M27 Services

lordmountararat

I am in the process of buying a Fiat500e and mostly will use it for short local journeys. However, about twice a year I travel from Somerset to West Sussex, which would be a push without recharging. Does anyone know whether the power outlets at Rownhams service are tethered or untethered- - the web site doesn't say, and I really don't want to cart around the charging cable unless I need to.

Keep_pedalling

lordmountararat said:

I am in the processing of buying a Fiat500e and mostly will use it for short local journeys. However, about twice a year I travel from Somerset to West Sussex, which would be a push without recharging. Does anyone know whether the power outlets at Rownhams service are tethered or untethered- - the web site doesn't say, and I really don't want to cart around the charging cable unless I need to.

All rapid chargers (anything over 22kW) are tethered, but there is only one in either direction at that service station so I would be looking for an alternative location for a charging stop.

born_again

Plenty of chargers on route. 


Gridserve have 6 to be installed each side.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1lLtXzshhTzZHl5yk4XHOeiVoU3erz6s&hl=en&ll=51.046382232519484,-1.6984718334775817&z=9&fbclid=IwAR1nonN6S0B7cEZPpaAX6OSnqpKi6TSJIGGzPl6L-Ul0GhafXnnTCf55NIc

TooManyPoints

The last time I visited Rownhams services was on my way to Dorset last September. There were only two chargers working and a queue of about a dozen cars. I believe the provision at that very busy service area is hopelessly inadequate.

Grumpy_chap

TooManyPoints said:

Rownhams services 
 I believe the provision at that very busy service area is hopelessly inadequate.

In fairness, that comment does not really only apply to EV charging provision at Rownhams Services.  It is a comment that could apply just as much to every provision at Rownhams Services.  It is a rather small location that is frequently overwhelmed by the volume of traffic / footfall and that simply serves to emphasise how dated and limited the whole site is.

The OP may be worth looking at "just off" the motorway for charging that will allow a rest break to be had in nicer and less stressed surroundings.  One such example would be the hotel just off J9.

TooManyPoints

In fairness, that comment does not really only apply to EV charging provision at Rownhams Services. 

Agreed. I travel past there five or six times a year. It is ideally placed on my journey for a comfort break but sometimes in the summer I find nowhere to park and simply drive on. Fortunately I never need fuel or leccy there.

SallyDucati

Look at ZapMap - you can enter a post code/town/address and see where any chargers are by type, and also reviews.  I've found it very useful since I got my electric car last year.

lordmountararat

Thanks everyone. Lot of helpful advice here for an EV virgin.