News & Events
Aixam Mega to increase EV production
Aixam Mega, which is Europe's largest supplier of ultra-light electric vehicles, is preparing to boost production for the UK, European and North American markets, following a raft of initiatives by government and private sector groups designed to encourage adoption of electric vehicles to help combat climate change... more
Find an electric vehicle dealer
Contact details and location map for a selection of the main electric vehicle dealers across the UK
The Electric Vehicle Guide
Basics | Benefits | Recharging | Bikes | Scooters | Cars & Vans
EV recharging
Electric vehicles are recharged by connecting them to an electricity supply (usually the mains) using either an off-board (bikes and scooters) or on-board charger unit (cars and vans). The most common method is slow-charging which takes 6 to 8 hours for a full recharge (typically overnight). Fast-charge units are also available for some vehicles, which can take as little as 10 minutes for a 50% charge.
Most chargers connect to the mains using one of three connector types: (i) a standard 13Amp square-pin plug (all EV types); (ii) a blue CEE or 'commando' connector (EV scooters, cars and vans); and (iii) a Park and Charge connector (EV bikes and scooters). Most EV users currently rely on home/business recharging using square-pin and commando plugs; access to an off-road electricity supply is usually required (eg garage, drive or car park).
In the last few years, a number of off-street and on-road public-access recharging points have been installed in some cities (mainly in central London) - these provide free (or low cost) access to charging points for daytime 'top-up' refueling. Access to these points is usually controlled and requires the use of a particular connector type that is issued to the user on registration. The number of city centre recharging locations is likely to increase in the next few years.
For locations of recharging points in London, see newride's map of recharging points showing locations of public-access points across the capital. For details about gaining access to one of the London EV recharge networks, contact Masterpark (off street car-park based recharge points for cars and scooters), Eco-Mark (organised by the City of Westminster for cars and scooters), or Park and Charge (recharge bays for bicycles and scooters). All networks require membership.
