BMW i3 VLOG | Let’s chat about how good are the charging companies really?

Let’s chat about how good are the charging companies really?

On this weeks episode I look at the top 10 charging networks and what they are like to use and their customer service.

Support the channel

Support me by buying me a coffee

Patreon

How about a Tesla referral code

Follow me on the socials

Links to my camera gear - Note I get a small amount back on each towards the channel.
Insta360 Links

Insta360 oneR
Insta360 ONEX
Insta360 One

Amazon Links

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 - main camera work
Rode VideoMicro Compact On Camera Microphone
Insta360 One 4K 360 VR Camera with live-streaming functionality for iPhone/iPad

[cjmillsnun]

Hopefully soon this comment will be out of date (thanks to Gridserve), but Ecotricity....

[rustyjoints]

Don't forget BP now own Charge Your Car. They seem to have neglected the CYC chargers for some reason and are extremely slow to fix any faulty units, if they do fix them at all! And I agree, BP customer services are very slow at answering a phone!

[jonhastilow]

Regarding the Tesla Superchargers, brilliant with all that I’ve been to, never had a problem getting a charge. They’ve also integrated since inception the number of in use chargers or ones that’s broken all into the car, so never had to call customer service, which I guess is a good thing?

[stevedouglas]

Given that by 2030 no new petrol or diesel cars will be produced in the UK, the slow roll out of chargers and the poor reliability of some is pretty dire really. Having to ring customer services because a charger is OOS is unacceptable, imagine if this was case with regular petrol/diesel pumps. Also having to pay a monthly fee for some networks is again unacceptable. I'm getting my i3s next week and really looking forward to driving it but I do have concerns regarding charging. Yes 95% will be at home but having to plan a journey specifically around charge points and then hoping when you get there they are in service and not occupied is not exactly confidence building. I live way out in the sticks in West Wales and there are way more Tesla chargers around here than normal CSS charge points. Tesla have obviously got it right, it's about time rest of industry caught on.
Given the majority of my charging will be at home, I intend to only use contactless when charging on public networks. It'll be more expensive but the faff of registering with multiple networks and having to have all their apps and or cards is ridiculous. If the government wants more people to drive electric and obviously they do, then it needs to be made as easy as possible and as stress free as possible.

[charlesbridgford]

I find the rollout strategy for EV chargers irritating. I think Tesla have got it right. Lots of clustered Superchargers sited along long-distance transit routes, and not just 1 or 2 expensive fast chargers (where they are either busted or occupied). Most charging is done at home, so what use is a 7kW charger at Tesco? Lots of fast chargers sited on major A-roads and Motorways are required to enable longer travel away from home. A bit like gridserve....

[stevedouglas]

I heard Tesla going to be also going with a CSS charge connector in future, is this correct? If so be brilliant for regular EV drivers assuming Tesla allow it(!).