Public Ev charging - where to start?

carq

hi

First time ev driver, Picking up car today.

Is there a recommended guide on public charging?

Seems like there are multiple companies with their own charging network:

Do people pick one company and sign up?

Is there a ‘best network’?

What are recommended apps - does one app have visibility of all networks?

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058418516/public-ev-charging-where-to-start

Do you need public charging?

Some of us don’t use public charging at all.
but if you need it, check the routes you normally take and see what companies are on that route.

And then, many are now tap to pay, easygo for example so no apps required.

eastie17

only use it on holidays myself, unless I’m staying with someone and then might use granny charging.

You’ll need ESB ecars anyway for a start but that might not guarantee you coverage. Thankfully it’s easy enough to sign up to others when you might need to but no unfortunately you can’t just pick one because they are not everywhere.

sept09baby

Unless you're going to be travelling a lot don't sign up to any of the paid plans. They give bigger discounts off the standard price but not worth it unless you're travelling a lot.

I have ESB e-cards (pay as you go plan) and ordered the RFID card which is handy where phone reception is poor etc.

Also have used Applegreen app a few times (registering is free and you get 5c off a kwh I think)

Have Chargepoint, EasyGo, Ionity and ePower installed too but think I've used them once if that.

Circle K doesnt need an app

My advice would be to use plugshare and ABRP (A Better Route Planner) apps to familiarise yourself with chargers on your routes but unless you're planning on public charging a lot, there's no point downloading too many apps. Used public chargers a lot until we got the home charger installed - think I've just used ESB once and Applegreen once since then on longer trips

dsandson

I'm sure which side of the border you're on but both EV associations have good guides for new owners. And loads more information on their sites as well. What you'll use will depend on where in the country you are, and where you might travel to beyond your there and back home range.

https://www.irishevassociation.ie/new-ev-owners-guide

https://evani.uk/preparing-for-ownership/

A good way to gauge would be to put in common routes to A Better Route Planner app or website. It'll give charging stop suggestions, including how much to charge up. You can adjust the temperature its assuming etc so you can simulate winter driving as well.

https://abetterrouteplanner.com/

TheSunIsShining

Will you be able to install a home charger at all? The savings on fuel are really tied to home charger rates...

zg3409

What car? I recommend plugshare app, it lists all known Irish public chargers all brands. You then need a variety of apps depending on where you stop to charge. Depending on car and route, common networks ESB ecars, ionity to Tesla etc etc. If you have a long range EV you may need to rarely public charge if you have a home charger.

carq

Thanks for comments.

Have a home charger and public usage will be rare on longer trips, EV is long range.

Sounds like PAYG is best for my needs. Is ESB moving to a tap card model or would an account / esb card be required?

zg3409

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123597563#Comment_123597563

Slow AC ESB chargers never have credit card readers. Some newer ESB chargers have credit card readers, many in the wild do not. It's more reliable to use the ESB ecars app, if public charging regularly their own ecars RFID card is handy and can start charging if phone flat etc, handy for other half who may not have apps on phone. Pay as you go account has no monthly fees.