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DC Rapid and Ultra Rapid chargers
Rapid (50kW) and Ultra Rapid (100kW to 350kW) DC chargers are the fastest on the network, using CHAdeMO and
CCS plugs on permanently attached cables. These can charge electric cars in minutes but very few electric bikes have the connectors and electronics to be able to use them, and even where they are fitted, bike batteries are too small to take advantage of the potential power of these chargers.
Fast chargers
Fast chargers operate at either 7kW or 22kW and are generally AC, using the bike’s on-board charger to convert the current to DC, and as such, as on AC Rapid chargers, their charging speed will be limited by the bike itself. These chargers are usually ‘untethered’ – which means you plug your own cable in rather than using one that’s built into the unit itself.
AC Rapid chargers
Rapid AC chargers, operating at 43kW and using the most common ‘Type 2’ connector standard, are likely to fit more bikes, although they won’t be able to take advantage of the full 43kW output – the small batteries used on bikes mean they usually don’t charge at more than around 7kW.
Fast charging at home
BP Pulse will supply and fit a 7kW charger at your home for £1049; PodPoint will charge you £949; and Halfords will supply and fit a Boxt Wallbox for £1395. Sadly, the Homecharge scheme, which knocked £350 off the price of a home charge point has just ended.
Slow chargers
Slow charging is the sort of system that most owners will fit at home, used to trickle-charge overnight rather than for quick top-ups. They use a variety of connectors, from the 3-pin domestic plug to Type 2 and Commando, and the chargers are usually rated at 3kW.