How to charge your electric car at a Shell Recharge station

If you’re planning to use your electric car on longer journeys, sooner or later you’ll need to use a rapid charger. These are the petrol pumps of the electric car world and are the fastest way to recharge your battery. How much quicker? Well, the latest-generation 175kW rapid chargers like those found at many Shell Recharge sites can top up your battery 25 times quicker than a normal home wallbox could. Speedy, right?

Using a rapid charger is a simple process – and a familiar one if you’ve used a self-service pump at a regular petrol station. Unlike a petrol pump, once you’ve connected your car and set up payment, you don’t have to stand around in the cold holding the connector. You can get back in your car, wander around the shop, catch up on emails or get a bite to eat. It’s all very civilised. 

Here we show you how to use one of the latest rapid chargers. We’re using a Shell Recharge 175kW unit. You’ll find that rapid chargers come in all shapes and sizes, but the fundamental process of using one will be the same. Remember that your electric car will limit the speed at which it can charge, so bear that in mind. A car capable of charging at 50kW will only charge at 50kW even when it’s connected to a 175kW charger.

1) Locate a charge point using either the Shell Recharge app or another charge locator app such as ZapMap, PlugShare or WattsUp. Most apps will allow you to filter for speed, so if you’re on the lookout for a rapid charge, filter for chargers that deliver more than 50kW.

2. Select your payment method. There are four ways to start a charge on a Shell Recharge unit. The easiest way is to tap your contactless payment card on the terminal. You can also pay by Apple Pay, and Google Pay if you want to use your smartphone or smart watch. You can also start a charge via the Shell Recharge app or with a Shell Recharge card. 

3. Plug the correct cable into your car. Shell Recharge 175kW units come with CCS and CHAdeMO connectors. Most new cars feature CCS connectors, but Nissan LEAF, Nissan eNV200 and Lexus UX300e models have CHAdeMO plugs. 

4) Once your car and the charger have communicated, the charge will start. You’ll usually hear a few clicks as the power delivery starts. On Shell Recharge units, the screen will show you how much energy is being delivered and at what speed.

5. To end your charging session, simply press the button to the right of the screen. Unplug the cable and you’re done. If you’ve charged via the app, you’ll be able to see stats and a receipt for your charge session.