Registration Free EV Chargers in Ireland or UK?

JayBee66

Is there such a thing as a public EV charger that you can drive up to, insert a credit/debit card and start charging or do they all require pre-registration?

As I intend visiting relatives in the UK, are such registration free chargers available over there or do I have to register with a charging company before going over there?

veryangryman

Some circle k stations are like that. Fermoy for one. Get the plugshare app

JayBee66

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120790533#Comment_120790533

Plugshare says the Circle K in Fermoy is pre-pay.

I'm looking for chargers here and in the UK that are neither pre-pay nor any other kind of registration, just like buying petrol.

eagerv

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058303183/registration-free-ev-chargers-in-ireland-or-uk

In the UK most of the motorway services and non motorway services have a few Gridserve fast charge points. They can be operated with a credit/debit card.

JohnC.

Can't remember when, but since a certain date (2020?), all new rapid charges in the UK have to support card payment. I believe many existing ones were also retrofitted.

floggg

Just used an Apple green charger and it accepted contactless. It took a €30 pre-authorisation on my card but waiting for the actual transaction amount ti be charged to my card.

zg3409

None here accept cash and there was talk that say coffee shops not accepting cash might be made illegal as in long term it might prevent homeless etc accessing things like small shops or petrol stations. There is at least 2 petrol stations I know of with zero staff and only pay at pump.

I am not sure on your question. Some chargers in ROI have touch to pay by card, but you pay at the start, by pre authorisation as they don't know how much you will use. Common here are easygo DC at Lidl and some others. See plugshare app for ROI and NI.

In mainland UK newer DC chargers MUST take credit cards etc but there are lots of older DC chargers that don't and most AC slow don't.

Some chargers have a QR code also you scan with your phone and you may be able to enter card details. Even ESB in ROI has a once off card option if you do to their website and don't log in. I have not tested it and it's not well advertised but it's there.

Some chargers require an app you download and put in card details.

I dont understand the real issue? Are you worried about say 20 sterling credit being stuck on a UK account forever? That might happen with some providers.

There are "roaming" apps like plugsurfing that work on multiple brands (including esb in ROi I think) where you can use up your credit in ROI or UK. These tend to be more expensive than recommended local app and they can have strange rules like 60 minute overstay fee on ROI ESB AC chargers or a per minute fee when there is no per minute fee on local app. With these you can use up your credit.