
Slow chargers can come in the form of a three-pin (3 kW AC) power source along with the car's own adapter. This method is one of the most convenient ways to charge your car, as you can use the wall sockets at home or at work. You can charge your car during the day or at night; however, it is not recommended to leave the car charging using a three-pin socket for an extended period, as this may lead to accelerated battery deterioration.
There is a slightly faster home-charging option available by installing a 3.6kW wallbox.
Polestar has partnered with Zaptec Go to provide a fast charge solution in the form of a 22kW smart charger. This 22kW wall charger connects to WiFi or 4G for over-the-air updates and new features. You can install a Zaptec Go wall charger in your home or in a commercial building if you own it.
Faster wall chargers can also be found at public charging points in car parks, supermarkets and leisure centres, so you can charge your car on the go.
Polestar's Polestar Charge app and the Zap Map on IOS and Android, which provides you real-time information on local public connectors and charging stations across the UK and Ireland.
Rapid chargers are classed as 43 kW AC, 50 kW DC or 100-plus kW DC. These charging options can be found in public spaces, such as supermarkets, petrol stations, motorway service stations or carparks across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
They can typically charge an EV to 80% in 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your car's battery capacity, starting state of charge and other factors.
Tesla runs two distinct charging networks: Destination and Supercharger. The former can be found at hotels and the latter on major thoroughfares.
Destination connectors typically charge at a rate of 22 kW and so fall within the fast-charging category. One of the benefits of a destination charger is that it is provided as part of the hotel experience; i.e. no additional cost is incurred.
Superchargers live up to their title, offering a power rating of 120 kW or 150 kW.