Is there a single app to cover most charging points, or do I need to install each one every time I want to use a different point?
I've currently got ZapMap & Pod Point, but if there's a way to access them without installing 300 different apps, I'd be grateful.
As a new EV driver all I can say is that the public charging situation is an utter disgrace and needs some seriously major coherent work to be remotely acceptable. It shouldn't be difficult but as an EV beginner I can't help but feel it's implementation is half-arsed at best, even in 2025; as if it's a token gesture and the powers-that-be are either waiting for something better to come along or hope it goes away. Or that it's some not-so-secret cabal and if you don't have
the knowledge or a Tesla then good ******* luck to you.
So many charger location map apps have missing or incorrect tariff data so you install a few of them. They then report the wrong price, condition or occupancy status. Then when you get to a charger it's been tucked away as if to hide it's existence and you then have to install this app or that one, buy this tag or that one, spread your data wide and far and finally cross your fingers that the charger is actually working. Wait twice the charge time if someone else shares your charger because yet again, it's been designed and implemented poorly.
It's only been 2 days and 500 miles with an EV
.
I was told that Scotland was leading the charge (
) with their EV infrastructure but I don't see it, at least not in my little part of the Highlands. I'm waiting on a home charger to be installed so it's either wait over 40 hours for my granny to
tinkle trickle or find a public charger.
So I leave home with 100 miles of range for a 40 mile round trip after prior planning to charge on the the way there or back by consulting the ZapMap app, the CarWow charger location website, input it into the car's satnav and install the Charge Place Scotland app, giving bank details and inside leg measurement. Remind myself that I'm just going out in my car, not invading another country. I get to the first charge location and the charger wants an RFID tag that I don't have. The Charge Place Scotland app doesn't load, just frozen despite closing the app and trying a few times. I move on. I stop at a Tesco where the charge bays are located at the back of the carpark right next to the trolley return shed, the one place in the entire carpark that everyone avoids parking their car. Follow the instructions - plug in, tap my credit card - payment type not accepted. I try another. Not accepted. Debit card - not accepted. It's either broken or I need another RFID tag. I move on. I stop at a car park nearby and locate the chargers again in the naughty (or junkie) corner and find three other vehicles waiting for two cars already suckling on the electric teats to have their fill. I move on, this time back home, defeated and a little bit more empty.
The Proclaimers walked 500 miles because they ******* had too.
It's now going to take my granny +45 hours to juice up instead of the promised 35 minutes. At least I'm only paying her 7p or 28p per kWh instead of the cartel price of 84p per kWh (admittedly a few penny less if you sign up/pay a monthly 'subscription'/shove a RFID up your bum/install more apps than you'll ever have kWh's).
My new EV is great and once the home charger is installed it'll be bliss but the supporting infrastructure at the moment is still woefully ****.
robbreport.com
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