As the UK moves towards a greener future, Plymouth is simultaneously keeping pace with an expanding network of electric car charging points. For new electric vehicle (EV) owners in the area, understanding where and how to charge your vehicle is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about EV charging stations in Plymouth.
Overview of EV charger Plymouth options
Plymouth offers a variety of electric vehicle charging options for potential electric vehicle owners. From rapid chargers at convenient locations to slower chargers for overnight charging, the city has been steadily increasing its EV chargepoints infrastructure.
Types of chargers available for an electric vehicle
- Rapid chargers (50kW+): These are ideal for quick top-ups and can charge most electric vehicles to 80% in about 30-60 minutes.
- Fast chargers (7-22kW): Perfect for longer stays, these typically take a few hours to fully charge an electric vehicle.
- Slow chargers (3-7kW): Best for overnight charging or long-term parking for example located outside a domestic residence.
Popular electric car charging points in Plymouth
City Centre locations
- The Barcode Car Park: Offers 6 slow charging points, perfect for shoppers spending a few hours in the city centre with plenty of parking options.
- Drake Circus: Another shopping destination with 6 slow charging points available on site.
Park and Ride facilities
- Coypool Park and Ride: Features rapid charging options and fast chargers, ideal for commuters and shoppers who perhaps are unable to charge at home or work. Usually have more availability in evenings.
- The George Park and Ride: Offers 7kW chargers with free parking.
Residential areas
- Alexandra Road Car Park: Provides ultra-rapid charging with 4 connectors.
- Beacon Park Road: Another ultra-rapid charging location with 2 connectors.
How to use EV charging stations in Plymouth
- Download Apps: Most charging points in Plymouth are operated by networks like Pod Point, Wenea, and SWARCO. Download their apps for easy access and payment.
- Payment Methods: While some chargers offer contactless payment, most require you to use the operator’s app or RFID card.
- Charging Etiquette: Be mindful of time limits, especially at rapid chargers. Move your vehicle once charged to allow others to use the facility.
Cost of charging
Costs can vary depending on the operator and type of charger:
- SWARCO chargepoints: 60 pence per kWh
- Pod Point chargepoints: 60 pence per kWh
- Connected Kerb chargepoints: 50 pence per kWh
Some locations offer free parking while charging, for example Coypool Park and Ride, adding to the cost-effectiveness of EV ownership. Depending on the location there might also be varied ways to pay, some can be completed through the app, whereas others need a card.
Planning your charges
For longer journeys, use apps like Zap-Map or ChargeFinder to plan your route and locate charging stations along the way. These tools can help you find the most convenient EV charger Plymouth has to offer based on your location and charging needs.
Future of EV charging in Plymouth
Plymouth City Council is committed to expanding the EV charging network. The Connect Plymouth initiative aims to install over 300 charging bays across 50 different locations, including rapid and ultra-rapid charge points.
Conclusion
With a growing network of EV charging stations, Plymouth is becoming an increasingly EV-friendly city. Whether you’re a resident or just passing through, you’ll find a range of options to keep your electric vehicle charged and ready to go. As the infrastructure continues to expand, owning an EV in Plymouth will only become more convenient and accessible as parking options become available.
Remember to stay updated with the latest information from Plymouth City Council and charging network operators to make the most of the available electric vehicle charging facilities in Plymouth.
