Hi Cocijo. I have travelled both routes recently from/to midlands. Gridserve have recently updated old ecotricity units at Beaconsfield services ( end of M40 Jn2 ) and Cobham services ( M25 ) which maybe a useful, easily reached first top-up point which should then see you okay to Maidstone area. Both service areas have 3 double head 120kW charge units. Cobham is prone to being iced/large vans/caravans parking across the bays ( see Zap Chat ) but I have used them recently with good charges from each.
Thats brilliant - thank you. I’m actually going to Coxheath and it would be good to charge there locally as well if I can. I’m planning a couple of days there so any local knowledge or recommended hotels would be much appreciated as I haven’t actually booked anywhere yet!
Sorry can't help with hotels as I don't actually live there, just travel through/around Maidstone. North of Maidstone, Jn 7 of M20 there is an M&S services with 3 x BP 50kW and if you're using your Tesla there 6 x Tesla units. Haven't used those devices yet but I gather they are fairly new and I have earmarked that as a stopping point on my way to Sittingbourne now Covid permits travel. There are several destination Pod point chargers dotted around Maidstone so I don't think you should have any problems with local charging.
You're welcome. I forgot to say have a good trip and let us know how you get on.
I’ve been looking at Milton Keynes Coachway BP chargemaster - looks brilliant. Have you used this one at all?
I’m going to use the Beaconsfield stop off to charge I think. It seems to be a good option for my route as you kindly advised.
Yes I have used MK Coachway several times in the last couple of years and often found I have been the only one charging. It's very futuristic looking with 8 BP units arranged in a triangle under 3 huge mushroom type covers. I have heard it can be dominated by a local commercial company though with their vehicles dumped long term but I've never seen them. It's very convenient just off the M1 but beware the refreshment and toilet facilities are almost non-existent, especially late at night so I wouldn't recommend it for anything other than charging. (subject to BP reliability).
I called into the Rugby services today. Very impressed with the charging. As good as my experience using Tesla superchargers. I had a quick charge of the ZS - just plugged in and touched the credit card and away. Only got 37kw/hr but that’s ok it was just a quick top up. 30p/kwhr is ok too compared to some others who rip you off. I noticed gridserve have taken 2 lots of £25 off my credit card (pending) - not sure why 2 amounts - my charge was only £1.50p! Anyway I hope these hubs become commonplace across the UK and the prices stay sensible and the stalls continually available and in service - it will certainly change the way people see travel with an EV
I don’t rapid charge very often - is there an easy way to turn on the car display when charging to show the % and range? It goes off after about a minute. Thank you. Ps. beaconsfield on 1st leg. Gridserve Rapid is working well and quite fast! Very busy!
I never bother with the car display. The modern Chargers, especially Gridserve, Shell, Instavolt etc. give me enough information to decide when to move on. Glad Beaconsfield was of use to you. Welcome to the M25 "car park" round to Kent. Sometimes lucky, sometimes not. Heathrow, M4, M3, A3 is usually the worst bit. Thanks for the update.
Your figures suggest a reasonable trip and typically what I would aim for on that route:- Couple of hours driving / 100+ miles with ~ 19-20kWh top-up then finish slower part of journey with another couple of hours and have enough range (88 miles) left to find suitable recharge points at your destination area. Brilliant. Are you going to retrace your steps on the return journey ( better the devil you know ) or try the M1 corridor via Dartford crossing / M25?
We did clockwise m25 and took m1 to charge in MK on the way back. Lots of traffic! I’m going to post a bit more detail on the trip so I can share my experiences.
Just switch off the car and switch on again every now and then, or i beleive on most power units you re touch the screen and it will show the progress also.
