Yes, there are a couple of ways to do this. One is to use the dedicated Zappi charger, which diverts excess generation into an electric
vehicle. In this way, what would have been exported back to the grid is now providing you with zero-carbon mobility. However, you
would need to have your EV parked up at home during the day.

The alternative is to use a battery system to store this energy, and then discharge this into your EV in the evening/night-time. The battery would also cover your household loads one the sun has gone down.

No. Electric vehicles charge from an AC supply.

It depends on the battery size in your car and the power of your charge point. Typically plug-in hybrids (e.g. Golf GTE, Prius) charge at a rate of 3.7kW, fully charging within 3 hours. Fully electric cars (e.g. Tesla) can charge at 7.4kW on a single phase supply but have a much bigger battery, a 75kWh Tesla Model S would take 10 hours to fully charge. A 3.7kW charge charges at a rate of approximately 12mph, a 7.4kW charge would charge at a rate of approximately 24mph.

There are two standard connectors which different models of EV use (Type 1 and Type 2), the market is moving to using Type 2 as standard but charge points are available in either and there are also Type 1 to Type 2 adaptor cables.

Fast charging refers to any vehicles or chargers that are capable of charging from 7kW to 22kW. They can charge the typical Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in around eight hours, depending on the size of the battery. While the 22kW fast chargers are quicker, they are require a 3-phase connection which are not usually found in the average domestic property.

Rapid charging refers to vehicles or chargers that are capable of charging from 43kW to 150kW. They are not available in domestic properties and are usually located at service stations, cities, and supermarkets, although rapid chargers at fuel stations are expected to become commonplace.

A socket-only charger means there is no charging lead included/attached. This means you can use both Type 1 and Type 2 connection leads, but you will need to purchase these leads separately if they did not come with the vehicle. These types of chargers are described as untethered and sometimes as a ‘Universal’ charger. Some people prefer the flexibility an untethered charger offers, while other like the convenience of the cable already being attached when they get home.

The UK Government is leading the way to ensure that EV charging points are Smart. As per the government definitions published on 14 December 2018, this means charge points must be able to be remotely accessed, and capable of receiving, interpreting and reacting to a signal. Smart EV charging can also reduce high peaks of electricity demands, minimising the cost of electric vehicles to the electricity system – and keeping costs down for consumers by encouraging off-peak charging.

A socket-only charger means there is no charging lead included/attached. This means you can use both Type 1 and Type 2 connection leads, but you will need to purchase these leads separately if they did not come with the vehicle. These types of chargers are described as untethered and sometimes as a ‘Universal’ charger. Some people prefer the flexibility an untethered charger offers, while other like the convenience of the cable already being attached when they get home.