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The how, when and where of electric vehicle charging might appear to be something of a minefield. For a start, given that there are three main types of electric vehicle (hybrid, plug-in hybrid and 100% electric), what are their particular charging requirements?
Also, you might be wondering about electric range – what is it and how it might affect you if you choose a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric car?
There’s no need to worry, however: Bridgend Ford is here to help you navigate the world of electric charging – and explain the available options.
All HEVs (and MHEVs) are self-charging, something that doesn’t apply to PHEVs and EVs, which can be charged…
It’s estimated that approximately 80% of PHEV/EV owners charge their vehicle at home, which is hardly surprising since it’s the most convenient option. And if you drive to and from work, you should be able to charge your vehicle there too.
In either scenario, you have options.
Three-pin power source – rated at 3 kW, a standard three-pin socket provides the most readily available home-charging solution, even if it’s the slowest. Nevertheless, it’s a popular choice for a great many PHEV/EV drivers because it allows a vehicle to be charged overnight.
In most cases, a Type 2 cable (which is standard with European and Asian vehicles produced from 2018 and onwards) is supplied with a PHEV or EV. (Type 1 charging connectors are commonly used with North American vehicles.) You’ll need this to connect your car to an available home/work three-pin power outlet.
Dedicated wallbox – such as a Ford Connected Wallbox; a specially installed option which is rated at 7 kW, thus enabling fast-charging speeds.
A Ford Connected Wallbox comes with an integrated 7.5-metre Type 2 charging cable and is WiFi enabled, allowing you to manage charging via the FordPass app. (Please consult the Long Trips section of this page for FordPass details.)
Please refer to the Charging Times section of this page for information about 3 kW and 7 kW charging speeds.
There are more than 26,800 charging locations throughout the UK, including at least 72,700 connectors and 45,700-plus devices. Since as many as 2,000 devices per month are being added, the aforementioned figures will already be out of date when you read this.
One of the great benefits of public charging is the increase in charging speeds you’ll encounter. For instance, most public charging points offer rapid charging capability, and many allow compatible PHEVs and EVs to enjoy ultra-rapid charging speeds.
Rapid chargers are typically rated from 43 kW while ultra-rapid chargers are rated at 100 kW or higher.
Please refer to the Charging Times section of this page for information about fast-charging speeds.
Charging times vary according to the type of plug-in hybrid/fully electric vehicle you drive and the charging option you use.
For instance, an EV requires longer charging times than a PHEV because it runs solely on electricity, whereas a PHEV has a combustion engine to fall back on.
Please browse our frequently asked questions to see if your electric query is answered. If not, don’t hesitate to contact the friendly, knowledgeable Bridgend Ford team.
Whatever your question or feedback we are here to help, so please feel free to contact us.
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Financial Disclosure
Mistsolar Limited T/A Bridgend Ford is an Appointed Representative of Automotive Compliance Ltd who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 1005401). Automotive Compliance Ltd’s permissions as a Principal Firm allows Mistsolar Limited T/A Bridgend Ford to act as a credit broker, not a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders, and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only.
We are a credit broker and not a lender. We can introduce you to a carefully selected panel of lenders, which includes Ford Credit. We act on behalf of the lender for this introduction and not as your agent. We are not impartial, and we are not an independent financial advisor.
Our approach is to introduce you first to Ford Credit, who are usually able to offer the best available package for you, taking into account both interest rates and other contributions. If they are unable to make you an offer of finance, we then seek to introduce you to whichever of the other lenders on our panel is able to make the next most suitable offer of finance for you. Our aim is to secure a suitable finance agreement for you that enables you to achieve your financial objectives and which you are eligible for from our panel of lenders. If you purchase a vehicle, in the majority of cases, we will receive a commission from your lender for introducing you to them which is either a fixed fee, or a fixed percentage of the amount that you borrow. This may be linked to the vehicle model you purchase.
Different lenders pay different commissions for such introductions, and Ford Credit may also provide preferential rates to us for the funding of our vehicle stock and also provide financial support for our training and marketing. But any such amounts they and other lenders pay us will not affect the amounts you pay under your finance agreement; however, you will be contributing towards the commission paid to us with the interest collected on your repayments. Before we propose you to a potential lender, we will inform you of the likely amount of commission we will receive and seek your consent to receive this commission. The exact amount of commission that we will receive will be confirmed prior to you signing your finance agreement.
All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18s or over. Guarantees may be required.
