Roadside Emergency Charging

DubCount · 30-05-2023 12:13pm #1

I am going to be taking my EV on a trip to the West of Ireland. Some of the areas are not very well served for public chargers. If the battery runs out, is there a roadside Emergency charging facility with AA/RAC etc. or are there any specialist providers? Are there any other recommended solutions like a mobile charger (they look very bulky and dont seem to give a lot of additional charge).

Sorry if this has been asked before but I cant find another similar thread on boards. Thanks

10-10-20 · 30-05-2023 12:32pm

Hi, It was asked previously - I did have to search to find it, but:

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/114232848#Comment_114232848

Hope it helps.

kanuseeme · 30-05-2023 12:52pm

Hahaha, I would love to try that with a old leaf or phev, go another 50 km and call them again,

On a serious note, would it not be better to divert and charge than risk running out, your going to be waiting and then wait more when its transferring power and then probably only get enough to wait at another charger.

DubCount · 30-05-2023 2:12pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120657730#Comment_120657730

That would be the plan. However, if you are in the wilds of Mayo and you plan a stop at the only EV charge point for 30 KM only to find out its out of order etc.. I was just wondering if there was a charger of last resort (something like getting a can of petrol from the nearest garage in the good old days)

p.s. no offence to Mayo. Lovely part of the world, just not a large range of EV chargers in some locations.

DubCount · 30-05-2023 2:12pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120657625#Comment_120657625

Thanks - that was just what I was looking for....

VikingG · 30-05-2023 3:05pm

EasyGo have been putting in loads of chargers in Mayo recently so hard to see how you would have issues with a little planning - What is the range of your EV?

Redfox25 · 30-05-2023 3:12pm

Can you granny charge at your destination by any chance?

DubCount · 30-05-2023 3:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120658540#Comment_120658540

Range is about 300KM for me so it should not be an issue. However, I'm very new to the EV world, and range anxious. My plan is to keep at least at 80KM minimum, but just seeing what plan B is if charging stations not working etc., and reality beats planning.

DubCount · 30-05-2023 3:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120658576#Comment_120658576

I'm hoping I can, but its somewhere I have never been to, so not certain what will be possible until I get there.

10-10-20 · 30-05-2023 3:39pm

Just in terms of reassurance, EV's are most efficient when off motorways and during warmer days. Mayo has no motorway and it's typically cool. ;) Keep the speed to an acceptable level on the roads and don't over-heat or over-cool the cabin and you'll get the best range. 80km min should be fine. Most of all - enjoy. 😎

VikingG · 30-05-2023 7:45pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120658633#Comment_120658633

You will not have an issue so - but to put your mind at ease about Mayo - EasyGo have 21 locations just in Mayo

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EasyGo has officially launched its network of electric vehicle (EV) charging units across Co Mayo. Working with eir and supported by Mayo County Council, the network will consist of 24 EV charging units at 21 locations across the county – representing an investment of €1 million <a href="https://t.co/V6RKEdVa4O">pic.twitter.com/V6RKEdVa4O</a></p>— EasyGo (@Easygo_ie) <a href="https://twitter.com/Easygo_ie/status/1663557615971106819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2023</a></blockquote>

the_amazing_raisin · 30-05-2023 8:08pm

If a place has electricity you can use a granny lead with a high current (min 16A) rated extension lead

Make sure the socket can take the current and always get permission from the owner to plug in

It'll be slow as hell so you'll only be getting the bare minimum to get you to the next charger. When it happens it tends to be that people run out literally in the last kilometers or two to the charger

Overall I wouldn't worry too much. Grab a charge on the way over at a HPC and charge up as much as you can, then just top up when you can.

Unless you're in a gen 1 Leaf or Zoe then it's quite possible that if you charge at around 30% you'll have literally a dozen backup options within reach if anything goes wrong

And use Plugshare to check up on chargers before heading to them to se if they get reported broken a lot, it'll help to find more reliable chargers

zg3409 · 01-06-2023 3:54pm

Second the plugshare recommendation to find lesser known sites.

In terms of AA I believe they have been removing the charging boxes from vehicles as they were not using them.

In many cases it's easier for them and you for them to tow you to the nearest working AC charger and leave you to charge yourself. This way they don't need to stay with you. In very rural areas the AA give the job to a local tow truck.

Often your car insurance will come with breakdown assistance which may tow you to nearest charger or home. Just check the details.

Bring the granny cable and extension lead with you everywhere. Bring the public charging cable with you everywhere. Stop early and often to charge in case public charger is busy, blocked or broken. Then you can decide if you want to wait or drive to next charger. I usually check on the app if other nearby charger is on use and if not rush to it. Try to book accomodation near s public charger or somewhere with it's own charger (many hotels have them) or you can ask a b and b can you plug in overnight.