This paper proposes an approach to evaluate the loading limits of distribution networks due to increasing EV connections. It focuses on two parameters: after-diversity maximum demand (ADMD) and maximum daily energy demand (MDED). Using actual EV charging data from the UK, Monte Carlo simulations generate daily charging profiles, identifying ADMD, MDED, and seasonal variations. ADMD, MDED, and per-hour maximum EV charging demands are combined with UK residential load profiles before EV connection. Their maximum demands are assessed against thermal rating limits, establishing the network’s hosting capacity (HC) for uncontrolled EV charging. To determine the maximum safe number of connected EVs, different scheduling methods for controlled EV charging are compared, considering per-hour maximum demand values, thermal limits, and MDED. This defines the network’s HC for fully controlled EV charging. The approach is demonstrated on the IEEE 33-bus test network. Pre-EV residential demands are obtained from a UK MV substation, and ambient data is collected from a UK Met Office weather station. Results provide a range of network HC values for uncontrolled and controlled EV charging, representing lower and upper limits. These limits correlate with firm and non-firm network HC concepts and guide optimal network upgrades for exceeding these limits.