August 07, 2023
Public charging
The UK has a growing network of public charging points, including rapid chargers that can charge most EVs to 80% within 30 minutes. Charging points can be found in various locations, such as service stations, supermarkets, and public car parks.
How do I find charging stations?
Finding public charging stations for your electric vehicle (EV) has become easier thanks to a range of apps, websites, and in-vehicle technologies. Here are a few resources commonly used in the UK:
- Zap-Map: This is one of the most popular resources for finding charging stations in the UK. It offers a map of charging points that you can filter by connector type, charging speed, payment method, and network. Zap-Map also has a mobile app that provides real-time availability and allows users to check in and leave comments about each location.
- PlugShare: This is a global resource for finding EV charging stations. It also offers a map that you can filter by connector type and network, and it includes user-generated reviews and photos of each location. PlugShare is available on the web and as a mobile app.
- ChargePlace Scotland: If you're in Scotland, this is the national charging network. You can use their website or app to find charging locations.
- Network-Specific Apps: Many charging networks have their own apps that can help you find their charging stations. Examples in the UK include the BP Pulse app, the Pod Point app, and the Ecotricity Electric Highway app.
- In-Vehicle Navigation Systems: Many electric vehicles come with built-in navigation systems that can guide you to nearby charging stations. Check your vehicle's manual or infotainment system for more details.
- All-in-one apps: Apps like Bonnet and Paua remove the necessity to download a new charging app for each charge point operator, instead multiple different networks can be accessed through one single app and account.
Remember, it's always a good idea to check the availability and user reviews of a charging station before you head there, especially if you're running low on charge. And don't forget to check whether you'll need to sign up for an account or need a specific app or card to use the charger.
How do I pay for public charging?
Paying for public charging in the UK can vary depending on the network of the charging station. Here are some common methods:
- Pay-As-You-Go: Some charging stations allow you to pay for your charge as a one-off payment. This could involve using a contactless payment card directly at the charger, or paying through an app on your smartphone.
- Network Membership: Some networks require or offer a membership, where you pay a monthly or annual fee and then get access to a certain rate for charging. The specifics depend on the individual network – for example, some offer unlimited charging for a flat monthly fee, while others simply offer reduced per-kWh rates for members. Payments for these memberships are typically managed through an app or website.
- RFID Cards: Some charging networks provide or sell RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards that you can preload with credit to use at their charging points. When you want to charge, you simply tap the card on the charging station to start and pay for the charging session.
- Mobile Apps: Many charging networks have mobile apps that you can use to start a charging session and automatically pay for your charge. You simply add a payment method (such as a credit or debit card) to the app, and it will be charged whenever you use their network.
- On-Site Payment: Some charging stations, especially those at places like hotels or car parks, may include the cost of charging in their parking fee, or allow you to pay at a central pay station or at the front desk.
Remember to check the payment method required for a charging station before you plan to use it. This information is usually available on the network's website or app, or on the charging station itself. Keep in mind that costs can vary quite a bit from one network to another, and sometimes even from one charging station to another within the same network.
What are the different types of public charging stations?
- Public Charging Stations: There are an increasing number of public charging stations at places like shopping centres, car parks, and on streets.
- Workplace Charging: Some employers provide charging stations for employees. This can be a very convenient way to charge your car whilst at work.
- Destination Charging: Hotels, restaurants, and similar businesses are increasingly offering charging for customers.
- Lamp Post Chargers: In some urban areas, lamp posts are being fitted with charging points, providing a solution for those without access to off-street parking.
- Community Charging Schemes: Some local councils or community groups are developing shared charging solutions for residents.
- Rented Domestic Chargers: Co Charger allows you to rent charging stations on private driveways, offering payment to the host for the use of their charging point.
Do I need to bring my own charging cable?
Whether you need to bring your own charging cable to a public charging station in the UK depends on the type of charger you're using.
- For AC Chargers: AC charging points, such as those providing slow or fast charging (up to 22 kW), often require you to bring your own Type 2 cable. This is the standard connector type for electric vehicles in Europe. Some cars come with this cable when you buy them, or you can purchase one separately.
- For DC Chargers: Rapid chargers typically have tethered cables, meaning the cable is permanently attached to the charging unit. This is because the connectors for DC charging (like the CCS connector) are not standardised across all EV models. You do not need to bring your own cable to use these.
Will I have to wait for charging?
The need to wait to charge your electric vehicle (EV) in public can depend on several factors including the location, time, and the network of the charging station. Here's a bit more detail:
- Location: Charging stations located in high-traffic areas like shopping centres, motorway service stations, and city centres can often be busy, particularly during peak times. If all charging points are in use when you arrive, you will need to wait.
- Time: The time of day and week can also impact availability. Weekdays during working hours, and weekends in popular shopping or leisure areas can be peak times.
- Network: Some networks have more users than others, which can impact how often their chargers are in use.
However, there are a few strategies that can help mitigate the need to wait:
- Plan Ahead: Use apps like Zap-Map or Plugshare to plan your charging stops and always have a backup plan.
- Off-Peak Charging: If possible, try to charge during off-peak times when fewer people are likely to be using the chargers.
- Check Availability: Some apps allow you to see if chargers are currently in use before you get there. This can help you avoid arriving to find all chargers occupied.
Remember, charging an EV takes longer than refuelling a petrol or diesel car. Even fast chargers take around 20-30 minutes to provide a substantial amount of charge. It's a good idea to plan your charging stops around meal breaks or shopping trips to make the most of this time.
Do I have to pay for parking if I’m charging?
Whether or not you need to pay for parking while charging your electric vehicle (EV) in public depends on the specific rules and policies of the location where the charging station is situated.
In some cases, charging station providers or property owners may offer free parking while you're charging your EV. This is sometimes the case at shopping centres, supermarkets, or leisure facilities, where the ability to charge your vehicle is provided as a perk for customers.
However, in many city or town centre car parks, regular parking charges may still apply while you're charging your EV. You would need to pay the usual parking fee in addition to the cost of the electricity used to charge your vehicle. This is also common at many motorway service stations.
In residential areas, you may find public charging points (including lamp post chargers) on the street where usual parking restrictions or charges apply.
It's important to check the specific rules at each charging location to understand what costs apply. This information is often provided on signs at the location itself, or may be available through the charging network's app or website. If in doubt, it's best to check with the operator of the charging point or the owner of the parking area.
What are lamppost chargers?
Lamp post chargers, as the name suggests, are electric vehicle (EV) charging points that are integrated into street lamp posts. This concept has been developed as a way to utilise existing infrastructure to expand charging opportunities, particularly in urban areas and residential streets where off-street parking and therefore home charging may not be available.
Here's how they work:
- Installation: A charging point is installed in an existing lamp post. This is typically done by replacing the door of the lamp post with a new one that includes a charging socket.
- Access: Depending on the system, users may access the charger using an RFID card, a mobile app, or a contactless payment card. They can plug their vehicle into the charger using their own charging cable, just as they would with any other public charging point.
- Power: Lamp post chargers tend to provide slower charging speeds - often around 3-6 kW. This is generally because they're connected to the local low-voltage grid, which also powers the lights, homes, and other low power devices in the area. However, they're typically intended for overnight charging or topping up during the day, when a slower charge rate is often sufficient.
- Cost: The cost for charging at a lamp post charger varies depending on the provider but is generally in line with other forms of public charging.
Companies like Char.gy and Ubitricity are leading the way in providing lamp post chargers in the UK. They can be found on many residential streets in cities like London, providing an easy way for residents without a driveway or garage to charge their electric vehicle at home. The availability of lamp post chargers is set to increase as cities look to support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.
What is ICEing?
"ICEing" is a term used within the electric vehicle (EV) community to describe when an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle (petrol or diesel) is parked in a spot designated for electric vehicle charging, thus blocking access to the charging equipment. The term is a play on the acronym ICE, standing for Internal Combustion Engine.
This can be particularly frustrating for EV owners, as it can prevent them from charging their vehicles when needed. In some areas, parking regulations have been enacted to prevent ICE vehicles from occupying these charging spots, and fines may be levied against violators. However, enforcement and regulations vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the specific location.
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