Škoda ENYAQ Coupé 2023: Public charging review

‘Skoda owner’ shares their experience of public charging with their Škoda ENYAQ Coupé 80 Sportline 2023.

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

Probably good in places, generally improving. If I drive long distances it’s the M5. Until recently most of the motorway services north of Exeter only had one or two charging posts, some had none (Strensham). Gloucester have taken the lead in improving this. But my experience has been of places that are difficult to reverse into because they are on the main thoroughfare in front of the building and often not working (mainly GRIDSERVE), usually the card reader. I read of charging hubs in various parts of the country but not in the places I seem to need them!

What and where are your favourite UK public chargers?

IONITY (Cullomption) – the Services aren’t up to much but if I can make it back to these chargers, they are quick, reliable and there’s a space to queue.

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

Stopping at successive motorway services up the M5 to find chargers not working, installed but not yet operational, or not existing at all. Thankfully, I needed a break more than the car needed to charge and I completed the journey without topping up.

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

Visibility – the better charging stops are in places where people don’t see them or know they are there and also what they cost. It’s unacceptable that they can charge up to £1.00 per kW in some places with Tesla offering around 40p. It should be as transparent as filling up with dinosaur juice. It would also help if we could be sure that chargers were working or that cables hadn’t been stolen, so maybe a redesign or enhanced security in places.

*Škoda press image used.