Midge shares his experience of public charging with his Volkswagen ID.3 58kWh 2023.
What do you think of the UK public charging network in general?
Capitalism and evolution! The design of the devices has improved rapidly. The number of them likewise. Sensible integration of charge points with generation, storage, destinations, lunch etc. has been on the increase since early this year (I wasn’t watching so closely last year). Sign-posting where the chargers are in parking areas and developments is still poor. Nicely discreet once one knows where it is, less ideal for new routes. The efforts to make walled gardens of networks and hold users needs overcoming. Mapping is poor.
What and where are your favourite UK public chargers?
- Bolventor
- Solstice Park – is very effective but only fairly nice.
What’s been your best experience with a UK public charger?
Poundbury – great cafe & good chargers.
What’s been your worst experience with a UK public charger?
Ones with big screens showing adverts but poor ergonomics and scratched working screens. It is getting better though.
What’s got to change about public charging in the UK to get more people driving electric cars?
Actually just keep going, commoditise, publish online and with signs and trails. Staffing increases as some pumps and all flammable stations are.
*Press image used.
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