Electric Vehicle Charging for Beginners, by a Beginner (by Gill, June 2024)

When I was young I learnt how to fuel up my car by watching my dad, so it wasn’t a problem when I came to fuelling up my petrol car for the first time at the age of 17. I’m sure the same will happen for our kids and their kids, but for me at the age of 44, electric vehicle charging was a bit of a first. No help at hand and no trained parent, partner or friend to ask in situ.

Top tip, don’t consider charging for the first time in a public charging station when you’re in a hurry or a flap – give yourself time to try it out when you’re not “desperate” to charge.

• If you can, have something or someone with you as it’s really boring! And also they can give you hand if you’re struggling with anything

• 25% is approximately 65 miles (for me) – so when you see 25% don’t panic (as I did!)

• Make a note of how many miles AND how much % your regular journey to work is. Mine is approx. 35 miles = 10% (this will change depending on how you drive, the weather and what you use while in the car)

• Research what charging point signage to look out for – this was a massive game changer for me!

• Have a look online (in advance) at where your regular charging locations may be

• Luke found a location for me (as I was in a flap) and I couldn’t see that it was pay as you go…. but it was. They don’t always state it online.

• The instructions are on the charging point (which was a relief!)

I can recommend GRIDSERVE.

I needed to charge from 25% to 90%. It took less than an hour and cost me £36.48. That was my total fuel bill for the week with travelling to work twice, and a return trip from Leicester to Slough to Reading to Leicester. Happy days.

I hope this helps xx