Mike 🇬🇧 🇪🇺

More EV charging nonsense today.

Car park charger obviously working because there was a Volvo in the next space charging ok, but I couldn't get our side to fire up.

Two issues:
Firstly, the display screen QR code pointed to the wrong app! ( #Autel )
Secondly, the contactless pay thingy wasn't connected to a network (3g?) and had a continuous error - so as the Volvo driver had realised, the only way to charge was through an app, but he'd worked out the correct app from the council sign! ( #Fuuse )
So I downloaded yet another charging app and got the car fully fired up.

It shouldn't be this difficult!

#EV

May 19 at 5:31pmWeb
Show threadMattMay 19
@MikeFromLFE Not that it’s any consolation, but we’ve been driving EVs since 2014 and it’s a lot better than it used to be.
Show threadMattMay 19
@MikeFromLFE My general rule is if it isn't on the Octopus app, an open Tesla site or Instvolt, Osprey or Gridserve be wary. I only plan around sites I either personally know to be good or have a big number of charges. ZapMap and Plugshare are your friend here.
Show threadMike 🇬🇧 🇪🇺May 19
@matt303
I normally stick to the Octopus/ Electroverse chargers but this was on the app as compatible - but the card reader wasn't working!
I wouldn't have normally downloaded another app but I was trying to avoid having to go out of my way by around 20 miles tomorrow. Rural Cumbria isn't well equipped with lots of chargers!
Show threadPaul BarnfatherMay 19
@MikeFromLFE
Yep, contactless pay & QR codes are still a lottery, unfortunately. One solution is to get yourself a (free) Electroverse card and use that. It works almost everywhere (except Gridserve 🙄). You can also use it in Europe and I've never had a problem with it...
https://electroverse.com/map
Show threadMike 🇬🇧 🇪🇺May 19
@clanger9
Except my Electroverse card wouldn't work at this charger because the contactless thingy was in a doom loop and it was the same RFID reader for Electroverse and payment cards!
Show threadPaul BarnfatherMay 19
Ugh! I definitely prefer the ones with separate RFID and credit card readers. Those payment terminals are SO flaky 🫠
Show threadPhil Thane ✅May 19
@MikeFromLFE We're currently on a campsite in Brittany with the simplest, ie best, charger I've met. Not fast, type 2 sockets, 7 or 22kW, but it just works with a credit card or bank card no faffing about with apps. Only tried Gridserve once, Winchester services on the way here. It didn't work. But waving the credit card did. Why are charging apps so shit?
Show threadPhil Thane ✅May 19
@MikeFromLFE Another rant. Chargers are internet connected devices. Doubtless they generate log files and those files can be read back at corporate HQ to generate service requests when chargers don't work. But one at the resort we stayed in last week was broken all week. Some companies seem to operate on 'fit and forget'. Take the cash as long as it works then just abandon it.