Mark Thompson runs a Nissan LEAF Tekna 40kWh 2018 electric car.

What do you think of the UK public charging network in general?

Overall I think it is keeping pace with the need though clearly getting busier. There are obviously anecdotes of pinch points and queues at different places at different times but I think there is far too much social media on this as it does not reflect the vast majority of charging experiences.

What and where are your favourite UK public chargers?

I have been most impressed with Gridserve in recent months and love the simplicity of contactless payment without the need for an app. They are also really easy to spot across a busy network. In contrast, I’m very wary of using Ecotricity rapids as they are so old and clearly the most prone to reliability issues IMO.

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What’s been your best experience with a UK public charger?

My first contactless app-free experience was a wonderful moment after 7 years of apps and I’ve managed to use only app-free contactless rapid chargers. So much easier!

What’s been your worst experience with a UK public charger?

I don’t think it helps to share my ‘worst’ experience as it would effectively be just an ‘anecdote’ non-EV drivers will misinterpret it as ‘this is common’. I have though from time to time (but not for quite a while) come to chargers that need rebooting remotely by charge point operators or I’ve had app issues. I’ve only ONCE in 8 years had to drive and find another charge point because of a damaged EV rapid connector (someone had driven on it) and NEVER been ICE’d.

What’s got to change about public charging in the UK to get more people driving electric cars?

Data published and updated on average public charge point ‘uptime’/reliability as there is a chronic perception among non-EV drivers and the general media that ‘EV charge points never work when you need them’. Some sort of public data on prosecutions or fixed penalties of drivers who ICE would be really useful too. Also a code of conduct that is common, clear and displayed on every charging bay.

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