🡠 Driver Academy

We need to embrace EVs, or we will be left behind. However:

1. Not all EV’s are equal, there are:

• Different ranges

• Different charging speeds

• Different plug configurations

2. There isn’t a dominant charging provider at the moment, there are:

• Multiple providers

• Different types of charging points

• Different payment methods

• No universal plug

3. The charging network is not great but is growing. However, there is currently:

• Reliability issues

• Coverage across the nation can be patchy

• There is currently no ‘one-stop’ solution to locating appropriate chargers

On this page, you can find find the following sections to better improve your knowledge of EVs:

1. Knowledge bank, protocols, and conventions

2. How to simplify EV movements

3. Helpful links

4. Charging companies

Ensure to read the critical information for EVs below:

1. The range of an EV will be impacted by the following:

• Driving style. Smooth is good, however, an aggressive driving style will reduce range

• Driving speed. We recommend 60 miles p/h as optimal cruising speed on motorway (higher speeds will use up more power)

• Use of auxiliary equipment will drain the battery. Climate control, radio, phone charging (even windscreen wipers) are all powered from the same source in an EV

• Weather conditions and outside temperature will also impact effective range (icy conditions can reduce range significantly)

  
  

2. There are 3 main types of EV charging: Rapid, Fast and Slow

• Always seek out Rapid chargers

• Only use Fast chargers if the vehicle is not compatible with Rapid chargers

• The higher the power rating, the faster the charging time

3. There are different types of plug sockets for Rapid chargers:

Tesla Superchargers are reserved for Tesla’s only and are significantly faster due to higher power

4. Make and Model vs Rapid charger socket types:

• CHAdeMo: Nissan Leaf

• CCS: BMW i3, Kia e-Niro, Jaguar i-Pace, Vauxhall Corsa

• Type 2: Renault Zoe, Tesla Model 3, S & X

• Tesla Supercharger Network exclusive to Tesla

5. Best options:

There is a huge number of companies providing charging stations in the UK but there are currently no one-stop solutions available when seeking charging stations. The best options are listed below, but they do not provide live information on operational status nor current availability:

• Google Maps

• PlugShare

• ChargePoint

6. Charging ports:

Charing ports on EV’s are not universally located (under the front badge, R/N/S, F/N/S, R/O/S)

7. Hints and tips:

• Make sure to call the charging company to confirm the operational status of the intended charging point. Checking the operational status prevents wasted trips to malfunctioning charging points.

• Make sure to call the charging company if contactless payment does not work. Most have the ability to remotely start charging, once they have been given card details

• Download the relevant App prior to arrival if unit only accepts App payment

• It’s critical to establish the vehicles’ true range when assessing an EV movement

• You must consider weather conditions and temperature. It can have a big impact on range. Do not assume the range at pick-up is completely accurate

• Advance planning for charging venues is required when range/job mileage is under 120%. Drivers should take time out at a pick-up venue if previously unaware of EV status

• Take steps to maximise range. Drive smoothly at 60 miles p/h, and minimise the use of auxiliary equipment.

• Adherence to 33% rule. When the battery level hits 33%, do you have high confidence in reaching the destination with a reasonable amount of battery surplus?

  • Yes - carry on

  • No - pull over at the first opportunity to identify a suitable charging station nearby

• It’s better to pull over and spend 5-10mins planning, than experience the stress of running out of power!

• Rapid chargers are an absolute priority (43Kw or higher). Only use Fast chargers as a final option

• Never charge an EV beyond 90% power (the last 10% takes disproportionately longer to charge)

• Advance planning should also take into account the Charging Provider, therefore allowing to pre-load the App and set up account information (if necessary), speeding up the charging process onsite

• Drivers should never automatically seek alternative charging stations if a charge point is occupied. You must establish the likely duration of queuing time first

• When you are low on battery power, it’s critical to confirm the operational status of an identified charging point (call the charging company) before you head there. You cannot afford to waste power by visiting broken units

1. Guide to connector types

2. Guide to charging different vehicles

3. Guide to the public charging network

4. General tutorial

Pay by contactless bank card or App

1. BP Chargemaster & Polar - 033 0016 5126

2. Charge Your Car; same as BP Pulse/BP Chargemaster - 033 0016 5126

3. Shell Recharge

4. Charge Place Scotland - 0141 648 0750

5. Instavolt - 0808 281 4444

6. Osprey (Enginie) - 0330 010 1757

Pay by App only

1. Ecotricity (Electric Highways) - 01453 761 455

2. GeniePoint - 0203 598 4087

Useful App for drivers

• Google Maps

• PlugShare

• ChargePoint

For further details on EVs, please contact us.