EV Charging Points: A Guide To Charging On-The-Go
In this article, we share some helpful tips and advice for charging your EV away from home.
- With over 53,000 public charging points across the UK, there are plenty of places to top up your EV en-route.
- As this number continues to grow, more and more motorists are enjoying easier access to charging, making EV ownership a joy. Including Motability customers!
- Whether you’re a charging pro or could use a little reminder, our guide to using public charging stations will help keep the process simple.
As an electric vehicle (EV) owner, charging is hugely important. It’s how you keep your EV running instead of visiting a petrol station to fuel up.
Keeping your battery topped up not only ensures you have more driving range, but also helps optimise your battery’s lifespan. The process is relatively easy, though at first, it can seem a little daunting.
In this guide, you’ll learn all about charging your EV away from home and some useful tips to remember.
Where can you charge an electric vehicle?
A great thing about electric vehicles is that they can be charged pretty much anywhere. Though the best way will depend on the type of journey and how much time you have.
You can charge them at home using a domestic socket or wall-mounted charging box, or at work if your workplace has on-site charging. You can also charge on the go at dedicated public charging stations, or supermarkets and shopping centres.
Home charging is normally the easiest way to charge your EV, though it can be a little slower. You’ll also need to have off-street parking to do so with a charge point installed.
When leasing your first EV through the Motability Scheme, this will be covered in your agreement. Motability will cover the costs for both purchasing and installing the charge point, so you won’t have to do anything.
Of course, if you’re traveling a longer journey then you’ll need to use a public charging station at some point. According to Zap-Map there are currently over 53,000 of these available nationwide, with more popping up daily. So, you shouldn’t be short of options!
Using public charging points
Whether you’re using a public charging point at the gym, a shopping centre, or a local supermarket, the process is very similar.
Rapid and ultra-rapid charging points will typically charge your EV the fastest. These are commonly found at motorway service stations and provide between 100-350kW power. Great for a quick boost on the road, they can have your EV charged up to 80% in 40 minutes or less.
Other charge points will do so at different speeds depending on the type of charger and size of your battery. According to British Gas, times for different chargers are as follows:
- Home electric socket (3kw) – 12 hours*
- Home EV charger (7kW) – 6-8 hours*
- Fast public charger (22kW) – 3 hours*
- Rapid public charger (50kW) – 40 minutes^
- Ultra-rapid public charger (350kW) – 20 minutes^
*From empty
^Up to 80%
There are plenty of apps you can download to locate your nearest charging point on the go. Alternatively, you can use our interactive map.
Now we know about the different types of chargers, what about actually using them? Below are some simple steps to follow:
1. Park in the designated charging bay close enough so that the cable can reach your vehicle.
2. Open the charging port and lock the cable into place. Note that you may need to download an app beforehand to start charging.
3. Activate the charge point using the instructions on the charger or your mobile device.
4. Make sure your vehicle is secure before leaving if waiting elsewhere, and monitor progress on your chosen app.
5. Once your EV is sufficiently charged, follow the instructions to disconnect the cable.
6. You can then set off and return to your journey!
Note: This information is intended strictly for guidance purposes. Each charging station will vary. For further information on charging your specific vehicle, consult your vehicle handbook.
Costs for charging on the go
Another thing you may be wondering about when it comes to public charging is the cost. This depends on a variety of factors, such as:
- The network – just like different petrol stations, costs at different stations will differ by network
- Battery size – larger batteries will take longer to charge, and will therefore cost more to do so
- Subscriptions available – with certain networks, you can enjoy savings when charging out and about
It’s also helpful to remember that costs may be presented differently depending on the charging station. Some quote costs in per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while this may be by the minute at others.
Discover the bp pulse network
Speaking of subscriptions, the bp pulse network gives you an easier way to charge your EV on the go. With this subscription, you’ll get access to over 9,000 charging points nationwide, and handy perks such as:
- Charging discounts – save 8p per kW at bp pulse point stations
- The bp pulsepoint app – everything you need to know about your nearest charging points – from speed to availability and more
- £25 credit – to get you started, you’ll receive £25 credit to put towards your charging
- Half price hot drink – enjoy 50% off a hot drink at Wild Bean Cafe while you wait
Better yet, you’ll receive a bp network subscription through the Motability scheme when buying your first EV if you can’t use home charging!*
Top charging tips
We’ve put together our top tips for charging on the go, to make it simple and easy wherever you are:
Organise your travels
Using a route planner can be particularly handy when it comes to scheduling in a charging stop. Alternatively, you can use your vehicle’s sat nav to find your nearest station and avoid wasting further miles.
Download charging apps
These are great for finding your closest charge points on the go, and with some you can even view prices ahead of time. It never hurts to be prepared!
Consider a network subscription
Network subscriptions like bp pulse make all the difference when it comes to getting the most out of your charging.
Pack a charging cable
It’s always a good idea to pack the charging cable provided with your vehicle. This way, you can ensure any charging point will accommodate your EV.
Remember – different charger, different speed
Making note of the different charging speeds can be handy in planning your route, as you’ll know when you have time to stop.
Keeping you on the move at Vertu Motors
We hope you’ve found this article useful and feel well-prepared for charging your EV. At Vertu Motors, we’re proud to bring you access to a wide range of new Motability cars from top manufacturers.
Nearing the end of your lease? Get in touch with one of our Motability specialists today or start searching for your next vehicle. For more Motability news and insights, keep in touch with our newsroom.
*Read the full terms and conditions at https://www.motability.co.uk/whats-available/electric-cars/charging/public-charging/