EV Charging FAQs

How fast will my car charge in a Swale Borough Council car park?

All our charge point are untethered, 22kw ‘fast’ chargers, however charging speed is dependent on a range of factors. Charging times vary on the vehicle, but a 22kW charger will recharge a compatible EV with a 40 kWh battery in 1-2 hours. Charging rates when using a fast charger will depend on the car’s on-board charger, with not all models able to accept 7 kW or more. These models can still be plugged in to the charge point, but will only draw the maximum power accepted by the on-board charger. For example, a Nissan Leaf with a 3.3 kW on-board charger will only draw a maximum of 3.3 kW, even if the fast charge point is 7 kW or 22 kW.

Our Pod Point Twin Chargers are dual Type 2-socketed vehicle chargers.

How do Electric Vehicles help save Carbon?

Electric Vehicles have no exhaust emissions. However, carbon emissions are produced during the generation of electricity, the amount will vary depending how the energy is generated.

Electric vehicles charged using standard UK electricity will show a significant reduction in emissions; analysis on current vehicles suggest a reduction of around two thirds compared to an average conventional car. Larger carbon reductions are likely in the future as the UK grid continues to decarbonise.

If renewable or green tariff electricity is used, then life cycle greenhouse gas emissions are effectively zero.

How do Electric Vehicles help Air Quality?

The main cause of poor air quality is nitrogen oxides (NOx). The main cause of this pollution is vehicle emissions. Electric Vehicles have no exhaust emissions, so switching diesel and petrol vehicles to electric will improve local air quality significantly.

Can't I just install my own charger?

If you have access to off road parking, you can install your own charger to charge an electric car. There are Government Grants to help you do this, such as the Electric Vehicle Home-charge Scheme (EVHS).

The Grant is a 75% contribution towards the cost of one chargepoint and its installation up to a maximum of £350 (including VAT) per household/ per eligible vehicle for installations that take place on or after the 1st of April 2020. A second chargepoint can be claimed if an individual can evidence keepership of two eligible electric vehicles.

There are certain criteria you must meet to receive the Grant, including the use of an accredited installer. For more information about the EVHS opportunity, please visit EVHS guidance for customers

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a voucher-based scheme that provides support towards the up-front costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle chargepoints. For further details, please visit: workplace charging scheme guidance for applicants, installers and manufacturers.

Why isn’t the council waiting for hydrogen?

Hydrogen technology for everyday use is unlikely to be a solution in the near future, and we need to tackle climate change now. The most likely use of hydrogen will be for HGVs, buses, planes and other large vehicles. Electric Vehicles provided a safe, reliable and convenient solution in the short-medium term, with the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles ceasing from 2030.

Can I request a charge point near my house?

No, we are unable to meet demand in this way at present. To help us install charge points that do follow the data and demand for electric vehicle charging, please email climate@swale.gov.uk with details of the location you would like to see a charging point. This will not result in a charge point being provided, however.

On-Street charging is also the responsibility of Kent County Council as the Highways Authority, and we are working closely with them to find the right solution for Swale.