The ultimate guide to charging your first EV
So you've made the jump to electric. Wonderful news! But now you're probably staring at your shiny new EV wondering: how exactly do I keep it charged without breaking the bank?
Don't worry. We've got you covered. This is everything you need to know about charging your first electric car in the UK, from the cheapest ways to power up, to our top tips to make the most of your charge.
The cheapest way to charge your EV
Here's the thing about EV charging: where and when you charge makes all the difference to your wallet.
Home charging is your best friend. It's typically cheaper than public charging because you're using your home electricity rate rather than paying for the convenience and infrastructure costs of rapid charging networks. Public chargers need to cover expensive equipment and maintenance, plus they often use peak-time electricity.
This is exactly why having a solid home charging setup is so important for new EV drivers.
Moving from petrol to an EV car also means you no longer have to think about charging time the same way you think about filling up with petrol. You just plug in when you get home and wake up to a full battery. It’s as simple as charging your phone.
The absolute cheapest option? Charging with a smart tariff. Our cheapest one is Intelligent Octopus Go. It's also the UK's most popular EV tariff. With this, your car will automatically charge when electricity is greenest and cheapest, usually between midnight and 6am. Instead of paying peak rates, you could save £100s vs a standard tariff.
For new EV drivers who want super simple budgeting, the Intelligent Drive Pack is a game changer. For £30 a month, you get unlimited scheduled smart charging at home. That works out to just £1 per day for all your charging needs. Plus, you can just add it on to your existing Octopus home tariff, and handle the details in our handy app.
Choosing your home EV charger
A proper home charger changes everything. In fact, you can save up to 87% vs public charging when you power up at home with a smart tariff like Intelligent Octopus Go. Most importantly, it unlocks access to smart charging tariffs that can save you hundreds of pounds a year.
Public charging is always an option, but think of it this way: you can eat soup with a fork, but a spoon makes life much easier.
We offer a range of quality EV chargers starting from £899, with fast expert installation that takes around 4 hours and includes everything you need for immediate home charging. Our wonderful team handles everything from quote to installation, and all our chargers are compatible with our smart tariffs so you can access super low charging rates every night.
Getting started with your first charge:
At home, with a smart tariff:
- Plug in: Connect your EV to your home charger when you get home.
- Set your schedule: In the Octopus app, tell the system when you need your car ready by and your desired battery percentage.
- Let it charge: Octopus takes over, automatically scheduling charging for the cheapest and greenest times overnight.
- Wake up full: Your car will be charged and ready for your day, and you can check the schedule in the app.
On the go? We recommend the Electroverse:
- Get the app and card: Download the Electroverse app and order your free Electrocard. Add a payment method to your account.
- Find a charger: Use the map in the app to find an available public charger that's compatible with your car.
- Plug in: Connect your car to the charger.
- Start and stop: Either tap your Electrocard on the reader or use the app to start the charging session. When finished, tap the card again or use the app to stop.
A little top tip: Octopus Go customers get 5% off public charging with the Electroverse and Drive Pack and Intelligent Octopus Go customers get 8% off.
Ready, steady, drive
Charging your first EV doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Start with home charging, consider a proper charger instead of relying on 3-pin plugs, and don't stress about charging times once you get into the routine.
Most importantly: the savings compared to petrol are real and substantial. Whichever tariff you choose, you’re looking at massive savings compared to what you're used to.
Going electric should feel like an upgrade, not a headache. And with the right charging setup, it absolutely will be.
EV charging FAQ's
How long does it take to charge different EV models?
This depends on your car's battery size and what type of charger you're using. Here's the reality for popular models:
At home with a standard 7kW charger:
- Tesla Model 3: 8-12 hours for a full charge
- Nissan Leaf: 6-8 hours
- BMW i3: 4-6 hours
- Volkswagen ID.3: 8-10 hours
The good news? You rarely need a completely full charge. Most people charge from about 20% to 80%, which cuts these times roughly in half.
On rapid public chargers (the fast ones at motorway services), you can add 200+ miles in 30-45 minutes, so perfect for longer journeys.
Can I charge from a normal 3-pin plug?
Yes, you absolutely can charge your EV from a standard household socket. Every electric car comes with a cable that plugs straight into your wall.
But here's the catch: it's painfully slow, sometimes ranging from 10-15 hours for a decent charge. Plus, it's not the most efficient way to charge, so you're not getting the best value for money.
Is it safe to leave your EV plugged in overnight?
Absolutely. EVs are designed to be plugged in for extended periods. The car's battery management system is incredibly smart and stops charging when the battery is full.
Many EV owners leave their cars plugged in every night, treating it like a giant phone charger. The car will only draw power when it needs it.
Pro tip: If you're on a smart charging setup like Intelligent Drive Pack, leaving it plugged in gives the system maximum flexibility to find the cheapest, greenest electricity for your next charge.
Ready to make EV charging simple?
The Intelligent Drive Pack takes all the complexity out of the equation. Just £30 a month for unlimited smart charging, and you can add it to your existing Octopus tariff without any fuss.
Published on 15th September 2025 by:
Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!
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