Standard plugs for charging EVs?

Standard plugs for charging EVs?

Author
Discussion

456GT

Original Poster:

301 posts

178 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
There are now quite a few manufacturers of EVs and there are a few charging networks about.

For longer journeys, do you have to work out which charging stations are available and what connector you'll need or can you turn up in any EV to any charging point? What are the things you would need to consider?

Also, are there standard connectors for the UK but different ones for Europe and other parts of the world?

TooLateForAName

4,749 posts

184 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all

strudel

5,888 posts

227 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
The main problem is all the different networks. If you're on the motorway you'll probably survive with a free ecotricity card, but you'll need to hold onto a couple of cards and likely pay for a few subscriptions to be truly covered.

Are there any plans to use contactless cards at chargers, as they should be able to be read too? Plus they're well recognised - I only need one debit card to be able to buy fuel at 99.99% of filling stations.

456GT

Original Poster:

301 posts

178 months

Thursday 29th October 2015
quotequote all
strudel said:
The main problem is all the different networks. If you're on the motorway you'll probably survive with a free ecotricity card, but you'll need to hold onto a couple of cards and likely pay for a few subscriptions to be truly covered.

Are there any plans to use contactless cards at chargers, as they should be able to be read too? Plus they're well recognised - I only need one debit card to be able to buy fuel at 99.99% of filling stations.
I'll mostly likely switch to EV when I need to replace our current cars in 3 - 4 years time. Hopefully there will be a standardised way to charge up and pay by then!

The cars are only used for commuting with the odd 150 mile trip to visit family; I guess home charging will be fine for 99% of the time...?