
Using a three-pin (3 kW AC) power source is a convenient way of charging your car if you don't have access to a wall charger or you can't get to a public charging point. It allows you to charge your car overnight or while you are visiting friends or family.
However, as this is a slow charging option, it can take up to 18 hours to reach an 80% charge. It's recommended that owners shouldn't leave their cars in a three-pin charging state for an extended period of time due to battery deterioration. You should check your model's manual for further information.
Charging your Toyota car through a wall charger, which can be installed in your home, is a quicker way to get back on the road. There are multiple wall charger brands, such as Toyota's HomeCharge, which offers 7.4kW with type 2 sockets. This convenient way allows you to charge your car safely and easily. You can adapt it to your routine, whether that's during the day or night, so you know your car will be charged and ready when you need it. The hassle-free solution means you won't have to worry about finding your nearest public charging points or visiting service stations.
Charging at home may also be more cost-effective compared to public charging or using a three-pin power source, as you can choose to charge your Toyota during an off-peak energy tariff.
You can also find fast charging points at multiple public spaces, like supermarkets, outside gyms or service stations. Please feel free to download the Zap Map app for iOS and Android at https://www.zap-map.com/app/. This will provide you with real-time information on local public connectors and indeed, public charging stations all over the UK and Ireland.
Rapid-charging connectors can be found in public spaces (supermarkets, petrol stations, motorway service stations, etc.). They offer the following power ratings: 43 kW AC, 50 kW DC and 100-plus kW DC.
Rapid-charging connectors deliver optimal charging speeds for the majority of EVs and PHEVs, which means they’re exceptionally useful whenever time is of the essence.
You won't have to worry about having a power cable for rapid-charging points, as they will already be fitted into the rapid-charging stations. You simply need to plug it into your Toyota and watch how quickly you gain charge.
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.