LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
When it comes to charging an EV, there’s still a level of uncertainty about there not being enough places to top-up. While in the past options were a little limited, that’s increasingly no longer the case. In fact, there’s more charging options available to EV drivers than ever!. After all, when did you last have a private petrol station at home? Let’s take a look at the most common charging destinations.
1. Home, sweet, home
If you own or finance an EV, charging at home will generally be your go-to option. With 99% of journeys being less than 100 miles, you’ll almost never have to top-up anywhere else to be honest. Charging is generally done via a specially installed charge point, however with some models a regular 3-pin plug is an option (but only in an emergency).
2. Just the job at work
More and more employers are installing charging points for their staff. Not only is this a perk for employees with an EV, it’s great for boosting the business’s eco-credentials too. Win-win. If your current employer doesn’t provide this option, why not team up with your fellow EV drivers and put a little gentle pressure on the HR department. It’s for the good of the planet after all.
3. Going public
If you’re popping to a public destination, you’re more likely than ever to find a charge point waiting for you. Supermarkets, cinemas, retail outlets, town centre car parks – the list goes on. Best of all, many of these charge points are completely free to use, as businesses provide them as an incentive for you to visit and spend some money. As many of these charge points tend to offer slow and fast charging (rather than rapid), you’ll generally need to use your own cables so remember to keep them at hand. And don’t forget, there are also thousands of charge points located at motorway services throughout the UK that are particularly handy if you’re hiring an EV.
HOW DOES PAYMENT WORK?
When it comes to burning questions, “how do I pay for charging?” is a hot favourite. While most owners top-up at home overnight and simply add to their electric bill, for those planning to charge on the go it’s important to know what payment options exist. Here’s a quick overview of the most common payment options.
Contactless credit or debit card
An increasingly popular option with many network operators, paying by contactless is quick, simple and app-free. That ease does come at a cost though (quite literally), as contactless payment is generally the priciest way to pay due to the cost of installation. It’s also far more common on the latest rapid and ultra-rapid devices than existing fast and slow chargers.
Paying by Zap-Pay
With multiple network operators, come multiple network apps. It can all get a bit confusing to be honest. That’s why Zapmap launched Zap-Pay, a single-app payment solution that uses a credit or debit card to pay for charging. This time-saving option covers many of the biggest networks in the UK, which can all be searched for and paid for within the app.
Paying via a network app
It’s a requirement for all charging networks to provide the option to pay-as-you-go. For those that don’t have contactless or Zap-Pay capability, you’ll usually have to download their unique app, create an account and load a minimum of credit onto the account.
Using an RFID card
RFID stands for radio frequency identification and remains a popular payment option with several networks. It works by tapping the RFID card against the reader on the device, which identifies the unique user and initiates the payment process. While contactless payment is fast becoming the go-to option for many, with that comes longer queues at compatible charge points. That’s why having an RFID card remains a good idea, as you’ll always have a back-up plan.
KEEPING YOU GOING ON THE GO
It’s fair to say the UK’s public electric vehicle charging network has exploded in recent years, which is great news if you’re planning to hire an EV with us. You’ll find most networks offer a mix of slow, fast and rapid options, but unsurprisingly ultra-rapid charging is increasingly their main focus. We’ve picked out a few networks below, but like molehills, new ones are popping up all the time.
The UK’s largest open public charging network with over 600+ locations across the country. You’ll find them everywhere from retail and hospitality services to gyms and motorways.
Cost per charge*: 85p per kWh
Ultra-rapid experts Ionity specialise in supercharging drivers travelling along main routes across the UK and Europe.
Cost per charge*: 74p per kWh
One of the UK’s largest charging networks, Pod Point’s ultimate ambition is to put an electric vehicle charge point in every location you park.
Cost per charge*: 44p-69p per kWh
The multi-award-winning Shell network offers EV drivers electricity from 100% certified renewable sources, and like all network operates on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Cost per charge*: 65p-85p per kWh
Long established in Europe, Swarco E.Connect is increasingly becoming a familiar face across the UK and offers a wide number of payment options to EV drivers on the go.
Cost per charge*: 79p per kWh
With over 600 chargers across the UK and counting, Tesla’s Supercharger network is one of the UK’s fastest with speeds of up to 150 kW.
Cost per charge*: Free-52p per kWh
With a focus on fast and rapid chargers in destination locations across the UK, Alfa Power are famous for pushing the boundaries of the eMobility industry.
Cost per charge*: 56p per kWh
Driven by a desire to provide fair, simple and accessible vehicle charging, Clenergy EV continue to expand across the UK.
Cost per charge*: Model specific
Set up by the Zero Carbon World charity for the hospitality industry, ZeroNet charge points are intended to be used by EV drivers as they eat, stay and relax.
Cost per charge*: Location specific
Want to know more? Check out Zapmap’s in-depth network guides.
*Prices may vary depending on charge rate, location and time of use. Visit network websites for the latest figures.