Whether you’re a long-established electric vehicle (EV) driver, or a newbie in this brave electric world, you’ll now be familiar with the drawbacks of the harsh reality that is the UK’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Great in some places, diabolical in others, no two EV charging experiences are the same. We’ve talked about the basics of electric vehicle charging. We’ve also compared the public charging network, so you’re as informed as you can be on any journey. We’ve even provided a guide to home EV charge point providers, so you can ensure you pick the right device for your base charging.
But there are other ways of ensuring your EV charging experience goes as smoothly as possible and you avoid some of the stresses that brought us our wisdom here at Parkers. Though we agree wholeheartedly that some of the steps on this list shouldn’t be necessary, we accept that while we’re in the transition period to mass EV uptake, the reality is different.
Here’s a list of top tips to make sure your electric vehicle motoring is positive more often than not.
1. Download the apps now
Download ALL the charging apps, register with them and get familiar with how they work now, while you’re on your reliable home Wifi. Trying to download them as you need them will cause frustration. Whether it’s a poor 4G signal, or there’s a queue of other EV drivers putting pressure on you to start your charge, preparation is key. If you’re looking to rely on contactless payment, the reality might surprise you.
2. Send off for the access cards, if budgets allow
Though RFID technology is arguably more archaic than NFC mobile tech, it is more reliable. The reality is, communication with your phone might not always be straightforward. Sure, the access cards can cost an annual fee, pushing up the cost of running an EV. That said, you’re still making savings and it’s only a cost until contactless payment is mandated. Having a card wallet full of the access cards for the various networks is a bit old-school, but it could save you in a pinch. Select the ones not in your area. Alternatively invest in the more expensive ZipCharge Go.
3. Carry a spare power pack in the car
So many of these charging points rely on your mobile phone. You may not be able to control the strength of the signal you get, but you can control how much juice you have. Having a way to rapidly charge your phone that doesn’t rely on your car is a smart move.
4. Know that cellular signal is inhibited in the car
If you’re struggling to get the charge point to communicate with your phone, get out of the car. We know. We’ve stood in gale force winds too, desperately trying to start the charge. Everything is plugged in and working, so why oh why won’t the blasted thing just connect? The metal box that is your car is designed to inhibit mobile signal, so sitting calmly dry is actually making matters worse.
5. Don’t be afraid to call the number on the device
There is nothing worse than turning up to a device you thought was in service, only to find otherwise. Fortunately, the EV driving community is collectively minded, meaning out-of-service charge points are usually reported via the brand’s app, or on Zap-Map. But if not, please report it, especially to the brand. Many of the companies will switch on ‘free vend’ i.e. open up the charging point for free if you can’t get the payment device or the charge to start.
6. Travel outside of peak hours
If you have the flexibility to travel outside of peak hours, generally the hour before rush hour in a morning, and the hour after in an evening, you’ll tend to find charge points less busy. If you’re able to prep your morning coffee, you can enjoy a less distracted half hour checking emails and getting ready for the day while the car gets some juice too.
7. Consider joining a community charging platform
Community charging networks like Co Charger and JustCharge offer two benefits: If you don’t have a private charge point, you may find somewhere local, in your neighborhood to pop your car on charge overnight. This should see you through most of the week and taking the stress off. Alternatively, if you do have a private charge point, consider enabling your neighbours to use it. These platforms offer easy interfaces through which you can make a bit of pocket money to help offset costs.
Further reading:
>> Best electric cars for 2022
