‘First charge failed’ shares his experience of public charging with his Toyota bZ4X.

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

Confusing & unreliable. Even if I can find a working charger that is not in use, I wouldn’t know how to use it. Do I need an app or just use my credit card? And how fast does it charge ?

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

Tried to use one at Tesco but when I plugged it in there was a message that said ‘Host Error’ which meant nothing to me. I had to use the emergency release under the bonnet to unplug it from the car. No help available whatsoever e.g. a phone number on the charger.

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

Make sure that the chargers are actually working. Install more in smaller towns and areas where people usually go on holiday. They are too expensive – 80p per kWh is more than running an ICE car. The Government could remove or reduce the VAT.

*Manufacturer image used.

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