Charging Infrastructure

Electric van charging

Switching to electric means more than just buying a new van. With the UK’s available charging infrastructure constantly evolving and several different types of chargers on the market, it can be confusing to know what’s what in the world of electric vehicle charging. That’s why we’ve got specially trained eVan experts at each of our sites and work with a range of electric vehicle charge point providers to ensure you not only get the van you want, but also benefit from the knowledge, expertise and support of our team too.

We’ve also put together the below summary, which summarises the key information surrounding eVan charging, including how long it takes to charge an electric van, where you can find a charging station and the different types of charging power speeds. 

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How long does it take to charge an electric van?

At a public charge point, you can get an 80% charge in 30-40 minutes with DC (rapid) charging, which is great for topping up while on the road. At a dedicated electric charge point, installed professionally at your workplace or home, it will take about 4 hours to charge your electric van. At home, on a normal 3-pin plug, it will take 6-8 hours to fully charge your electric van.

New Mercedes eVito Electric Panel Van


Public charging stations

There are now more than 40,000 charge points across the UK with more and more popping up each day, making it easier than ever to charge your electric vehicle whilst on the move. Whilst many public EV charge points are free to use, most fast and rapid chargers require payment. Charging tariffs tend to comprise a flat connection fee, a cost per charging time (pence per hour), and/or a cost per energy consumed (pence per kWh).

There are several major EV charging networks in the UK including Osprey, ESB energy, bp pulse, and ubitricity, to name a few. Access requirements and costs can vary from network to network, with some requiring an RFID card to use them, others an app, whilst an increasing number offer contactless card payment. Though, most networks require users to register details beforehand. The Mercedes-Benz fully integrated Mercedes PRO connect software can help you locate charging points while out on the move to help optimise battery range.

Mercedes-Benz Vans Public Charging Stations

AC and DC charging

There are two kinds of power typically used to charge the battery in electric vehicles. Alternating Current, or AC as it’s most commonly known, comes from the national grid and charges your vehicle slowly over a longer period of time.

DC chargers are more powerful and provide a faster, more constant charge – these are what you are more likely to find while on the road, enabling you to quickly top up on the go. AC charge needs to be converted into DC charge before the battery can store the power, so it needs time to go through a converter inside the vehicle first.

The type of charging cable connector an electric vehicle has determines the power rating. So, a UK three-pin plug, Type 1, and Type 2 charging connector all have an AC power rating, whilst a CHAdeMO and Combined Charging System (CCS) have a DC rapid charge power rating.

AC and DC charging Mercedes Benz Electric Vans

Are you #eReady?

We have eVan experts at each of our branches, to support businesses with their decision making by offering tools and advice to help understand whether now is the time to switch to electric.

We’ve also teamed up with local and national vehicle charging providers to help you implement the required infrastructure to embark on your electric journey. Why not speak to your local eVan expert today to find out more.

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