DRIVE ELECTRIC
How to Charge an Electric Car
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Charging an electric vehicle
Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered by batteries that provide energy to electric motors, driving motion to the wheels. Keeping the battery charged is key to keeping the vehicle moving and is just as easy as filling up on fuel in a petrol or diesel-powered car.
We’re here to explain all you need to know about charging an electric vehicle: step-by-step instructions, where to charge, how long it takes to charge and how far a charge lasts. We’ll also cover the different charging station output levels, the average cost of charging an EV and how to monitor your charge status.
How to charge
Charging your electric vehicle is simple, quick and intuitive. Simply plug it into a charging station to power up your battery.
Fully electric vehicles are charged exclusively this way, while hybrid vehicles offer added flexibility: you can either recharge them or refuel them.
As easy as refueling—just more modern: plug in, charge, and go. Need help? Watch our “How to charge an electric vehicle” videos for clear, step-by-step guidance and a stress-free experience.
Charging levels
EVs are able to charge at three different levels of power output:
AC Slow (2-3kW)
Domestic sockets and some lower powered wall boxes deliver slow charging. Every hour charging adds about 6-8 miles. These are to be used when you will be at a destination for a many hours, e.g. overnight.
AC Fast (7-22kW)
Some domestic wall boxes and many public charging stations deliver fast charging. On an 11kW charger, every hour charging adds about 35-40 miles. These are useful if you are stopping for a few hours, e.g. for a meeting or dinner.
DC Rapid (50kW+)
Rapid chargers are found at public charging stations and deliver the fastest way of charging the car. On a 100kW charger, every hour charging can add up to 300-400 miles (depending on vehicle). These are useful for a quick re-charging stop while travelling to your destination.
Find charging stations
As well as charging at home, public and private charging stations give you convenient places to recharge and continue your journey. A large network of charging stations is available across Europe, making it easy to travel longer distances with an electric vehicle.
Charging Time
Electric car charging times vary depending on the battery size, the vehicle model, and the power output of the charging station. For example, the Polestar 2 can take advantage of both AC charging for everyday use and DC fast charging for longer journeys.
Knowing the power level of a charging station helps you understand whether charging will be slower or faster. When available, we recommend choosing charging stations in the following order:
- High‑power DC fast chargers: Ideal for road trips, allowing the Polestar 2 to recharge from around 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, depending on conditions
- Rapid chargers: Suitable for longer journeys with short stops, providing a significant range boost in a limited time
- Fast AC chargers: Perfect for charging at work or overnight, delivering a full or near‑full charge in around 7–9 hours
- Slow chargers: Best for home or local driving, but not recommended for long‑distance travel due to longer charging times
Charging Cost
With the Hertz fob, public EV charging is simple and transparent. Each time you use the Hertz fob in United Kingdom, a £1,20 Hertz transaction fee applies, capped at a maximum of £8,.40 (VAT included) regardless of the number of charging sessions per rental. The cost of the charge itself, set by the charging station operator, is added separately to your Hertz bill.
Range
Electric vehicle range depends on the model, battery size, and how much the battery is charged. Most EVs can travel over 200 miles on a full charge, and ranges are expected to improve as technology advances.
Driving style, weather conditions, and the use of features such as air conditioning or entertainment systems can affect how far you can go. Electric vehicles make it easy to monitor battery level and remaining range, helping you plan your journey with confidence.