Electric cars and solar panels

Narc0lepsy

OK can I please ask another question? I'm going on a long journey in a couple of week's time so I will need to use a public charger or two. I've read that if I get the Zapmap app, I will be able to charge from a range of different suppliers. I was hoping to stick to just using a credit/debit card rather than get yet another app, but I've read that not all charge points accept these (my local Aldi for example). I certainly don't want to get lots of different apps for different suppliers. I've checked the most likely first charging point, at a Tesco which uses Pod Point, and the website suggests that I will need an app.

Ectophile

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82057170#Comment_82057170

The ZapMap app itself is just an app that's useful for finding chargers. They do have additional services that you can subscribe to.

All public rapid chargers should now accept contactless credit or debit cards.

Fast (i.e. slow) chargers are a mess and have all sorts of payment methods. Including several different apps. PodPoint is one that needs an app, and you have to prepay before you charge.

QrizB

We use Octopus's "Electroverse" app and RFID card. It lets us charge from loads (but not all) of UK and international EV charger networks using the same account, and avoids needing as many different apps.

In our case, as we're Octopus customers, we can have the Electroverse payments taken from our domestic energy account. If you aren't an Octopus customer you can link a credit/debit card to your account, or (on Android) pay by Google Pay.

chuffinnora

You can use a card on most (if it works!) but they will carry out a pre-auth for a specified amount (for example £30) and often thats held for a few days/week before you get it back. You will also pay the full astronomical rate unless subscribed or under some kind of deal.

WellKnownSid

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82057170#Comment_82057170

See if there are any public Tesla superchargers on your route.

They are much cheaper than other DC charging networks and from experience the equipment is always working. Have used the app all over Europe and it’s seamless and quick, but cards are also accepted on the open UK superchargers.

Cornucopia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82057170#Comment_82057170

Zapmap is a reliable source of info about public chargers (though not 100% IME). All rapid DC chargers are required to offer direct payment via card. Other options like Apps and RFID cards may also be available.

Aldi's chargers are AC chargers (much slower than rapid chargers). They do not require direct card payment, and same applies to Tesco/Podpoint AC chargers. Aldi are not that reliable IME, and if you're on a long trip you probably don't want to be charging at 7-22kW, anyway.

I'd suggest getting a free Electroverse card from Octopus - especially if you are already an Octopus customer. The Podpoint app (for Tesco) is pretty easy to use, although it does require pre-payment.

Grey_Critic

Talking with my mate about charging his BMW - Had it two years and has charged it from his solar panels from new.

Narc0lepsy

Thanks everyone. I'm in the process of getting the Electroverse card although so far it's sent me the link so slowly that it's past its 'timed out' period before the email has come through. Twice. I'll keep trying. I also notice that I can get a subscription-free 'Charge MyHyundai' app. I'll read more about it but as a new owner, seems I'll get a month's free subscription to the paid version which gives discount at Ionity; I just need to remember to cancel it at the end of the month and revert to the free version. Google AI has just suggested an MFG station on my route as MFG have just reduced their rate to 59p.

Personally I'd prefer to avoid Tesla.

As for "astronomical rates" - sure, compared with at-home charging but I don't drive long distances more than once every couple of months without access to a home charger, so either I choose not to go anywhere or I just pay it.

I'm just getting my head round 'rapid', 'ultra-fast' etc and I see that my Inster won't charge any faster by the ultra, it will be about 30mins for either to get from 10% to 80%.

Thanks for all your comments, it's a rapid learning curve but I'm getting there!

Ectophile

I have an Electroverse card, and prefer their app to ZapMap. Their app only shows Electroverse compatible chargers, which may be good or bad, depending on the context.

My experience with MFG is pretty good. Their chargers are usually on petrol station forecourts, and are actually working when I have visited them. The bane of any EV owners life is the broken chargers that never get fixed.

When out on a road trip, I tend to look for the bigger charging hubs, rather than the little 2-bay charger at the back of a car park.