Charging is part of everyday EV use. This guide covers AC charging, DC fast charging, common connectors (Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO), what affects charging speed, and practical etiquette at public chargers. For benefits and rules for EVs in traffic, see EV benefits and rules.
For tips that reduce energy use when driving and charging, see Eco‑driving. For the interplay between regeneration and brakes, see Regenerative braking.
AC charging (home and work)
AC charging uses the car’s on‑board charger (OBC) and typically a Type 2 connector in Norway.
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Type 2 | Most common AC plug in Europe; found on home wallboxes and many semi‑public posts |
| Power (kW) | Typically 3.6–11 kW at home; some cars support 22 kW AC on public posts |
| Limiting factor | The lowest of the circuit, charger or car’s OBC limits power |
Practical AC tips:
- Use a fixed wallbox on a dedicated circuit, not a standard socket continuously
- Avoid extension leads
- Prefer night charging for lower load and often lower price
DC fast charging (on the go)
DC charging bypasses the OBC and delivers DC directly to the battery.
| Connector | Typical use | Power |
|---|---|---|
| CCS | Standard for new EVs in Europe | 50–350 kW |
| CHAdeMO | Older Japanese models | 25–100 kW |
Speed depends on state of charge, temperature and charge curve. For best results:
- Arrive with a warm battery (drive before the stop)
- Charge roughly 10–20% → 60–80% for best time per kWh
- Plan with a route planner that includes chargers
Winter and cold batteries
Cold weather reduces power significantly. Improve winter charging by:
- Pre‑heating the battery via nav to the selected charger
- Arriving with lower SoC after a motorway leg
- Avoiding long sessions above 80%
What affects charging speed?
- Battery temperature – cold batteries charge slower
- State of charge (SoC) – power tapers at higher SoC
- Charger and cable – post and cable power limits
- Vehicle limits – the car enforces its own charge curve
Payment and prices
Pricing may be per kWh, per minute or a mix. To save money:
- Prefer AC at home/work when possible
- Compare price in the app before starting
- Vacate the bay when power drops sharply above 80%
To cut overall energy use, see Eco‑driving.
Charging etiquette at public chargers
- Move the car when done; don’t treat as parking
- Don’t occupy fast chargers if AC will do
- Share space and keep cables tidy
- At charger bays, special parking rules apply; see Advanced parking
- Don’t park in bays marked for charging without charging
- Share cabinets with dual outlets fairly when busy
Charging safety
- Certified equipment and a proper circuit for your wallbox
- Check cable and plug for heat and wear
- Keep the area dry and tidy
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Trip planning
Use in‑car nav or third‑party planners that account for consumption, elevation and weather. For efficient speed and distance, see Speed and distance.