Charging networks

Author
Discussion

Mr E

Original Poster:

22,032 posts

264 months

Tuesday 14th November 2017
quotequote all
So it appears man maths has lead to a lightly used leaf.

While almost all of the time it will charge at home, it might be useful to charge when out - just in case.

I presume I need to join some form of scheme and get a card to do this. Any recommendations of the best/most widespread network?

Also, I think I’ll need a cable to connect charge point to type 1 on the leaf. Don’t fancy paying Nissan prices if there’s somewhere more efficient.

ATG

21,118 posts

277 months

Tuesday 14th November 2017
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(Hurray for man maths. I have precisely nothing useful to contribute, but enjoy your new toy! And it would be interesting to hear what ownership is like ... )

PKLD

1,162 posts

246 months

Tuesday 14th November 2017
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Depends where you live/where you'll need to charge. Best website/app to use is ZapMap to check the chargers and operators in your area.

Some do a free trial period so you can try them out before committing. The Rapid chargers can be expensive to use but fine if you're only needing them once or twice a month.

PM me if you want price for charging cable ;-)

LayZ

1,653 posts

247 months

Tuesday 14th November 2017
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I've just joined Polar https://polar-network.com/

Free for first 3 months then £8 pm for unlimited rapids. Worked well first charge I did.

Ecotricity has a near monopoly on motorway services and that is £3 connection fee + 17p per kWh. Not that cheap but then they have to recoup their investment. All you need for that is the app with your credit card details entered.

caziques

2,632 posts

173 months

Wednesday 15th November 2017
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I suspect all rapid chargers will have a tethered cable, the amount of electricity passing through is significant. These will add around 2 miles of range per minute.

There may be "standard" chargers available - there are a quite a number in NZ at supermarkets.

Usually you will have to supply your own cable (got mine from Aliexpress), as these are around 3kW output they add say 20 miles of range per hour.

In NZ all the standard chargers are free, some rapid chargers are free - most cost 12p a minute and 12p a kWhr.

Heres Johnny

7,383 posts

129 months

Wednesday 15th November 2017
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Ignore what others do for the simple reason the networks vary so much across the country. In Scotland you’d really just need CYC, Birmingham and London Polar would be a better bet but you’d probably never use it if you were around Manchester where GMEV exists (which is CYC) , Devon and Cornwall used to be Geniepoint. Motiorways it’s Ecotricity.

As has been suggested already, zap map or plugshare who both consolidate all the charge points will show you what you might need. By all means download all the apps for all the networks and set up free accounts where allowed, but I’d pay nothing unless you need to. Polar have polar instant, slightly more expensive per charge, doesn’t work on all points, and minimum £20 initial deposit rather than their other option which is 7.95 a month.


Mr E

Original Poster:

22,032 posts

264 months

Wednesday 15th November 2017
quotequote all
Many thanks to all.
A pay as needed type setup would be preferred I think. It would be unusual for me to need a charge in the planned usage.

scotlandtim

329 posts

133 months

Wednesday 15th November 2017
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I have a spare cable if you're interested. 16kw. Type 1 to Type 2 (the right one for a leaf) It's Orange! Yours for £100. posted. PM me if interested.