Just how do you manage with these public ev chargers
Discussion
Even though I had a bit of a torrid with my Etron and public charging, I do disgree with the OP.
In fact I think the tide is turning - and fast.
In the last two weeks alone down here in the south east I have witnessed Tesla's queuing in numbers at Superchargers, and indeed on Saturday watched as a scuffle broke out at Cobham services between two waiting Tesla drivers as to who was "next on". I definitely would NOT be getting a Tesla now for those very reasons.
The "normal" public network is getting better all the time. Yes, it is a pain having several different Apps - but remember you only download them once. Also, manufacturers are doing their best to ease that pain by having account cards which cover multiple charger groups. I still have my Etron card and it has recently been joined by a Kia chargecard for our new car. These make it considerably easier.
As another earlier poster said, when you have regular long runs (as I do), you get to learn where the "best" charger locations are off by heart. Often these are a short (under five minutes) detour from the motorway, but are correspondingly less busy and cheaper.
I find Zap Map usless, as the information on availability and whether chargers are broken or not is frequently very out of date. I rarely use it now. I find the software in the car much more accurate, or I use ABRP.
The mistake I made (as I now realise) was getting an EV with too little range. I now have a PHEV and an EV, and so far, have not had a problem.
In fact I think the tide is turning - and fast.
In the last two weeks alone down here in the south east I have witnessed Tesla's queuing in numbers at Superchargers, and indeed on Saturday watched as a scuffle broke out at Cobham services between two waiting Tesla drivers as to who was "next on". I definitely would NOT be getting a Tesla now for those very reasons.
The "normal" public network is getting better all the time. Yes, it is a pain having several different Apps - but remember you only download them once. Also, manufacturers are doing their best to ease that pain by having account cards which cover multiple charger groups. I still have my Etron card and it has recently been joined by a Kia chargecard for our new car. These make it considerably easier.
As another earlier poster said, when you have regular long runs (as I do), you get to learn where the "best" charger locations are off by heart. Often these are a short (under five minutes) detour from the motorway, but are correspondingly less busy and cheaper.
I find Zap Map usless, as the information on availability and whether chargers are broken or not is frequently very out of date. I rarely use it now. I find the software in the car much more accurate, or I use ABRP.
The mistake I made (as I now realise) was getting an EV with too little range. I now have a PHEV and an EV, and so far, have not had a problem.
Standardisation and less s
t mobile apps would be great, no doubt, but in spite of that, I've never had a problem finding and using chademo once I'd figured out a few quirks the first couple of times. We rarely use public charging, but on those occasions that we've need it, it has been fine.
t mobile apps would be great, no doubt, but in spite of that, I've never had a problem finding and using chademo once I'd figured out a few quirks the first couple of times. We rarely use public charging, but on those occasions that we've need it, it has been fine.I asked a mate today who actually does semi rely on public charging. his view is that clamouring for the fast chargers at services isn't the best way because 'everyone does that' but he instead heads for 50kw chargers which are popping up all over the place, pub car parks, retail parks etc. Apparently they're nearly always available. Granted he waits longer for the charge... But do a bit of shopping, have lunch, whatever - a 50kw charger adds about 130-140 miles range in an hour.
I had a slightly related experience at the MK shopping centre. I headed for what used to be the premium spaces right next to the entrance due to laziness, I had previously paid £15 for the pleasure of parking there. But they had fitted 50kw chargers and the same spaces for free if you were charging. I think the charge cost about a tenner! I didn't need to charge, I had sufficient range, but why not if it's cheaper than parking without
I had a slightly related experience at the MK shopping centre. I headed for what used to be the premium spaces right next to the entrance due to laziness, I had previously paid £15 for the pleasure of parking there. But they had fitted 50kw chargers and the same spaces for free if you were charging. I think the charge cost about a tenner! I didn't need to charge, I had sufficient range, but why not if it's cheaper than parking without
I’m waiting on delivery of my new (ICE) car and thought that I’d try an EV whilst waiting so have a subscription with on.to for a 208gt. The car is ok and I can see the benefits (of ev) but only if you have an at home charger which I don’t. So similar to the OPs wife I have had to use public chargers and that is a real pain in the butt! I just don’t think EV life works for those that do not have or cannot have home charging, the infrastructure is just not up to it yet
The other night I had to go out unexpectedly however knowing that I had to use the car the following day I knew I’d have to charge up on the way home. That’s where the problem started - I checked the apps and drove to my nearest point and got there just too late as 2 other cars had literally just pulled in before me. So onto the next and whilst the app said it was fine when I got there it wasn’t actually working so I had to spend time trying to get it sorted and then eventually I got to charge the car. All in all I reckon that was an hour wasted and yes it was wasted. I didn’t need a coffee or a P I just wanted to go home but couldn’t as I was charging! If that was my ICE I could and would have pulled into one of the many petrol stations either that might or the following morning and spent 2 mins topping up.
It’s not the EVs that is putting me off it’s the infrastructure surrounding them so for now I’ll keep my order and will happily hand back the 208 once my ICE is ready.
The other night I had to go out unexpectedly however knowing that I had to use the car the following day I knew I’d have to charge up on the way home. That’s where the problem started - I checked the apps and drove to my nearest point and got there just too late as 2 other cars had literally just pulled in before me. So onto the next and whilst the app said it was fine when I got there it wasn’t actually working so I had to spend time trying to get it sorted and then eventually I got to charge the car. All in all I reckon that was an hour wasted and yes it was wasted. I didn’t need a coffee or a P I just wanted to go home but couldn’t as I was charging! If that was my ICE I could and would have pulled into one of the many petrol stations either that might or the following morning and spent 2 mins topping up.
It’s not the EVs that is putting me off it’s the infrastructure surrounding them so for now I’ll keep my order and will happily hand back the 208 once my ICE is ready.
distinctivedesign said:
Even though I had a bit of a torrid with my Etron and public charging, I do disgree with the OP.
In fact I think the tide is turning - and fast.
In the last two weeks alone down here in the south east I have witnessed Tesla's queuing in numbers at Superchargers, and indeed on Saturday watched as a scuffle broke out at Cobham services between two waiting Tesla drivers as to who was "next on". I definitely would NOT be getting a Tesla now for those very reasons.
Tesla's aren't restricted to Tesla chargers. Infact with a now pretty useless CHAdeMO in theory our car can charge at CCS, Tesla, and CHAdeMO chargers. Our car will also do 17KW 'rapid AC' which came in handy in France as there was/is load of AC points to support the Zoe. So interms of charging options In fact I think the tide is turning - and fast.
In the last two weeks alone down here in the south east I have witnessed Tesla's queuing in numbers at Superchargers, and indeed on Saturday watched as a scuffle broke out at Cobham services between two waiting Tesla drivers as to who was "next on". I definitely would NOT be getting a Tesla now for those very reasons.
Tesla S/X owners still have more than anyone - I don't think there is another EV that can DC charge at both CCS and CHAdeMO chargers? Its normally one or the other, though I admit the CHAdeMO adaptor is a waste of money these days.
I've never used any none Tesla public charger though apart from one Ecotricity unit to test out the CCS adaptor - it worked, which was a surprise to me and the Ecotricity charger I suspect
. If I didn't have 'free for life' Tesla charging on the car, I don't see any reason why I wouldn't use any other public DC charging network if they are more reliable/available than the Tesla network.
Edited by gangzoom on Tuesday 8th March 06:44
TheRainMaker said:
I wouldn’t have an BEV if I couldn’t charge at home or work.
I can see the 2030 sales deadline for ICE being moved back as the powers that be figure out what a major pain in the butt it will be for people with no access to chargers at home.
That's a problem isn't it? My BEV experience was bad enough with a home charger, without one it would be a huge magnitude worse.I can see the 2030 sales deadline for ICE being moved back as the powers that be figure out what a major pain in the butt it will be for people with no access to chargers at home.
If you are in a flat/house with no off street parking it's going to be a real struggle, not to mention expensive as fast charging is of course much dearer than charging at home in the early hours on a cheap octopus tariff.
TheRainMaker said:
I can see the 2030 sales deadline for ICE being moved back as the powers that be figure out what a major pain in the butt it will be for people with no access to chargers at home.
I originally thought the same, but then they actually bought the deadline forwards by 5 years. Kinda gives the impression they're going to stick to it.Hybrid can still be sold for another 5 years though, so those who can't charge at home have that additional 5 years plus running a used car for a least another 15 years if need be.
By 2050 I expect a solution will be found so that just about everyone charge at home, or at least very close to it.
It's certainly interesting to hear of charging stories as I plan to replace Mrs V.'s car with a BEV.
With peak demand for superchargers, scuffles, ICE parked in charging bays etc. Would we see further charging issues? For instance if cars arrive for limited chargers, but those BEV have disabled or female drivers, would they take priority?
With peak demand for superchargers, scuffles, ICE parked in charging bays etc. Would we see further charging issues? For instance if cars arrive for limited chargers, but those BEV have disabled or female drivers, would they take priority?
13,000 miles and one year into ID.3 ownership here.
Averaging 1.5p per mile, 95% charging at home. Saving about £160 a month on fuel at the moment, lease is £270, so financially it is a no brainer, but I got a great deal...
Public charging mostly OK, have been caught out once by a closed car park, but in the main been fine. Instavolt are my go-to network, they are contactless payment. It can be a hassle on long Journeys using 50kw chargers, but that is improving as more 100kw spring up. I have been to Aberdeen and London, from Yorkshire, once 100kw plus are ubiqutous then the problem is basically solved as your longest charging sessions are going to be around 25/30 mins, which is still a minor pain on long journeys vs ICE, but a small price to pay for really cheap, really easy home charging 95% of the time.
Will be getting an IPace soon and will be commuting from Yorkshire to Warwick once per week. Plan to take it to Europe in summer using the Ionity and Tesla network
Averaging 1.5p per mile, 95% charging at home. Saving about £160 a month on fuel at the moment, lease is £270, so financially it is a no brainer, but I got a great deal...
Public charging mostly OK, have been caught out once by a closed car park, but in the main been fine. Instavolt are my go-to network, they are contactless payment. It can be a hassle on long Journeys using 50kw chargers, but that is improving as more 100kw spring up. I have been to Aberdeen and London, from Yorkshire, once 100kw plus are ubiqutous then the problem is basically solved as your longest charging sessions are going to be around 25/30 mins, which is still a minor pain on long journeys vs ICE, but a small price to pay for really cheap, really easy home charging 95% of the time.
Will be getting an IPace soon and will be commuting from Yorkshire to Warwick once per week. Plan to take it to Europe in summer using the Ionity and Tesla network
vikingaero said:
It's certainly interesting to hear of charging stories as I plan to replace Mrs V.'s car with a BEV.
With peak demand for superchargers, scuffles, ICE parked in charging bays etc. Would we see further charging issues? For instance if cars arrive for limited chargers, but those BEV have disabled or female drivers, would they take priority?
Read the other thread about going back to an ICE and the very same people who talk about issues on this thread or say they avoid public charging tell you that there are no issues with public charging and there is one on every corner. And I wouldn't be surprised if some of them don't even have an EV and just wished their dad did.With peak demand for superchargers, scuffles, ICE parked in charging bays etc. Would we see further charging issues? For instance if cars arrive for limited chargers, but those BEV have disabled or female drivers, would they take priority?
And thats the problem, very few people can be trusted to give you a balanced view on most forums, especially when it comes to EVs.
vikingaero said:
It's certainly interesting to hear of charging stories as I plan to replace Mrs V.'s car with a BEV.
With peak demand for superchargers, scuffles, ICE parked in charging bays etc. Would we see further charging issues? For instance if cars arrive for limited chargers, but those BEV have disabled or female drivers, would they take priority?
Wait.. female drivers equated to disabled drivers ...?With peak demand for superchargers, scuffles, ICE parked in charging bays etc. Would we see further charging issues? For instance if cars arrive for limited chargers, but those BEV have disabled or female drivers, would they take priority?
Where are you going with this
audi321 said:
I’ve had a Tesla model S for 4 years now and done around 80k miles in that time.
Wife bought a Zoe last month. Decent range (200 miles) but OMG what a terrible experience she’s had whilst charging ‘away from home’.
Firstly, the multitude of different apps she’s had to sign up with. Secondly there are so few ‘fast’ chargers. Thirdly when she arrives at one, they’re either full (as generally only a couple) or they’ve got ICE cars parked in them. It’s been a complete nightmare for her.
I’ve realised how lucky I am to have a Tesla and their infrastructure behind it. I genuinely do not believe that I could have done 80k miles in 4 years in a non Tesla EV.
Tell me she’s just been unlucky? I regularly travel up and down the M1 and I’ve never waited at a supercharger (ok they’re getting busier these days).
How do you guys manage? Or are EVs mainly for local travel and charge at home (which hers is great for). But long journeys and she’s going to take mine.
This is what sadly put me off a VW E UP. Wife bought a Zoe last month. Decent range (200 miles) but OMG what a terrible experience she’s had whilst charging ‘away from home’.
Firstly, the multitude of different apps she’s had to sign up with. Secondly there are so few ‘fast’ chargers. Thirdly when she arrives at one, they’re either full (as generally only a couple) or they’ve got ICE cars parked in them. It’s been a complete nightmare for her.
I’ve realised how lucky I am to have a Tesla and their infrastructure behind it. I genuinely do not believe that I could have done 80k miles in 4 years in a non Tesla EV.
Tell me she’s just been unlucky? I regularly travel up and down the M1 and I’ve never waited at a supercharger (ok they’re getting busier these days).
How do you guys manage? Or are EVs mainly for local travel and charge at home (which hers is great for). But long journeys and she’s going to take mine.
audi321 said:
Heres Johnny said:
And thats the problem, very few people can be trusted to give you a balanced view on most forums, especially when it comes to EVs.
Having owned an ev for 5 years almost and now the Mrs has just got one, I’d say I’m as trusted as anyone to give a balanced view?It's people like Deuce who on one thread talk about renting a van for work, says he's only done a few long distance trips for pleasure and one of those went wrong and then on a different thread saying he never has any problems travelling for work in his EV or public charging, and then when challenged comes out with yet another story. It's people posting pictures of a million charge points across the country saying there's no problem charging as they're everywhere and then on different thread saying you have to buy a Tesla because public charging is rubbish. You get the idea.
It's always been like it with EVs and Tesla owners can be the worst (and I am one and it's one of the reasons why I'd not buy another). Maybe it's always the way with whatever car or topic but I think it's important to provide a balanced view and understand the situation of whoever is asking the question. I'm sure you've seen the "it cost 1.2p per mile charging at home" which is only possible if you're already locked into a smart meter contract with one of the providers as it's no longer available. Who'd want to be stretching themselves to get into an EV, part funded by cheap charging and then find out the costs are much higher than they thought because of their situation?
It's also funny when you look at the Tesla forum where people post genuince Tesla questions hardly any of the Tesla experts can answer.. I wonder why? They simply have no clue, yet they can post 20 posts a day on how their Tesla is unbeatable. Do they really want to help?
I'm out of here, talking sensibly doesn't get you anywhere. I pity anyone stalking these forums looking for genuine advice.
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