Charging options when visiting the UK - Kia e-Niro MY22

davidod1

I have a forthcoming short trip to the UK and I am wondering if anyone can advice on what are the best charging options to look at.

I don't want to sign up for a regular monthly payment, just a rock-up, charge and go. I know that Ionity chargers are widespread, but without a plan, they are outrageously expensive.

What other options might be recommended, including KIA's own plan?

Thanks,

zg3409

Where in UK are you going to from?

Fingleberries

Does Kia's own plan give discounted Ionity?

Maybe check Bonnet? Some people have had success with this at various locations - not sure if they still offer discount at Ionity. They were briefly available in Ireland, but are still available in the UK.

They have Pay as you go options and monthly subs (or refills as they call them) ... You can cancel the sub after 1 month. It's not an annual sub like Ionity.

davidod1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119650405#Comment_119650405

Holyhead to Ross on Wye (Gloucester area) and return.

davidod1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119651498#Comment_119651498

Bonnet might be an option alright, thank you.

the_amazing_raisin

Having done Holyhead to Cornwall and back, I'd recommend sticking to motorway hubs with lots of chargers

If you're taking the A50/M6/M5 route near Birmingham then probably Ionity Stafford is a good stop. 6 chargers plus a Starbucks nearby. It's busy but the turnover is reasonably quick

https://payment.ionity.eu/charger-detail/4321

If you're unsure about destination chargers and are willing to detour there's a big Gridserve location near Bristol

https://electrichighway.gridserve.com/severn-view-services

Many UK chargers now take credit cards, but bring your Kia charge card just in case

If possible try to use a destination charger to fill up for the journey home

the_amazing_raisin

Regarding the prices, you could try signing up for a plan then cancelling within the 14 days cooling off period. You might end up paying the full rate then

Tbh, I wouldn't sign up for a plan for one trip unless the savings paid for several months of the subscription.

If you have to occasional long trip which uses some expensive charging then it's still well offset by the savings for the rest of the year

davidod1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119651999#Comment_119651999

I don't have a Kia Charge Card, but I see that you can get one without a monthly fee. Looks like I should get one of those. Do you know if the Ireland card will work in the UK?

the_amazing_raisin

It's something you'd need to double check with Kia, but a lot of their cards give you access to multiple third-party networks across Europe

With VW, I can use the app to see which chargers accept We Charge cards. I go to the map and tap on a charger to see the payment opy. Maybe Kia have something similar

davidod1

Thanks for all those suggestions, the Kia Card sounds like it's something I should have had anyway. I've done all my charging at home and never yet even used a public charger 🤔

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119653069#Comment_119653069

No worries, I'm in a similar boat, needed to public charge exactly one other time than that trip

Looking at the map, the Kia Charge card should give you access to Ionity and plenty of others

It won't work on Gridserve, but I think all their locations take credit cards anyway

Fingleberries

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119651747#Comment_119651747

Might be worth checking before you go if you can download the Bonnet app from your app store. I had it installed (android) from before they ruled out services in Ireland.

A friend mentioned they now can't download Bonnet from the Ireland AppStore on iPhone.

davidod1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119655255#Comment_119655255

I'll certainly keep Bonnet in mind. It's not on the Android Play Store at the moment anyway. I can try for again in the UK when I'm there. Thanks👍️