Electric Car Charging

At Premier Rental, we know that renting an EV from us might be your first experience driving an all-electric vehicle.

We also understand that it’s a different driving experience, and with so much misinformation and so many myths about EVs,  you may have questions—especially about charging and range anxiety.
To help, we’ve put together a brief overview addressing common concerns. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help.

Range Anxiety

‘Range Anxiety’ refers to the fear that a vehicle—particularly an electric one—won’t have enough charge to reach its destination. This concern has become more common as EVs gain popularity in the UK. However, with increasing vehicle ranges and a growing network of charging stations, there’s far less to worry about.
When you hire an electric car from Premier Rental, we’ll discuss your journey plans and car usage to ensure you feel confident about range. We’ll also guide you on charging options and help you locate public charging points—whether on the Isle of Wight, at local supermarkets, or across the country.

Public Charging

Using a public EV charger for the first time can feel daunting, as different providers have their own payment systems and access methods. To avoid any stress, we recommend researching charging stations along your route or in your local area before setting off.
Most major towns and cities now have an increasing number of public charging stations, often located in council car parks and shopping centres. The network continues to expand, making charging more convenient than ever.
For a quick top-up, rapid chargers are a great option, allowing you to recharge while taking a break. The Ford Explorer, for example, can use a rapid charger to fast charge from 10% to 80% in just 28 minutes*.
*Actual charge times and charging speeds will vary according to the type of home or public charging station used, as well as other factors (including weather, ambient temperature, driving behaviour, driving profile, vehicle condition, lithium-ion-battery age, condition, and temperature).

Finding Charging Station

An EV map tool, such as ZapMap, is an excellent resource for locating charging stations. This free app and website provide a comprehensive map of charge points across the UK, displaying real-time availability, operational status, operator details, and pricing.  Additionally, users can filter stations by power output, helping them find the most suitable option.
Most home chargers operate at 3.6kW (slow) or 7kW (fast), while businesses with a three-phase power supply can install AC charge points delivering up to 22kW (fast). Some supermarkets have started offering charging stations in their car parks, typically free to use but limited to 3.6kW. While these may not provide a full charge quickly, topping up regularly can help ease range anxiety—similar to having a fuel pump that gives out a little free fuel while you shop.
Certain retailers, such as IKEA, have introduced DC rapid chargers that deliver 50kW, significantly reducing charging time. A typical session can take as little as 45 minutes. As battery capacities grow, charging times naturally increase, but advancements in charging technology are keeping pace. High-powered 100kW DC chargers are now being deployed across the UK, further improving convenience.
Charging at AC stations generally requires your own Type 2 charging cable, which we provide with all our vehicles. In contrast, DC chargers have a built-in tethered cable, which is shaped differently from an AC port and connects directly to the vehicle for rapid charging.

Charging Station Operation

Most charging stations now operate through a card or app-based system that manages the payment process. Typically, users create an account with the charging provider and link their payment details within the app, allowing for seamless billing after each charge.
An older method involves signing up directly on the operator’s website to receive a physical "charge card." This functions similarly to the app but can be useful in areas with poor mobile signal.
Some providers, such as InstaVolt, have started rolling out stations that accept contactless debit and credit card payments. This eliminates the need for an account or app, making the charging process even more convenient.

Charging at Home

The best time to charge an electric vehicle is during extended periods of inactivity, such as overnight. Many EV owners find that plugging in after work allows for a full charge by morning. If you’re considering purchasing an EV, installing a dedicated home charger is worth exploring. With the OLEV government grant, a 7kW home charging unit costs around £350 and can reduce charging time from 12 hours to just 4 hours—three times faster than a standard socket.
All our electric rental cars come with a domestic three-pin plug charger, allowing you to charge anywhere with a standard outlet. While this is the slowest method, it can still provide a useful range boost, adding approximately 95 miles after 12 hours of charging. Although charging via a standard socket is possible, installing a dedicated home charger is a more efficient and reliable long-term solution.