Everything You Need to Know About Rapid EV Charging

At EVC, our mission to ‘Make the EV Switch Simple’ underpins everything we do. By 2035, 100% of all new cars sold will be electric, and we are here to ensure that the UK is supported with a robust network of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, so that people can make the switch to EVs  with confidence. We provide bespoke EV charging solutions to businesses across all sectors, offering both fully funded and client funded financial models to our clients, to ensure their needs are best met.

Charging speeds vary depending on the type of charger, so there are a variety of factors to consider when it comes to planning an EV charging solution. Some locations, such as workplaces, suit longer charging times (therefore slower chargers could be used) as people spend a considerable amount of time at work. Others, such as service stations and fast-food restaurants, require rapid charging times as people only want to stop for a short amount of time before continuing their journey.

Read on to find out all you need to know about rapid EV charging, including how to get them installed at your business…

Different rapid charging options:

Rapid chargers can provide different charging speeds. A standard DC (Direct Current) rapid charger sits at 50kW and will charge an average EV from empty to full in around 45 – 60 minutes.

Ultra-rapid chargers charge EVs at rates ranging between 100kW to 350kW, enabling EV drivers to top up their EVs in around 20 – 25 minutes, depending on the vehicle. For example, it takes an average of 25 minutes for a standard EV to go from 20% to 80% on a 150kW charger.  

Use of the fastest ultra-rapid chargers (350kW) is currently limited to only the most technologically advanced EVs and as a result, these chargers are less easily available as not many cars can use them yet!

(If you’ve ever had a look online yourself to learn about different rapid charging speeds, you’ve probably come across conflicting information! Due to this, OZEV are looking to standardise new charging speed categories across the industry, so the types above are subject to change – read more here.)

Where to use rapid chargers:

The most common locations to find rapid EV charging stations are motorway service stations and other destinations along busy routes. Rapid chargers are designed to top up EVs as quickly as possible, making them the perfect choice for people on long journeys.

Getting chargers in the ground with EVC – the process:

EVC offer both fully funded and client funded financial services when it comes to installing rapid EV charging. Our mission is to Make the EV Switch Simple, and this goes for both EV drivers and our clients – we are here to guide you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have along the way. Here’s a summary of how things work with EVC:

• Starting things off – a simple consultation

Firstly, one of our dedicated EVC consultants will discuss your requirements to ensure we understand exactly what you are looking for and how we can help.

• Next up – survey

If necessary, we will then conduct a site survey or feasibility study to determine current infrastructure and power availability, alongside the desired location of your new charge points. Each solution we provide is tailored to the location’s specific requirements and capabilities.

• Now it is time to propose funding options

On our fully funded solution, we provide the chargers and carry out the full installation process at zero cost to your business. On our client funded solution, you can choose to invest in your business by purchasing the chargers. Whatever solution you go for, EVC provide full site management, including ongoing maintenance and management of the chargers.

• The install

Prior to the install, we work closely with the client to schedule a desired installation date to ensure minimal disruption to the development. We also provide a detailed plan, so all parties are aware of the timeframes and what to expect when the chargers go live. After installation, an equipment validation document is signed off on site to confirm your chargers are installed to specification and are fully operational.

• That’s it!

The chargers are ready for use! We have our own app to allow users to get the most out of their charging experience, allowing them to charge directly from their phones. For the client, we have a software and reporting platform which puts you in full control of streamlining your EV charging billing operations and revenue management of your chargers.

Don’t just take our word for it – here’s how we installed rapid EV charging at KFC Towergate:

In 2023, we worked with KFC Towergate (Milton Keynes East) to implement a bespoke rapid EV charging solution for their car park.

The client opted for our fully funded financial model, with the entire process completed at zero-cost to the business. This includes providing ongoing management and maintenance of the chargers, in addition to 24/7 customer support.

Initially, we installed a 150kW rapid charger at KFC Towergate to ensure EV charging services could become available to customers at the earliest convenience. This provides two bays of rapid EV charging, complete with signage and bay markings, making them clearly visible to customers and increasing accessibility. As for power supply, we obtained a point of connection directly from the grid network. As the grid undergoes upgrades and more power becomes available, we have plans to install two further rapid chargers at KFC Towergate in accordance with the success and usage of the existing charger.

Provision of rapid EV charging is a simple way for destinations like this to attract more customers. The convenience that it affords is extremely important for EV drivers – in this case, the opportunity to charge your EV whilst stopping for lunch is an invaluable timesaving benefit. Furthermore, KFC Towergate is able to reduce the CO2 emissions produced by customer travelling to their services by attracting eco-conscious diners - differentiating itself from competitors as the greener choice.

Could your business benefit from rapid EV charging?

Think your business could benefit from on-site rapid EV charging? Speak with one of our expert team members at EVC.

Book your free consultation here.