?

Most modern EVs can schedule when charging begins using their touchscreen or app. This guide covers which cars offer native scheduling and how it works in practice.

7 min read

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Plug and Charge and ISO 15118: The Complete UK Guide

Plug and Charge lets you start a charging session just by plugging in. ISO 15118 is the standard that makes it possible. In 2026, IONITY and Octopus Electroverse offer the broadest UK coverage.

11 min read

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What is Plug & Charge Technology?

Discover how Plug Charge Technology enhances electric vehicle efficiency and convenience. Learn its benefits and impact on the EV landscape. Read more!

18 min read

3D illustration of a Type 2 charging plug, a purple electric car and a Type 2 charging socket on a floating island at night

EV Connectors and Speeds in the UK

A complete guide to EV connector types and charging speeds in the UK, from slow 3kW home charging to 350kW ultra-rapid public chargers.

5 min read

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What Affects EV charging Speed

Discover what affects EV charging speed, including battery capacity, charger output, temperature, and state of charge. Optimise your home charging setup.

6 min read