EV charger speeds explained
Public chargers in the UK fall into four speed bands: slow (under 7kW), fast (7 to 24kW), rapid (25 to 99kW) and ultra-rapid (100kW and above). Which one you want depends on how long you are stopping, and on how fast your car can actually charge.
Updated 14 October 2026
The four speed bands
Slow: under 7kW. Often older lamp-post or three-pin chargers. Fine for an overnight top-up, not for a journey.
Fast: 7 to 24kW. The typical home wallbox and many car park and destination chargers. A 7kW charger adds roughly 20 to 30 miles of range an hour.
Rapid: 25 to 99kW. Common at service stations and supermarkets; a 50kW rapid can take many cars from 20 to 80 per cent in around 45 minutes to an hour.
Ultra-rapid: 100kW and above. Motorway hubs and dedicated charging sites; a car that can accept high power may add 100 miles in 15 to 20 minutes.
Your car sets the limit
A car can only charge as fast as its own system allows. A car with a 50kW maximum will charge at 50kW on a 350kW charger. Check your car’s maximum AC and DC charging rates before paying a premium for an ultra-rapid point.
Charging also slows as the battery fills. Most cars charge fastest between about 10 and 80 per cent, then taper. On a journey it is usually quicker to stop twice to 80 per cent than once to 100.
Connectors
Most UK cars use a Type 2 connector for AC charging (home and fast chargers) and CCS for rapid DC charging. Some older cars, notably early Nissan Leafs, use CHAdeMO for rapid charging, which is becoming less common on new sites.
Finding the right one
Odomint’s Map tab shows chargers near you with their speed band, maximum power, connectors, number of bays and published price, and highlights the most powerful one in range. Availability is not live, so check the operator’s own app before a long detour.
Charging at home
Most home charging uses a 7kW wallbox on a single-phase supply, which fully charges most cars overnight. A three-pin plug works but is slow, roughly 2 to 3kW, and is best kept for occasional use rather than daily charging.
A wallbox must be installed by a qualified electrician, and many homes need no changes to their supply for a 7kW unit. Pair it with an overnight EV tariff and charge while electricity is cheapest; most cars and wallboxes can be scheduled to start automatically.
Common questions
What is the difference between rapid and ultra-rapid charging?
Rapid chargers deliver 25 to 99kW; ultra-rapid deliver 100kW or more. Your car must support the higher power to benefit.
How long does a 7kW charger take?
It adds roughly 20 to 30 miles of range per hour, so it suits overnight or all-day charging rather than a quick stop.
Which connector does my electric car use?
Most UK cars use Type 2 for AC charging and CCS for rapid DC charging. Some older cars use CHAdeMO for rapid charging.
Check any car before you buy it
MOT history, every advisory and the full mileage record are free for any UK registration. An Odomint Check adds outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, stolen markers and salvage history, with a £10,000 data guarantee.