What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Can all makes of electric car be charged from the same charger?

I am thinking of buying an electric car and having a home charging point fitted. Can all makes of car be charged from the same charger? Or will I need to keep buying the same make, or have a different charger installed if I buy a different make of car?

Asked on 5 November 2018 by Crod

Answered by Andrew Brady
You can fit a universal charger which doesn't come with a lead, meaning you can plug pretty much any electric car into it. The downside of this is you'll have to take the lead out of the boot and plug it in every time you use it, but at least the charger should be future-proof. Alternatively, fit a tethered unit with a Type 1 or Type 2 lead already fitted. Most electric cars are charged using either Type 1 or Type 2 charging leads, with Type 2 expected to become standard across all EVs, although some cars (including the Nissan Leaf) still use the Type 1 connector. If you opt for a tethered unit with one of these leads, it's not a huge job for an electrician to change it in the future. Alternatively you can buy an adapter for around £100.
Similar questions
I would like to get a Fiat 500e but don't have the facility to charge at home. The nearest charger is a nearby supermarket which only allows 2 hours charging. Would it harm the car if I used a rapid charger...
I am trying to decide on my next car. With pure EVs I hear of £50 pcm battery lease and then whatever commercial charging points cost. What is the sort of cost per KwH charged at these places? If the cost...
Does the presence, or lack of it, of an electric car charging point have any impact on the saleability or price of properties? Secondly, do you think any such effect is likely to be felt soon given the...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer