EV Charging Connector Types: What You Need to Know
Whether you want to charge your electric vehicle at home, at work or at a public station, one thing is essential: the outlet of the charging station has to match the outlet of your car. precisely, the cable that connects the charging station with your vehicle has to have the right plug on both ends. Makes sense, right? Four types of plugs exist, two for alternating current (AC) which allow charging up to 43 kW and two for direct current (DC) which allow fast charging up to 350 kW.
Let’s start with AC. There are two types of AC plugs:
- Type 2 plugs are triple-phase plugs because they have three additional wires to let current run through. So naturally, they can charge your car faster. At home, the highest charging power rate is 22 kW, while public charging stations can have a charging power up to 43 kW, again depending on the charging power of your car and grid capability.
Two types of plugs exist for DC charging:
In Europe, the type 2 AC charger, a triple-phase plug, is the standard and most charging stations have a type 2 outlet. But watch out, some charging stations have a fixed cable. An attached cable can make a lot of sense at places where you always charge the same car, like at home or at a fixed employee parking spot. It’s convenient because you don’t have to carry around a cable in your vehicle. Be aware that if you charge your car at a public charging station with a fixed cord, you’ll have to check if the attached cable fits into your car’s socket. For example at Plugshare’s EV charging station map.
Let’s consider two short examples. If you live in Europe and have a European car like the Renault ZOE, you can charge it a public station using a charging cable with type 2 plugs at both ends (type 2 to type 2). The maximum speed might be up to 43 kW.
Now, what do you do if you live in Europe and drive an Asian car like the Nissan LEAF? Well, you need a cable that connects the type 2 plug of the charging station with the type 1 outlet of your vehicle (type 2 to type 1). The maximum speed will be up to 7.4 kW.
To summarize:
Type 1 is common for American vehicles, it’s a single-phase plug and can charge at a speed of up to 7.4 kW.
Type 2 is standard for European and Asian vehicles from 2018 onwards, it’s a triple-phase plug and can charge at a level of up to 43 kW.
CHAdeMO can be found in Asian cars and allows for high charging capacities as well as bidirectional charging.
All there is to know about charging a plug-in hybrid car
Plug-in hybrid vehicles incorporate both a combustion engine and one or several battery-powered electric motors. The benefit of this type of car is that drivers can charge both at home and at public stations for enough “all-electric” autonomy to cover their daily travel. Here are the key points behind how to connect a plug-in hybrid vehicle to a power supply.
The plug-in hybrid car: an eco-friendly advantage at home!
Available from Renault since 2020, plug-in hybrid technology is inspired by all-electric vehicles, using batteries which can be recharged from power outlets or on electric charging stations. On these PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles), like the Renault Captur E-TECH Plug-in hybrid or the Renault Mégane E-TECH Plug-in hybrid, the existence of a connecting cable, which can be plugged in to a domestic socket or on a public station, enables 100% electric driving over several dozen kilometers.
The rechargeable battery recovers its full range from the power supply in just a few hours, thus reducing its fuel consumption. With daily journeys of around 30 kilometers, for example, a driver of a plug-in hybrid vehicle can travel without having to stop at a service station — one charge is easily enough to cover their everyday needs. On the Renault E-TECH Plug-in range, total fuel consumption is therefore reduced by 75% compared to an equivalent combustion-powered car when charged once a day.
How to charge a plug-in hybrid vehicle
The Renault Captur E-TECH Plug-in hybrid is equipped with a 9.8 kWh battery. This is recharged via a hatch located on the side of the car (with fuel tank access on the other side.)
Charging time depends on the power of the sockets available. Owners of plug-in hybrid cars who choose to charge at home can install a dedicated charging appliance. So, for faster charges, a “secure” socket like Green’upTM or professionally-installed device like a Wallbox deliver at least one and a half times more intensity than a standard socket. The charging time of the Captur E-TECH Plug-in hybrid is around five hours from a standard socket, and three hours from a secure socket or Wallbox.
The Renault Captur E-TECH Plug-in hybrid and Mégane E-TECH Plug-in hybrid are equipped with a charger compatible with public charging stations of 3.7 kW, 7.4 kW, 11 kW and 22kW — with the 22 kW stations being the most common on urban and intercity electric charging networks.
How much range does a charge provide?
Depending on the specifications of the plug-in hybrid vehicle’s battery, range varies. Taking the Renault Captur E-TECH Plug-in hybrid as an example, the WLTP range can reach up to 50 kilometers on a mixed cycle.
Three hours are enough to recover 80% of this range using a secure socket or a Wallbox of 3.7 kW, and around five hours using a standard domestic plug socket.
The electric range of a plug-in hybrid car
Once recharged, a plug-in hybrid vehicle can carry out essential everyday trips (such as the commute to and from work) in all-electric mode only. During the week, powered exclusively by electricity — thanks to daily charging at home, for example — the plug-in hybrid vehicle is a particularly low-carbon mobility solution.On the weekend and during the holidays, a vehicle such as the Renault Mégane E-TECH Plug-in hybrid is used as a means of transport for the whole family over long distances thanks to its hybrid mode, which alternates engine and motor driving as soon as the battery is sufficiently charged.In all cases, whether the battery is full or not, plug-in hybrid cars benefit from regenerative braking and a 100% electric start-up, like all of the E-TECH hybrid range from Renault.
During a time of transition to low-emission vehicles, the plug-in hybrid therefore represents an attractive compromise that uses the best of two now complementary technologies!
WLTP = Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure, normalized cycle: 57% urban driving, 25% suburban driving, 18% highway driving.
Copyrights : Jean-Brice Lemal (Planimonteur)
Charging an Electric Car at Home
A complete guide to charging an electric car at home, including how to charge at home, how much it costs and how long it takes.
Last updated: Nov 02, 2022 9 min read
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Summary
You can charge an electric car at home using a dedicated home charger (a standard 3 pin plug with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) cable should only be used as a last resort).
- Electric car drivers choose a home charging point to benefit from faster charging speeds and built-in safety features.
- Charging an electric car is like charging a mobile phone. plug in overnight and top up during the day.
- Certain electricity tariffs offer much cheaper electricity at specific periods (usually late at night) and scheduling to charge your car, either via the Pod Point App or the car itself, can save you money.
Tip: If you are looking for information on how to use your Solo 3 (Home), go to our user guides.
How to charge an electric car at home
To charge an electric car at home, you should have a home charging point installed where you park your electric car. You can use an EVSE supply cable for a 3 pin plug socket as an occasional back up.
- Drivers usually choose a dedicated home charging point because it’s faster and has built-in safety features.
- A home charger is a compact weatherproof unit that mounts to a wall with a connected charging cable or a socket for plugging in a portable charging cable.
- Dedicated EV chargers for your home are installed by qualified specialist installers like Pod Point.
Tip: An electric car will have either a Type 1 or a Type 2 connector and you’ll need to choose a home charger that’s compatible with it. To make it easy, we automatically make sure you get the right chargepoint for your vehicle when you order.
Cost of installing a dedicated home charger
A fully installed home charging point costs from £799.
- Once installed, you only pay for the electricity you use to charge.
- The typical electricity rate in the UK is just over 28p per kWh, while on Economy 7 tariffs the typical overnight electricity rate in the UK is 11p per kWh.
- By switching to an electricity tariff designed specifically for EV drivers, you could reduce this to just 4.5p per kWh and charge up for under £5 while you sleep.
Visit “Cost of charging an electric car” to learn more about the cost of charging at home.
Average in the UK in 2022 according to ofgem. Please note, energy vary and can go up and down. To find your current cost per kWh, please check your electricity bill or contact your provider.
Average Economy 7 night time price according to nimblefins.
EV charging based on using a 7kW home charger and EDF’s GoElectric Exclusive 35 tariff at 4.5p/kWh off-peak.
How fast you can charge an electric car at home
Charging speed for electric cars is measured in kilowatts (kW).
Home charging points charge your car at 3.6kW or 7kW giving about 15-30 miles of range per hour of charge (compared to 2.3kW from a 3 pin plug which provides up to 8 miles of range per hour).
Maximum charging speed may be limited by your vehicle’s onboard charger. If your car allows up to 3.6kW charging rate, using a 7kW charger will not damage the car.
For more details on the time it takes to charge at home, please visit “How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?”.
Tip: Most domestic properties have single phase power which means the maximum charging rate is 7kW. While faster chargepoints are available (such as a 22kW unit), these are usually found in commercial properties where there is a three phase power supply. Find out about the difference of single and three phase power in our EV Dictionary.
How to get an electric car charging point installed at home
Electric car charging points need to be professionally installed. A certified charging provider will include installation cost in the price of the unit.
- The installation process involves wall mounting the chargepoint on an exterior wall or garage, near to where you park and connecting it safely to the mains electricity supply.
- An installation should take around three hours to complete, depending on the individual requirements of the driver and the complexity of the installation.
- Installations can be booked directly online, over the phone or through car dealerships, with most providers happy to provide free advice and talk through the options available.
Tip: It’s always wise to be at home during your install: The best charging providers will install a chargepoint in the most convenient and neat location for you, but also demonstrate how to charge your car and answer any questions you have.
How often should you charge an electric car at home
You can charge your electric car at home as often as you need to. It can be treated the same as charging a mobile phone, fully charging overnight and topping up in the day if necessary.
While it is not necessary for most to charge every day, many drivers plug in each time they leave their car out of habit, giving them maximum flexibility should they have to make an unexpected journey.
- By charging overnight, electric car drivers can take advantage of cheap nighttime electricity rates and drive for as little as 2p per mile.
- Overnight charging also ensures that the car’s battery is full each morning for the day ahead. You don’t need to unplug once the battery is full, charging will stop automatically with a dedicated home charger.
- Most drivers also make use of charging facilities at their workplace or public destinations to top up charge.
Tip: Most cars will allow you to set a top charging limit. Always follow your manufacturer’s advice on how “full” to charge your car. Some will recommend setting a limit of a 90% charge to allow the battery management system to rotate the charging of cells evenly.
Optimising charging at home
As more people charge their electric cars at home, Smart home chargers are a way to tackle new energy related challenges that will arise for drivers and networks.
Cheaper energy
While an EV driver is saving money overall by powering their car with electricity rather than fossil fuels, their home energy bill will still be bigger than it was before. The good news is, unlike fossil fuels, there are lots of things that can be done to understand and reduce the cost of electricity to get further savings.
By adjusting your charging schedule to take place at certain times, it is possible to take advantage of time of use tariffs which have specific periods when electricity is cheaper. It is possible to schedule when your car charges either via most electric cars/associated apps, or via a Smart home charger’s app.
Many Smart home chargers monitor home and EV energy usage so you can get a clear understanding of cost per kWh, which enables you to determine how much you are spending and switch to cheaper tariffs.
Tip: Dual-rate electricity tariffs allow you to get much cheaper electricity overnight. For example, for a 5 hour period overnight, EDF’s GoElectric Exclusive 35 costs just 4.5p/kWh. This would make it cost as little as 1p per mile to drive the Nissan LEAF.
Greener energy
Today an electric car is already greener than a combustion engine vehicle, but charging with ever more renewable energy makes electric car driving even more environmentally friendly.
The UK’s grid is continually getting greener with more and more renewable energy generation, such as wind power. While this means charging electric cars is getting more environmentally friendly overall, you can switch to one of the many renewable energy providers to make charging at home even greener.
Managing load on home energy supply
Charging an electric car at home places additional load on your electrical supply. Depending on the max charging rate of your chargepoint and vehicle, this load can damage your main fuse.
To avoid overloading your main fuse, some Smart home chargers automatically balance the power drawn by your chargepoint with the rest of your home, ensuring it never causes your total demand to exceed the max available supply.
Another benefit of this feature is the ability to have more than one chargepoint installed so that you can charge cars simultaneously without having to manually switch between them.
Pod Point’s Solo 3 Charger features Auto Power Balancing that adjusts your charge so your electric supply doesn’t get overloaded.
Managing load on the grid
As electric cars become more widely adopted, the demand for power on the national grid will increase. There is a tendency for a lot of charging to be started when drivers arrive home after work and peak around 20:00. Unmanaged this could cause demand spikes that can put too much load on the local networks
Smart home chargers will be able to react to and/or anticipate this and manage the rate of charge across thousands of vehicles to smooth out these peaks. Thankfully this will be virtually unnoticeable for an individual driver (according to Pod Point data EV drivers only use their chargers approximately 25% of the time they are plugged in overnight). The net effect will be that everyone gets a full charge over a fractionally longer time, but the grid will be protected.
1 EV charging based on using a 7kW home charger and EDF’s GoElectric Exclusive 35 tariff at 4.5p/kWh off-peak.
Charging Guide – Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is an excellent modern hybrid electric car with a fantastic angular design and a large boot that uses the latest hybrid technology, making it one of the most efficient hybrids on the market.
The refined car has CO2 emissions of just 22gCO2/km, with a limited range of just 46 miles. The Japanese car manufacturer announced its Toyota RAV4’s first plug-in in 2012, and the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid electric model was announced in 2019, and sales commenced in 2020.
The hybrid costs from £50,895 when new, which makes it not a particularly cheap vehicle; however, it is a great car to own, and if you own and are looking to understand how to use it, this guide should help you know everything about the car and the best ways to charge it.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid Specifications
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has an 18.1 kWh battery and a 2.5-litre petrol engine. The battery can drive for 46 miles between each charge at its most efficient. 18.1 kWh is a relatively small battery for an electric car.
The car can reach 111 mph and go from 0. 62 mph in just six seconds.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid Charging Speed
The maximum charging speed of a Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is 6.6. kWh. Charging your vehicle from 0% to 100% at this maximum speed would take roughly two hours and 45 minutes. However, it’s best not to charge to 100% too often, as doing so can damage your car and limit its lifespan.
What Is The Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid’s Charger Type?
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid uses the Type 2 connector to charge; the Type 2 connector is often referred to as the Mennekes, named after the German manufacturer who created the connector. Its Type 2 connector uses AC power to charge up to 6.6 kWh.
Unlike most electric cars, it has no DC connector, so you cannot charge at Rapid or ultra-Rapid charging spots. You can find AC charging at many locations, such as work, home and public charging stations.
Where Is The Charging Port On A Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid?
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid is fairly easy to charge. You can find the charging port on the rear right side of the EV. To charge, simply connect a charging cable to the port.
Charging at public charging stations might be a bit more complicated as many networks require you to have app downloads or subscriptions before they let you use their charging points. If you want to use an untethered charging point, you must own your own cable, enabling you to charge at a universal socket.
If you’re looking for the perfect charger to suit your circumstances and requirements, you should download Bonnet, which allows you to navigate charging networks and find a charger that suits your car, price and location.
How Long Does It Take To Charge A Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid?
The exact time to charge the hybrid car depends on your charging speed. There are many different chargers in the country spread across many different locations. The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s max speed is just 6.6 kWh, and it doesn’t have a DC connector, so it will not be able to charge at the fastest charging speeds in the country.
Many factors affect the exact charging time of an electric vehicle, so charging times might vary depending on your car temperature, ambient temperature, in-vehicle energy loads, battery life and the battery condition.
We’ve calculated how long it would take to charge the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid from 10. 80% at four common charging speeds that the EV can charge at. We’re only calculating 10. 80% because you should avoid letting your battery run flat or filling it up entirely, as doing either can damage the battery’s condition and limit its range.
| Charger Speed | Connector Type | Time To Charge The Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid (10. 80%) |
| 2.3 kW (BS 1363 Plug) | Domestic Adapter For The Type 2 Connector | 5 Hours, 30 Minutes |
| 3.6 kW Charger | Type 2 Connector | 3 Hours, 30 Minutes |
| 7 kW Charger | Type 2 Connector | 1 Hour, 54 Minutes |
| 22 kW Charger | Type 2 Connector | 1 Hour, 54 Minutes |
The BS 1363 Plug (3-Pin UK Plug Socket)
The BS 1363 plug is every British home’s standard 3-pin plug socket. If you own an adapter cable, you can plug your connector into the 3-pin plug and use it to charge your car. The 3-pin plug is a very useful and convenient way to charge your car as it allows people without a home charging station to charge at home.
However, while it is a very convenient option, and using it now and then shouldn’t pose any problems, you should avoid using it too often as overuse can damage your home wiring. Never use it with an extension lead.
How Long Does It Take To Charge Fully?
Using a domestic adapter to charge your car with the 3-pin plug is the slowest way to charge your EV. It would take roughly five hours and 30 minutes to charge your Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid from 10. 80%.
3.6 kW Charger
3.6 kW chargers are slow chargers generally used for long periods as they will take quite a while to charge any EV substantially. The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has a small battery, so they will charge the hybrid car in just a few hours.
You can find 3.6 kW chargers in many locations, such as off-street charging, public charging networks and workplace charging points. You can also have chargers installed in your home at this speed. If you’re interested in 3.6 kW home chargers, grants can help you afford them.
How Long Does It Take To Charge Fully?
Using a 3.6 kW charger to charge the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid from 10. 80% would take roughly three hours and 30 minutes.
7 kW Charger
7 kW chargers are fast chargers generally found in public charging stations, although they can be found at workplace chargers or installed in your home. Like most AC chargers, these are best used for extended periods or topping up your EV when necessary.
How Long Does It Take To Charge Fully?
A 7 kW charger charges faster than the maximum speed of a Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (6.6 kWh), so instead of charging at 7 kWh with these chargers, you would charge at 6.6 kWh. It would take one hour and 54 minutes to charge the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid from 10. 80%.
22 kW Charger
How Long Does It Take To Charge Fully?
Charging the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid from 10. 80% using a 22 kW charger would take roughly one hour and 54 minutes.
Where Can You Charge Your Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid?
Home Charging
Home charging is perhaps the most convenient way to charge your car. You can charge at home using either a domestic adapter and your 3-pin plug sockets or if you get a home charging station installed. Home charging points generally charge between 3.6. 7 kWh.
Pros
Charging at home is often the cheapest way to charge your car. It is much cheaper than charging at public charging stations, especially if you don’t have a subscription to a charging network. Having a reliable charging place at home means you won’t have to charge as often elsewhere and instead can simply use it to charge overnight or to top-up your car when it needs a quick charge.
Many cars come with adapter wires when you buy them, which allow you to charge your car from your 3-pin plug socket. Otherwise, you can install a home charging point in your home. Some grants are available to help you afford and install a home charger, such as the OZEV grant and the Scottish EST grant.
Cons
Home chargers are generally very slow and will take hours to fill the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid substantially. They are a convenient way to charge, but only if you have the time to wait for them to fill up. They’re not an option for anyone who doesn’t have a driveway or a designated parking spot.
Meanwhile, if you decide to forego a home charging station and instead use the 3-pin plug, you must be careful, as charging too frequently with it can damage your home’s wiring.
Charging At Work
and more companies are offering charging points in their car parks to offset their carbon footprint and offer their employees a charging option. These chargers generally charge at the same speeds as a home charger (3.6. 7 kWh)
Pros
Charging at work is an incredibly convenient way to charge your car, as instead of having to go out of your way to charge it, as you would at a public charging station, you can charge the car while you work. If your workplace provides a charger, you might not have to spend hundreds of pounds on a home charging station, thus saving you money.
If your workplace doesn’t have a charger at its premises, you might want to have a quick word with your employer and tell them that grants are available to help them afford charging bays for their employees.
Cons
Sadly, charging at work might not be an option for you. Many workplaces don’t have chargers installed and might not be willing to offer them despite the grants. If they have chargers at your workplace, they might not have enough for all their EV-driving employees.
Public Charging Stations
Public charging stations can be found nationwide, from the tip of Scotland down to the bottom of Cornwall. There are so many chargers in so many places that one is bound to be near you. Public chargers offer various charging speeds up to 350 kWh.
Pros
Public charging stations are the only places that provide Rapid and ultra-Rapid chargers. Public stations are a convenient, fast way to charge your car for whatever reason. They are usually in useful locations such as service stations, supermarkets or city centres and are great ways to charge. They are also quite affordable, and some networks even offer free charging.
Cons
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid only uses AC chargers, so it cannot use Rapid or ultra-Rapid chargers, making public charging stations less appealing to RAV4 drivers.
There are so many public charging networks that it can be hard to immediately tell them apart and understand which networks offer competitive pricing and which ones are being extortionate.
Navigating public charging networks can seem very complicated to drivers who don’t know their local charging stations.
Find The Perfect Chargers For Your Electric Car – Use Bonnet
That’s where our app Bonnet comes in. Bonnet can help you understand all about your nearest charging stations and which ones charge at the speeds you want. If you own a Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, you’ll only want to go to slow and fast chargers that use the Type 2 connector.
Bonnet can help you find the right chargers that work with your car and help you access them at a discount. We’ve partnered with 17 charging networks across the UK, each offering a unique service to ensure our customers can always find a charger to suit their needs.
Charging at public networks can be a hassle. Many networks require you to download an app, buy an RFID card and pay for a membership option before they let you charge. This can quickly drain your wallet and clutter your phone. Instead of downloading too many apps, you should download Bonnet, which lets you connect to plenty of networks and doesn’t require a membership to use it.
We do have a membership option that lets people access our partners’ charging networks at a discount. We have two options to allow our customers to choose the plan which suits them. Light Boost is just £2 monthly for 10% off all your charging in our partners’ networks; it’s the best option for drivers who own a home charging point or whose work has a charging point but still find themselves at public charging spots frequently.
Our other option is called Turbo Boost. Turbo Boost is just £8 monthly for 15% off your charging bill. Turbo Boost is the best way to charge if you don’t have access to a workplace or home charger and rely on public charging.
If you want to find the perfect charger near you, download Bonnet today.
FAQs
What is the real range of a RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid?
The range of a RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid depends on its battery life. In its best condition, it has a range of 46 miles, which will drop slowly over time.
How far can the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid go on battery only?
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has a max range of 46 miles if you drive only with the battery.
What are the disadvantages of a plug-in hybrid car?
Plug-in hybrid cars emit CO2, so there are ecologically better vehicle options; they are also heavier than petrol or diesel cars due to their large, heavy battery, which might make them less comfortable to drive.
Plan, plug pay for every EV journey with Bonnet
24/7 live updates from every charger to ensure top class reliability every time you charge. Join 130,000 EV Drivers.
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is an excellent modern hybrid electric car with a fantastic angular design and a large boot that uses the latest hybrid technology, making it one of the most efficient hybrids on the market.
The refined car has CO2 emissions of just 22gCO2/km, with a limited range of just 46 miles. The Japanese car manufacturer announced its Toyota RAV4’s first plug-in in 2012, and the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid electric model was announced in 2019, and sales commenced in 2020.
The hybrid costs from £50,895 when new, which makes it not a particularly cheap vehicle; however, it is a great car to own, and if you own and are looking to understand how to use it, this guide should help you know everything about the car and the best ways to charge it.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid Specifications
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has an 18.1 kWh battery and a 2.5-litre petrol engine. The battery can drive for 46 miles between each charge at its most efficient. 18.1 kWh is a relatively small battery for an electric car.
The car can reach 111 mph and go from 0. 62 mph in just six seconds.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid Charging Speed
The maximum charging speed of a Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is 6.6. kWh. Charging your vehicle from 0% to 100% at this maximum speed would take roughly two hours and 45 minutes. However, it’s best not to charge to 100% too often, as doing so can damage your car and limit its lifespan.
What Is The Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid’s Charger Type?
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid uses the Type 2 connector to charge; the Type 2 connector is often referred to as the Mennekes, named after the German manufacturer who created the connector. Its Type 2 connector uses AC power to charge up to 6.6 kWh.
Unlike most electric cars, it has no DC connector, so you cannot charge at Rapid or ultra-Rapid charging spots. You can find AC charging at many locations, such as work, home and public charging stations.
Where Is The Charging Port On A Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid?
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid is fairly easy to charge. You can find the charging port on the rear right side of the EV. To charge, simply connect a charging cable to the port.
Charging at public charging stations might be a bit more complicated as many networks require you to have app downloads or subscriptions before they let you use their charging points. If you want to use an untethered charging point, you must own your own cable, enabling you to charge at a universal socket.
If you’re looking for the perfect charger to suit your circumstances and requirements, you should download Bonnet, which allows you to navigate charging networks and find a charger that suits your car, price and location.
How Long Does It Take To Charge A Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid?
The exact time to charge the hybrid car depends on your charging speed. There are many different chargers in the country spread across many different locations. The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s max speed is just 6.6 kWh, and it doesn’t have a DC connector, so it will not be able to charge at the fastest charging speeds in the country.
Many factors affect the exact charging time of an electric vehicle, so charging times might vary depending on your car temperature, ambient temperature, in-vehicle energy loads, battery life and the battery condition.
We’ve calculated how long it would take to charge the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid from 10. 80% at four common charging speeds that the EV can charge at. We’re only calculating 10. 80% because you should avoid letting your battery run flat or filling it up entirely, as doing either can damage the battery’s condition and limit its range.
| Charger Speed | Connector Type | Time To Charge The Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid (10. 80%) |
| 2.3 kW (BS 1363 Plug) | Domestic Adapter For The Type 2 Connector | 5 Hours, 30 Minutes |
| 3.6 kW Charger | Type 2 Connector | 3 Hours, 30 Minutes |
| 7 kW Charger | Type 2 Connector | 1 Hour, 54 Minutes |
| 22 kW Charger | Type 2 Connector | 1 Hour, 54 Minutes |
The BS 1363 Plug (3-Pin UK Plug Socket)
The BS 1363 plug is every British home’s standard 3-pin plug socket. If you own an adapter cable, you can plug your connector into the 3-pin plug and use it to charge your car. The 3-pin plug is a very useful and convenient way to charge your car as it allows people without a home charging station to charge at home.
However, while it is a very convenient option, and using it now and then shouldn’t pose any problems, you should avoid using it too often as overuse can damage your home wiring. Never use it with an extension lead.
How Long Does It Take To Charge Fully?
Using a domestic adapter to charge your car with the 3-pin plug is the slowest way to charge your EV. It would take roughly five hours and 30 minutes to charge your Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid from 10. 80%.
3.6 kW Charger
3.6 kW chargers are slow chargers generally used for long periods as they will take quite a while to charge any EV substantially. The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has a small battery, so they will charge the hybrid car in just a few hours.
You can find 3.6 kW chargers in many locations, such as off-street charging, public charging networks and workplace charging points. You can also have chargers installed in your home at this speed. If you’re interested in 3.6 kW home chargers, grants can help you afford them.
How Long Does It Take To Charge Fully?
Using a 3.6 kW charger to charge the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid from 10. 80% would take roughly three hours and 30 minutes.
7 kW Charger
7 kW chargers are fast chargers generally found in public charging stations, although they can be found at workplace chargers or installed in your home. Like most AC chargers, these are best used for extended periods or topping up your EV when necessary.
How Long Does It Take To Charge Fully?
A 7 kW charger charges faster than the maximum speed of a Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (6.6 kWh), so instead of charging at 7 kWh with these chargers, you would charge at 6.6 kWh. It would take one hour and 54 minutes to charge the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid from 10. 80%.
22 kW Charger
A 22 kW charger is a fast charger that charges above most cars’ maximum AC charging speed. This charger will not charge the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid at 22 kWh but, instead, charge at the hybrid’s max speed of 6.6 kWh. 22 kW chargers are usually found at public charging networks and are some of the most common charging speeds in the country.
How Long Does It Take To Charge Fully?
Charging the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid from 10. 80% using a 22 kW charger would take roughly one hour and 54 minutes.
Where Can You Charge Your Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid?
Home Charging
Home charging is perhaps the most convenient way to charge your car. You can charge at home using either a domestic adapter and your 3-pin plug sockets or if you get a home charging station installed. Home charging points generally charge between 3.6. 7 kWh.
Pros
Charging at home is often the cheapest way to charge your car. It is much cheaper than charging at public charging stations, especially if you don’t have a subscription to a charging network. Having a reliable charging place at home means you won’t have to charge as often elsewhere and instead can simply use it to charge overnight or to top-up your car when it needs a quick charge.
Many cars come with adapter wires when you buy them, which allow you to charge your car from your 3-pin plug socket. Otherwise, you can install a home charging point in your home. Some grants are available to help you afford and install a home charger, such as the OZEV grant and the Scottish EST grant.
Cons
Home chargers are generally very slow and will take hours to fill the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid substantially. They are a convenient way to charge, but only if you have the time to wait for them to fill up. They’re not an option for anyone who doesn’t have a driveway or a designated parking spot.
Meanwhile, if you decide to forego a home charging station and instead use the 3-pin plug, you must be careful, as charging too frequently with it can damage your home’s wiring.
Charging At Work
and more companies are offering charging points in their car parks to offset their carbon footprint and offer their employees a charging option. These chargers generally charge at the same speeds as a home charger (3.6. 7 kWh)
Pros
Charging at work is an incredibly convenient way to charge your car, as instead of having to go out of your way to charge it, as you would at a public charging station, you can charge the car while you work. If your workplace provides a charger, you might not have to spend hundreds of pounds on a home charging station, thus saving you money.
If your workplace doesn’t have a charger at its premises, you might want to have a quick word with your employer and tell them that grants are available to help them afford charging bays for their employees.
Cons
Sadly, charging at work might not be an option for you. Many workplaces don’t have chargers installed and might not be willing to offer them despite the grants. If they have chargers at your workplace, they might not have enough for all their EV-driving employees.
Public Charging Stations
Public charging stations can be found nationwide, from the tip of Scotland down to the bottom of Cornwall. There are so many chargers in so many places that one is bound to be near you. Public chargers offer various charging speeds up to 350 kWh.
Pros
Public charging stations are the only places that provide Rapid and ultra-Rapid chargers. Public stations are a convenient, fast way to charge your car for whatever reason. They are usually in useful locations such as service stations, supermarkets or city centres and are great ways to charge. They are also quite affordable, and some networks even offer free charging.
Cons
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid only uses AC chargers, so it cannot use Rapid or ultra-Rapid chargers, making public charging stations less appealing to RAV4 drivers.
There are so many public charging networks that it can be hard to immediately tell them apart and understand which networks offer competitive pricing and which ones are being extortionate.
Navigating public charging networks can seem very complicated to drivers who don’t know their local charging stations.
Find The Perfect Chargers For Your Electric Car – Use Bonnet
That’s where our app Bonnet comes in. Bonnet can help you understand all about your nearest charging stations and which ones charge at the speeds you want. If you own a Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, you’ll only want to go to slow and fast chargers that use the Type 2 connector.
Bonnet can help you find the right chargers that work with your car and help you access them at a discount. We’ve partnered with 17 charging networks across the UK, each offering a unique service to ensure our customers can always find a charger to suit their needs.
Charging at public networks can be a hassle. Many networks require you to download an app, buy an RFID card and pay for a membership option before they let you charge. This can quickly drain your wallet and clutter your phone. Instead of downloading too many apps, you should download Bonnet, which lets you connect to plenty of networks and doesn’t require a membership to use it.
We do have a membership option that lets people access our partners’ charging networks at a discount. We have two options to allow our customers to choose the plan which suits them. Light Boost is just £2 monthly for 10% off all your charging in our partners’ networks; it’s the best option for drivers who own a home charging point or whose work has a charging point but still find themselves at public charging spots frequently.
Our other option is called Turbo Boost. Turbo Boost is just £8 monthly for 15% off your charging bill. Turbo Boost is the best way to charge if you don’t have access to a workplace or home charger and rely on public charging.
If you want to find the perfect charger near you, download Bonnet today.