Public Charging Companies/Apps

Soarer

Afternoon all.

I should be (hopefully) getting back into the EV world this week, and I'm starting with a near 200km journey home.

Back in the day, it was eCars and Chademo in my Leaf. So I knew exactly where I stood.

But nowadays there's all sorts of companies doing all sorts of stuff.

So I guess what I'm asking is...

How do I get a start on the public DC (CCS) network?

Are any companies better/worse/dearer/cheaper/more reliable than others?

Do you need a myriad of apps, or is there a one-stop-shop available?

Is there an app/website to plan your journey around charging points?

Are EVs still free on toll roads (have a toll tag from my PHEV)?

Anything else I should know?

Sound.

the_amazing_raisin

Are you getting access to any networks with the car? A lot of manufacturers have their own charging cards which should give access to the Ecars network

Other than Ecars, you got EasyGo, Applegreen and Ionity

Also Tesla superchargers, if you have a Tesla

I'd use A Better Route Planner to plan your route and see what networks are on your way home and you can download the apps in advance

What car did you get? Quite possible it'll make the distance without a charge

Buddy Bubs

I use plugshare to keep an eye on charging sites for my relatively few long journeys where I will need a public charge. I have the esb card and app, the elli one for vw products, monta (although ive never used it) and the ionity one. That does me fine.

Did Dublin to mayo on Friday, back Saturday, stopped at ionity athlone on the way there and the way back and that was it. About 45 mins each time but we got something to eat while there so it wasn't like hanging around or anything

Soarer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120432100#Comment_120432100

Thanks for that.

She's an Ioniq28. If I take it handy, I'll be close enough to making it. Once I'm home, there'll be very few long journeys, so I mightn't take it easy coming home and test the charging network somewhere.

Soarer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120432103#Comment_120432103

Plugshare. That's the thing I couldn't remember. Remembered ZapMap alright.

Del2005

Don't use the tag for a different car on the tolls. If you can't change the reg to your new car online pay at the booths.

Soarer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120436345#Comment_120436345

Have changed the reg to the new one in the app. Hopefully it'll be transferred before Thursday. Will pay cash otherwise.

traco

Resurrecting this thread as I can't seem to find another one.

We have the one for new locations but don't see another one for general discussion or guidance about visiting specific locations where people can offer suggestions and guidance.

There is a trip to KK planned and looking for a place to charge up while we are there. The shopping center seems like a good bet or otherwise the station but any advice appreciated. Will probably be there for two or three hours.

McDonagh Junction Shopping Center Kilkenny:

Plugshare saying 4 x type 2, no details for power but highest seems like 11kw on the reviews.

I am struggling with the app info - it says eo app but that is throwing up two options on android. Looking at them it seems like its the one with the white background and blue eo text but the reviews are not good. Needless to say they thoughts of another app is also annoying me but thats another story.

So any advice on McDonagh Junction or alternative locations where it would be conveninet to top up while there.

Miscreant

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121733590#Comment_121733590

If you're looking for "fast" chargers, you need to set your Plugshare filter to CCS. Type 2 will only give you up to 11KW, as you have found, so use the filter and you may find others in Kilkenny that will suit.

traco

Cheers - I know that but the McDonagh one was coveninet for where we are going

CivilEx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121734477#Comment_121734477

John's Green (ESB) is right beside it.

https://www.plugshare.com/location/35131

While you are in MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, take a picture of the chargers there and pop it onto Plugshare so that the next person has up to date information :) I generally try to avoid these chargers in Shopping Centers as a rule as you have the hassle of downloading yet another app, registering your bank details and then you wonder if it's going to work. I'd rather spend 10 - 15mins at the 150kW DC charger in the Kilkenny retail park on the way there as an example and then park where I want.

https://www.plugshare.com/location/560294

traco

I think you are right. Will have to make sure approriate walking footwear is worn along with suitable atire for a period of time outdoors.