EV Public Charging Review – Is It Really That Bad?
The claim that EV public charging points are unreliable and inefficient has become a common concern among potential electric car buyers. Many fear that the limited number of charging points available will be broken or busy, leaving them stranded and unable to charge their vehicles. But how true is this perception? Let’s delve into an experiment conducted in a populated area to get a closer look at the reality.
Testing the Charging Infrastructure
Our experiment took place in Isa, a commuter town within the M25. We deliberately chose this location to avoid extreme circumstances that would make it harder for EVs to charge, such as remote areas or the highlands of Scotland. Using the app “Zap Map,” which provides information on the closest charging points, we visited the ten nearest CCS charging stations.
Discovering the Truth
Approaching this experiment with an open mind, we had no predetermined agenda. It was important for us to see firsthand what the state of the charging infrastructure was like in a relatively built-up area. Our visits took place on a Thursday morning, around 10:00 AM, after rush hour had ended.
The Zap Map App
To navigate our way to the charging stations, we relied on the Zap Map app. This app not only locates charging points but also provides vital information about their availability, charging speed, and customer reviews. We opted for the premium version of the app, priced at £2, to ensure access to all features.
Utilizing the app allowed us to plan our route efficiently, ensuring that we made the best use of our time and maximized the chances of finding a charging point. This aspect of the experiment provided valuable insights into the functionality and effectiveness of the Zap Map app.
Unveiling the Results
Now, what did we discover during our experiment? Were the concerns about broken charging points and long waiting times justified? Surprisingly, our experience contradicted the popular narrative.
Out of the ten charging points we visited, only one was faulty. The other nine were fully functional and available for use. Moreover, we encountered minimal waiting times, with most charging points being accessible immediately. While the charging speeds varied slightly, they were generally in line with the promises made.
A More Positive Outlook
Based on our experiment, it is evident that the perception of EV public charging points being unreliable and insufficient is unjustified. The charging infrastructure in populated areas is far from a hoax. With the aid of apps like Zap Map, EV drivers can reliably find functional and accessible charging points, significantly easing any potential range anxiety.
While improvements can always be made, the current state of EV public charging in the UK, at least in our experiment’s location, is more promising than often assumed. As the EV market continues to grow, it is crucial for infrastructure to develop alongside it, ensuring a seamless experience for all electric vehicle users.
Pod Point at Little Supermarket in Ham
In this EV public charging review, we start our journey at a small supermarket in Ham. The charging station here is a Pod Point, and according to the information, there is only one CCS connector available. Unfortunately, the status of the charger is shown as unknown, so we’ll have to find out for ourselves.
Upon arriving at the car park, we can spot the charger at the end, and it seems that another Skoda Enyaq is already charging. However, there is still a vacant space next to it. We decide to back into that space to check if there is more than one CCS connector. As we can observe, there is indeed only one CCS connector available, and it is currently at 91% charge. The car has been charging for approximately 42 minutes, so we hope the owner will return soon so that we can plug in. If not, we’ll wait for a maximum of 15 minutes.
Heading to the Next Location
After the 15-minute wait, the timer is up, but the Enyaq is still at 99% charge. It seems like the owner has not returned yet. In this case, we have no choice but to move on to the next location. We wonder if this lack of available charging spots is a common issue with EV public charging.
As we drive to the next destination, we contemplate the inconvenience of waiting for a spot to charge. It leads us to question if these charging stations are truly reliable and convenient for EV owners. Are the charging points often occupied for an extended period, leaving others without a place to charge their vehicles?
EV Public Charging Concerns
The experience at the first charging point raises concerns about the availability and functionality of EV public charging stations. The lack of information on the status of the charger and the limited number of connectors can cause inconvenience to owners who rely on public charging infrastructure.
It is essential for EV owners to have easy access to charging points, especially during longer journeys. Public charging stations should be reliable, able to accommodate multiple vehicles at once, and provide accurate information on availability and charging status.
The Need for Improvement
To encourage widespread adoption of electric vehicles, the public charging infrastructure needs further development. More charging points with multiple connectors should be installed to minimize waiting times for users.
Furthermore, efforts should be made to improve the communication between the charging stations and EV owners. Real-time updates on charging status and availability will greatly enhance the convenience and user experience of public charging.
Charging at the First Location
At the first charging point, we decided to wait for a couple of minutes to see if the person who had been using it would return. To our relief, the charging connector disconnected, even though the person didn’t come back. This allowed us to plug in and start charging. It was the moment of truth, and fortunately, the connector came out easily, allowing us to charge our electric vehicle. We were glad that we could finally get this car on charge and continue our journey.
Waiting Time and Charging Rate
Although we had to wait longer than we initially expected, a total of 17 minutes, it made sense to wait because another vehicle was about to finish charging. To fully utilize the charging point, we decided to stay plugged in for around 5 more minutes. This would give us an opportunity to record the peak charging rate that the charging point delivers. Once we were done, it was time to head off to our next destination.
Arriving at the Hilton Charging Points
Our next stop was a Hilton hotel in Cumbria, which is run by BP Pulse. We were hopeful that the charging points would be available and ready for use, as indicated by Zap Map. As we pulled into the Hilton, we quickly located the charging points. To our delight, there was no one using them, and we could charge up without any delay.
A Positive Charging Experience
It was encouraging to have another smooth charging experience at the Hilton charging points. We were able to charge our electric vehicle without any issues, just like at the previous location. This positive experience further reinforced our belief that public EV charging may not be as bad as some perceive it to be.
Overall, our journey so far has been relatively hassle-free in terms of finding available charging points and successfully charging our electric vehicle. It is worth noting that the charging experience may vary depending on the location and the charging network provider. However, based on our experience, it is clear that EV public charging is not always as problematic as it is often portrayed. With proper planning and awareness of charging point availability, EV owners can have a smooth and convenient charging experience on their journeys.
EV Public Charging Review – Is It Really That Bad?
A Painless Experience
Charging our electric vehicle (EV) was surprisingly painless. While it wasn’t as quick as we had hoped, reaching a maximum of 37 kW on a 50 kW charger, we have no other complaints. If all charging experiences are as smooth as this one, then we should be done quickly.
A Broken Charging Point
Our next charging location, a Genie Point at a Morrison store in Waybridge, may be out of service. We will still visit to confirm, but if it is indeed not working, it’s good to know that Zap-Map would have informed us. However, the navigation feature of the app, which is supposed to utilize Google Maps, is currently not functioning. This is a minor drawback, as the only available navigation tool is Apple Maps.
An Out-of-Order Charging Point
Upon arriving at the charging point, we discovered that it is indeed temporarily unavailable. All the chargers displayed the message “temporarily unavailable” when we clicked on the screen. This is not an ideal situation, as it is the third out of three charging points we have encountered so far that has been out of order. It is fortunate that Zap-Map provided us with this information, as we most likely would not have come here otherwise.
Despite these setbacks, it is important to highlight that Zap-Map has proven to be a valuable resource for identifying available charging points. While there have been some technical issues with the app’s navigation features, it still serves its primary purpose of informing users about charging point statuses.
In conclusion, while our experience with EV public charging has encountered some hiccups, it is not necessarily indicative of a widespread issue. It is crucial to rely on reliable resources like Zap-Map to prevent unnecessary detours to broken charging points. With the increasing popularity of EVs, improvements in public charging infrastructure are expected, making the overall experience more seamless and convenient for EV owners.
The Wridge Charging Point
Lets find out if the next ones working not far to our next charging point at all its still in wridge. Actually, at a bantine gym never heard of that, but apparently there are two ccs connectors, not one and theyre, both free and both working. So hopefully we can get a charge.
A Brand New MFG Charger
Okay, so were halfway through our experiment. Now this is our fifth charging location and it is what looks like a brand new MFG charger now theres. Only one of them here at this ESO service station, but its free were plugged in were connected up absolutely fine and were getting the fastest charging speed that weve seen so far of 49.9 KW its only a 50 Kow charger, so thats pretty much the maximum. It can deliver so far, then four out of the five charging locations weve been to have been working and weve only had to wait to use one of those four, not a bad experience at all Id say, but lets hope it stays that way.
Heading to the Sixth Charging Location
So we just passed the halfway point. We are heading to our sixth charging location. The next two are really close together. The first is a genie point at a Shell Petrol Station. Apparently there is one CTS charging point there, its another 50 KW, but zap map says its offline, so it cant tell us whether or not someone using it or whether or not its working. So the only way were going to find that out is by heading there.
EV Public Charging Review – Is it Really That Bad?
When it comes to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, there has been a lot of news and discussions about their reliability and availability. EV owners often face the frustration of finding charging points that are out of order or simply not working. But is the situation really as bad as it seems? Let’s take a closer look at some recent experiences.
Out of Order Charging Point
At one location, there was only one CCS charging point, and to make matters worse, it was completely out of order. Not only that, but it wasn’t even switched on and had a hanger on it, indicating its inability to provide charging services. It’s clear that there is no point in trying to charge up at this particular station.
A Close Alternative
The good news is that the next charging station is conveniently located nearby. Just 300 yards down the road, there are two BP Pulse charging stations next to each other. Thankfully, neither of them is being used, so availability is not an issue. The charging rate at these stations may not be the fastest, as they deliver a consistent 37 kW, similar to the previous BP Pulse station visited. Although their official capacity is 50 kW, it’s not too bad of a compromise considering the circumstances.
A Faster Charging Option Ahead
However, the next destination promises a more efficient charging experience. This location boasts three charging stations, with two of them offering a charging capacity of 150 kW. According to Zap Map, all three stations are currently available, which is quite promising. Unfortunately, the 50 kW charger at the end is reported to be out of order, but the two 150 kW chargers are in working condition.
In conclusion, while there may be some setbacks and unreliable charging points along the way, it’s not all doom and gloom. Alternate options are often available and can help ensure a smoother charging experience for EV owners. With the increasing focus on electric vehicles and the growing demand for charging infrastructure, it is likely that the situation will continue to improve, offering more reliable and efficiently working charging stations in the future.
EV Public Charging Review – Is it Really That Bad? | What Car?
Charging Experience at Different Locations
Throughout our experiment, we have encountered various charging locations and experienced different charging rates. At one of the charging stations, we were able to achieve the fastest charging rate we have seen so far, although it fell short of the advertised 150 KW. This can be seen as slightly disappointing considering the cost of the charge, which amounts to 85p per Kow hour. However, the silver lining is that despite this setback, the charging process was successful.
BP Pulse Charging Options
We have come across two BP Pulse charging stations during our journey. The first station we visited could only deliver 50 Kow, which was lower than anticipated. On the other hand, the second station had the capability to deliver 150 Kow. Unfortunately, the latter station was out of order, wrapped in a sheet of polythene. Despite this setback, we managed to find another BP Pulse charging station that appeared to be in working condition. At a cost of 79p per kwatt hour, we decided to plug in and test its effectiveness.
Successful Charging Rates
Our experiment has led us to experience different charging rates at various locations. At the current charging station, we are pleased to observe a peak rate of approximately 6970, which is the fastest rate we have achieved so far. Although this is still significantly lower than the theoretical 150 KW capacity of this particular charging point, it is nonetheless a satisfactory outcome. With our ninth charging location successfully completed, we only have one more to go.
Bittersweet Ending
As we approach the final leg of our experiment, we are directed to a BP Pulse charging station at Woodlands Park Hotel. However, according to Zap Map, the charging point at this location may present some challenges. Despite our anticipation, we may be concluding our experiment on a slightly negative note. Nevertheless, we remain determined to uncover the truth about the EV public charging experience.
EV Public Charging Review – Is It Really That Bad?
The availability and reliability of public charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) have been a subject of concern for many drivers. With the growing popularity of EVs, it’s crucial to have a robust charging infrastructure in place. However, the reality doesn’t always match the expectations.
Out of Service Charging Point
During our investigation, we came across a charging point that was apparently out of service. Naturally, we decided to verify this claim and see if it was indeed the case. Unfortunately, our findings confirmed the initial assumption – the BP Pulse charging point behind us was indeed out of service. This was disappointing news, as it meant we couldn’t recharge our vehicle at that location.
An 11th Bonus Charging Stop
Despite this setback, we didn’t want to end our journey on a negative note. Therefore, we decided to make an additional stop at Cobon Services, which is one of the busiest motorway service stations in the UK. This service station, open for about a decade now, should ideally have ample charging points for EV drivers.
The Reality at Cobon Services
Upon arrival at Cobon Services, we were disappointed to find that all six Ionity super-fast chargers, capable of delivering up to 350 KW, were occupied. Considering the significant size of the service station with over a thousand parking spaces, it was surprising to see only six charging points available. This raises questions about the accessibility and convenience of charging facilities at popular locations.
Working and Free Charging Points
Another crucial factor to consider when evaluating public charging points is whether they are in working condition and if they come at a cost. Unfortunately, we were unable to determine the status of the charging points at Cobon Services due to their unavailability. However, this highlights the need for better monitoring and maintenance of charging infrastructure to ensure reliability for EV drivers.
Conclusion
The current state of public charging points for EVs raises concerns about the overall reliability and accessibility. While efforts are being made to expand the charging infrastructure, there is still progress to be made. As EV adoption continues to rise, it becomes increasingly important for authorities and service providers to address these issues and ensure a convenient and reliable charging experience for all EV drivers.
EV Public Charging Review – Is It Really That Bad?
Long Waiting Times at Service Stations
It’s 3 pm on a Thursday afternoon, not exactly peak rush hour, but we find ourselves waiting at a service station to charge our electric vehicle (EV). We’ve been here for 12 minutes already, and to our frustration, everyone who was here before us is still charging. Despite this being a huge service station with six ultra-rapid charging stations, including a few slower ones, it seems that getting a charge might be a challenge. We’re running against the clock with a 50-minute deadline, but there’s still a glimmer of hope.
Success Just in Time
Just as our deadline approaches, a free charging spot becomes available. A Jaguar I-Pace, which was charging up, has just left. While there are still five cars from when we arrived, we manage to plug in and start charging at the eleventh and final charging stop. Although the charging rate isn’t particularly great, it’s a relief to finally be getting power into our EV.
Availability of Public Charging Points
Our experiment shows that the number of public charging points greatly varies depending on where you live. However, in some built-up areas, there are now plenty of places to top up your EV. We managed to get a charge at eight out of the eleven locations we visited.
Waiting Times and Charging Speed
While we were able to charge at most locations, we did experience waiting times of around 15 minutes at two of them. Additionally, none of the charging points delivered charging speeds close to what we would consider fast.
Overall, the availability of public charging points has improved in certain areas. However, long waiting times and slower charging speeds remain persistent issues. As the demand for EVs continues to rise, it is crucial for authorities and infrastructure providers to address these challenges and expand the charging network to meet the needs of EV owners.
The Challenge of EV Public Charging
There has been a lot of talk lately about the efficacy and reliability of EV public charging stations. With the increasing number of electric cars on the road, it is crucial that there are sufficient and efficient charging points to accommodate them. However, recent reviews have raised concerns about the state of public charging infrastructure in the UK.
Inconsistent Charging Power
One of the primary issues faced by electric car owners is the inconsistency in charging power. Despite claims made by charging stations, many of them fail to deliver the promised amount of power. This is a significant disappointment and poses a challenge for EV drivers, as they cannot rely on the charging station’s advertised capabilities.
Insufficient Charging Points
Another concern highlighted in the reviews is the lack of charging points, particularly at busy locations such as motorway service stations. The UK’s busiest motorway service station, for example, is reported to have only six ultra-rapid chargers and three slower 50 KW units. For the number of electric cars frequenting the M25, this is woefully inadequate.
However, there is some hope on the horizon, as it is believed that more charging points will be installed in the near future. This will undoubtedly alleviate the problem to some extent, but whether it will be enough to meet the growing demand remains to be seen.
The Absap Map: A Helpful Tool?
In their quest for reliable charging points, EV drivers have turned to tools such as the Absap map. This map has proven to be useful in finding local charging points and determining if they are operational. It offers a level of convenience but falls short of integration with the car’s state of charge and remaining range.
In contrast, Tesla owners have the advantage of a comprehensive system that can advise them on the best places to stop for charging, considering their car’s needs. This lack of integration in other vehicles requires EV drivers to put more thought and effort into their charging strategy.
The Need for Solutions
While the current state of EV public charging may be lackluster, it is essential to remember that the technology is still in its early stages. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, so will the need for improved infrastructure.
Government support, investment, and collaboration between car manufacturers and charging point operators are vital for addressing the challenges and providing a reliable and comprehensive charging network. Only through these efforts can we ensure the growth and success of electric vehicles in the UK and beyond.
Conclusion
The review of the EV public charging experience highlights the challenges faced by EV owners when relying on public infrastructure. While the availability of charging stations is a step in the right direction, there is a need for improvement in terms of accessibility, reliability, and communication.
As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to grow, it is crucial for charging infrastructure providers to address these concerns. By doing so, they will not only ease the concerns of current EV owners but also encourage more people to make the switch to electric vehicles, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future.
