First Multicharge Journey

[macd2401]

Set off yesterday to visit my brother's (not seen them since last year with this virus)
Worked it out as a stop at Gretna then charge again in paisley so I've some charge to use over the weekend.
Set off at 100% got to Gretna with around 22 miles showing as left.
Both ecotricity chargers totally dead (what else would they be) but decided to try the Ionity chargers beside the petrol station.
I watched them build them and thought at the time I'll try those someday.
Well what a saga that turned out to be.
Couldn't connect no matter what I tried. sun so bright I could hardly see my phone screen even when I found a little shade.
Finally got some app I had to use when I scanned the QR code.
It asked for payment to be set up which I did but only a tenner as a minimum
Then still nothing???
Finally found a phone number and got connected to a wonderful lady in Germany (I think)
She took me through a totally different process and explained they take money from my account, let me charge then deduct the cost from the amount they take and out the rest back???
I was stuck and agreed.
They take £67 ?
I got a charge and I terminated it myself at 80% got a receipt for £18.30 ?
Got to paisley with around the same 22miles left and hooked up to Instavolt I've used once before and thought were brilliant
And wasn't disappointed this time either.
Got to 92% (would have disconnected earlier but was on the phone trying to explain to my wife why £67 had been charged to a firm in Germany).
Disconnect and head to my hotel.
Total cost for Instavolt £10.54
Won't be using Ionity again and I've also lost another tenner on the app I don't know how to use.
I've checked on the net and recon I can make it to Carlisle for another Instavolt charger on my way home Ionity are on my list of avoid like the plague chargers along with Ecotricity.

Definitely worth downloading the Charge Your Car app for trips up here. You'll get access to the ChargePlace Scotland chargers, and most of them are still free.

 

[Rabtmac]

Don't be put off going on longer journeys in your electric car because of anything I say
I got a charge and got going again.
I'll avoid Ionity from now on but at least they got me going
Things will get better charge wise I'm sure.

Definitely worth downloading the Charge Your Car app for trips up here. You'll get access to the ChargePlace Scotland chargers, and most of them are still free.

Hi,
I've got that thanks but never used it yet.
There is a charger round the corner from my brother's place in Erskine but since i first started bringing my leaf up I've never seen it working?
Reported it a few times and if it's getting fixed it's out of action again when I next get up.
I stopped bringing the leaf as it's only a 24kw and last time took me nearly 8 hours to get here I had to stop so often ?
Vowed never to use electric for this trip again unless I got something with much better range
And the MG has it.
Stopped once coming up charges when I got here and run around this weekend
I'll charge again before heading home and should either get to Carlisle or maybe Penrith for the Instavolt chargers.
Staying well away from Ionity and ecotricity
(Still lost that tenner I had to put on some Random app for Ionity???)

 

[Tiny Tom]

Definitely worth downloading the Charge Your Car app for trips up here. You'll get access to the ChargePlace Scotland chargers, and most of them are still free.

Ionity know how to make money. They're so confusing I got charged twice...eventually got my money back

 

[Gomev]

On Thursday we will be undertaking our 1st multicharge journey from South west England to Central Scotland.

I have planned it on A Better Route Planner and it indicates we will require 4 short(ish) stops. These stops are not adding too much time to the overall journey time as we would normally be stopping at least once for a long leisurely lunch and depending on coffee consumption a couple of quicker comfort stops.

ABRP set the reference consumption as 275 wh/mile but don't know what that means in miles/kWh

We could reduce the charge stops to 3 but I chose to plan to arrive with 40% battery left as didn't want to be rushing about finding chargers as soon as we arrived.

What is the optimal cruise speed for the car do people think, my boy racer days are long gone and would usually be sitting about 65mph. I do not tailgate/slip stream lorries, don't wish to, and will just set the adaptive cruise control for a safe distance. I have seen too many rear end shunts to never want to be involved in one and debris thrown up by wheels can be avoided hopefully.

It will be interesting to see if we stick to the plan, chicken out and look for chargers sooner than necessary or take the oil burning Land Rover.

Got to do the return journey a week later so might involve more/less stops based on experience

When you are in ABRP go to settings and the Reference consumption can be changed between m/kWh and and WH/m but simply tapping on the blue words. You can also overwrite the values if you wish.

 

[Pict]

When you are in ABRP go to settings and the Reference consumption can be changed between m/kWh and and WH/m but simply tapping on the blue words. You can also overwrite the values if you wish.

Thanks for the tip, I hadn't noticed that

I did see that you could enter your own figure but as I hadn't any idea what wh/m should be I just left it alone.

Now another setting can be fine tuned

 

[Gomev]

Thanks for the tip, I hadn't noticed that

I did see that you could enter your own figure but as I hadn't any idea what wh/m should be I just left it alone.

Now another setting can be fine tuned

Also have a look at another app I like, WattsUp. (it's free)
It's a sort of cross between ABRP and ZapMap. Set your journey and it shows you all the chargers along the route and how far to them. It also updates across the bottom of the screen as you drive how far to the nearest chargers (multiple).
I wouldn't use it alone, but it gives me more options along the route than ABRP.
ABRP tells you when to stop and for how long but doesn't really have a plan B.

 

[kiltox]

IONITY is much simpler if you use Octopus Juice or Shell Recharge - start with their RFID card and it’ll be no messing around at all.

I did a very similar journey recently - the drop in economy up the hilly A74 was noticeable although the weather did take a turn for the worse too. Doing it again next weekend too, deep joy.



I found ABRP a little pessimistic about the capability from 100% SOC (so the first leg of the journey) but actually fairly accurate after that.

 

[Rabtmac]

That's good news o know but waiting for someone to post out an RFID card is their biggest drawback

 

[WAC 768]

On Thursday we will be undertaking our 1st multicharge journey from South west England to Central Scotland.

I have planned it on A Better Route Planner and it indicates we will require 4 short(ish) stops. These stops are not adding too much time to the overall journey time as we would normally be stopping at least once for a long leisurely lunch and depending on coffee consumption a couple of quicker comfort stops.

ABRP set the reference consumption as 275 wh/mile but don't know what that means in miles/kWh

We could reduce the charge stops to 3 but I chose to plan to arrive with 40% battery left as didn't want to be rushing about finding chargers as soon as we arrived.

What is the optimal cruise speed for the car do people think, my boy racer days are long gone and would usually be sitting about 65mph. I do not tailgate/slip stream lorries, don't wish to, and will just set the adaptive cruise control for a safe distance. I have seen too many rear end shunts to never want to be involved in one and debris thrown up by wheels can be avoided hopefully.

It will be interesting to see if we stick to the plan, chicken out and look for chargers sooner than necessary or take the oil burning Land Rover.

Got to do the return journey a week later so might involve more/less stops based on experience

If you tap the consumption reference is the settings it will to miles/kWh and I would set this to 3.2 for 65 MPH.
I used ABRP for my first long EV journey (3 charges) and it work well. Problem I had is I set my preferred chargers to BP Pulse and one of the stops had a beaten up old unit that didn’t work. So my tip and depending if you specify a preferred charger or not would be to cross reference these using the photos in ZapMap.

 

[Pict]

I am in great danger now of overthinking this. Tweaking ABRP ended up with it adding a 5th stop, the first one being in Gloucester less than an hour after we set off.

Back of an envelope calculations: If I estimate miles/kWh as 3.2 (as suggested by @WAC 768) and journey as 380 miles, then a stop every 2 hours at 60/65 mph would require 3 stops of about 45 minutes (breakfast, lunch, coffee time) with plenty to spare for finding alternative chargers if necessary. Of course that relies on chargers being able to supply 50kWh up to 80% so some adjustments may be required as we go along. Thankfully we are early starters (primarily so we miss the M5/M6 Walsall rushhour gridlock) so if it takes extra time then we can cope with that. Our preferred chargers will be Instavolt as with contactless payment it is as easy as can be and of all the networks I see less issues reported on ZapMap with Instavolt. I can't be bothered with carrying x number of cards/apps just to use different chargers.

While ABRP has given me the basis for calculations it is due to these apps being required to make things fit that makes it complicated. I have the route in ABRP but until we set off on our full motorway journey I have little idea on what effect the lack of regen will have on overall consumption.

I have had to cancel this biannual journey (visiting 90+ year old parents) numerous times since everything went lockdown so we intend to enjoy it, not panic and take it as it comes

 

[Jake]

I am in great danger now of overthinking this. Tweaking ABRP ended up with it adding a 5th stop, the first one being in Gloucester less than an hour after we set off.

Back of an envelope calculations: If I estimate miles/kWh as 3.2 (as suggested by @WAC 768) and journey as 380 miles, then a stop every 2 hours at 60/65 mph would require 3 stops of about 45 minutes (breakfast, lunch, coffee time) with plenty to spare for finding alternative chargers if necessary. Of course that relies on chargers being able to supply 50kWh up to 80% so some adjustments may be required as we go along. Thankfully we are early starters (primarily so we miss the M5/M6 Walsall rushhour gridlock) so if it takes extra time then we can cope with that. Our preferred chargers will be Instavolt as with contactless payment it is as easy as can be and of all the networks I see less issues reported on ZapMap with Instavolt. I can't be bothered with carrying x number of cards/apps just to use different chargers.

While ABRP has given me the basis for calculations it is due to these apps being required to make things fit that makes it complicated. I have the route in ABRP but until we set off on our full motorway journey I have little idea on what effect the lack of regen will have on overall consumption.

I have had to cancel this biannual journey (visiting 90+ year old parents) numerous times since everything went lockdown so we intend to enjoy it, not panic and take it as it comes

For estimating purposes don't expect 50kW at each charge point, more realistic will be 30-40kW rate. And if there is only one charger at a particular stop it may be occupied so be prepared to wait a while. I have found EV drivers to be a friendly lot and will vacate the charger as soon as they have enough to continue their journey. One Sunday morning before 9.00am I was 2nd in the queue so went inside to get some breakfast. Noticed there was a 3rd car turned up. Went out to him and he said he was only in for a splash n dash and being as I had only just ordered breakfast told him to go next. After finishing eating I returned to the car and he immediately stopped charging. Whilst I was charging 2 more cars turned up. I was most surprised it was so busy on a Sunday morning.

Having said that in my numerous multi-stop trips I have never experienced such a busy charger again so I hope i haven't worried you unduly. Most places close to the motorway network either have multiple chargers or there are alternatives close by. As others have said use the likes of Zap Map to check current status and availability of chargers.

 

[Nibloprice]

Don't limit yourself to 80% rapid charging. I used an Instavolt which kept up the charge speed past 80% and only slowed at 90%. For an extra five min you get another 10miles which might up up helping you in the end.

Also, when you get to the destination, plug in the granny charger. That way you don't need to worry about having 40% left when you arrive.

 

[Pict]

Update.
Success!

I abandoned ABRP from the very beginning, I am sure it tries to make more efficient use of your time but I couldn't see the point in stopping for 18 minutes (just as an example) to charge a small amount then stop again later.

The journey was calculated at 366 miles so we decided to break it up into 100 mile segments and fully charge at a rapid each time. Cruise control (CC) set at 65mph (occasionally up to 70) and the Accumulated total reset at each charge. With the CC set at this the miles/kWh was showing 2.7 to 2.9 for each leg. Given the weather, CC setting, radio heater etc then I was not to concerned.

We used Instavolt, Osprey and BP Pulse on the outward journey and had decided on these as they were all roughly the same price and would accept contactless (Google Pay) payment, as I said previously I objected to downloading and being forced to set up accounts just to charge the car (I don't have to with an ICE so why make me, yes I know the answer it is a rhetorical question).

As the range dropped to about 50 miles SWMBO used WattsUp to see what chargers were coming up en-route within about 20 to 30 miles and we headed for those after checking on Zap Map for device issues and comments. I got frustrated with WattsUp that you couldn't tap on the charging station in the list to see what amenities were nearby or details. I don't know whether that was my failing or I wanted more from the app

Every one was fortunately available when we arrived and charging was as simple as it could be after tapping my phone and following the simple instructions. At each stop we went for a walk, toilet, and breakfast or lunch, not clock watching and returning leisurely to a fully charged car. As a point of interest we visited places that previously we would have driven past so got to see some sights that were just overlooked previously.

I made sure we charged fully at Gretna as there are almost no rapids just off the M74 all the way up to Hamilton.

While in Scotland we made use of the generosity of my fellow Scots and used the free Chargeplace Scotland system via the Charge Your Car app. I was quite surprised to find the rapids were free as well as the fast chargers.

Return journey was a similar experience with no issues, better weather and I had the CC set at 60 most of the time and the miles/kWh stayed up above 3.5. This time I did not reset the accumulated total each time so all the GOM calculations were made based on the previous driving stats.

We made use of the MFG BP Garage Crow Orchard site and again a faultless experience, ourselves and a van and plenty of spare capacity. These are 150 kW chargers and the cost comparable to the others we had been using. I will have to remember this site when I get my Skoda (with optional 100kw charging)

All motorway journeys were in ECO and no electricity spared while Normal was used at all other times.

No problems at all and we loved it

 

[biffo]

Update.
Success!

I abandoned ABRP from the very beginning, I am sure it tries to make more efficient use of your time but I couldn't see the point in stopping for 18 minutes (just as an example) to charge a small amount then stop again later.

The journey was calculated at 366 miles so we decided to break it up into 100 mile segments and fully charge at a rapid each time. Cruise control (CC) set at 65mph (occasionally up to 70) and the Accumulated total reset at each charge. With the CC set at this the miles/kWh was showing 2.7 to 2.9 for each leg. Given the weather, CC setting, radio heater etc then I was not to concerned.

We used Instavolt, Osprey and BP Pulse on the outward journey and had decided on these as they were all roughly the same price and would accept contactless (Google Pay) payment, as I said previously I objected to downloading and being forced to set up accounts just to charge the car (I don't have to with an ICE so why make me, yes I know the answer it is a rhetorical question).

As the range dropped to about 50 miles SWMBO used WattsUp to see what chargers were coming up en-route within about 20 to 30 miles and we headed for those after checking on Zap Map for device issues and comments. I got frustrated with WattsUp that you couldn't tap on the charging station in the list to see what amenities were nearby or details. I don't know whether that was my failing or I wanted more from the app

Every one was fortunately available when we arrived and charging was as simple as it could be after tapping my phone and following the simple instructions. At each stop we went for a walk, toilet, and breakfast or lunch, not clock watching and returning leisurely to a fully charged car. As a point of interest we visited places that previously we would have driven past so got to see some sights that were just overlooked previously.

I made sure we charged fully at Gretna as there are almost no rapids just off the M74 all the way up to Hamilton.

While in Scotland we made use of the generosity of my fellow Scots and used the free Chargeplace Scotland system via the Charge Your Car app. I was quite surprised to find the rapids were free as well as the fast chargers.

Return journey was a similar experience with no issues, better weather and I had the CC set at 60 most of the time and the miles/kWh stayed up above 3.5. This time I did not reset the accumulated total each time so all the GOM calculations were made based on the previous driving stats.

We made use of the MFG BP Garage Crow Orchard site and again a faultless experience, ourselves and a van and plenty of spare capacity. These are 150 kW chargers and the cost comparable to the others we had been using. I will have to remember this site when I get my Skoda (with optional 100kw charging)

All motorway journeys were in ECO and no electricity spared while Normal was used at all other times.

No problems at all and we loved it

View attachment 3324

I’ve got my first long trip planned for October (getting an MG5 Long Range in September). Going from Glasgow to Conwy, so about 280 miles but fully loaded for a week long holiday.

ABRP is suggesting Southwaite South (M6) which looks to have two 120kW CCS and then MFG Crow Orchard (which looks pretty impressive!) as a second stop.

How many alternatives locations do you plan? Slightly concerned by Southwaite as only two chargers and mentions of using CCS and CHAdeMO at same time can break one unit.

 

[jamesie]

I drive the M6 south from time to time to see my folks. A go to charging location for me is Lancaster Park and Ride. 6 BP Pulse chargers - never had a problem charging and no waiting. The only issue is that there are no facilities. If you are planning a food/toilet break then it's not the place to head for.

 

[biffo]

I drive the M6 south from time to time to see my folks. A go to charging location for me is Lancaster Park and Ride. 6 BP Pulse chargers - never had a problem charging and no waiting. The only issue is that there are no facilities. If you are planning a food/toilet break then it's not the place to head for.

At this stage I have no concept of what range is feasible but 157 miles to Lancaster might be - I’ll keep a note of that one ?

Shame Westmorland/Tebay only seems to be Tesla - but guess I’ll save a fortune by not stopping there ?

 

[Gomev]

At this stage I have no concept of what range is feasible but 157 miles to Lancaster might be - I’ll keep a note of that one ?

Shame Westmorland/Tebay only seems to be Tesla - but guess I’ll save a fortune by not stopping there ?

If you're getting a long range MG5 (with a range of c250 miles), then 157 to Lancaster is a breeze.

Don't know why ABRP is suggesting 2 stops, perhaps they don't have the LR in their database yet so are basing it on the current model. Even so 1 stop should do it on that as well.

 

[biffo]

If you're getting a long range MG5 (with a range of c250 miles), then 157 to Lancaster is a breeze.

Don't know why ABRP is suggesting 2 stops, perhaps they don't have the LR in their database yet so are basing it on the current model. Even so 1 stop should do it on that as well.

Are there any facilities at Lancaster Park & Ride - other than the McDonalds a few minutes along the road?

 

[jamesie]

Are there any facilities at Lancaster Park & Ride - other than the McDonalds a few minutes along the road?

Unfortunately not.

 

[AnonymouseDriva]

It's interesting, the cruise at 60-65mph is actually quite relaxing.

When I drove an ICE there was no way I would drive at less than 70mph (unless speed or traffic restrictions!).

Maybe I'm just tight, but that's exactly how I drive my ICE car. 60-65 on motorways and a gentle right foot is a good 10-15MPG difference. That's a good 20% extra miles free, and at diesel prices now that's not to be sniffed at.

Let's hope its next owner will be just as kind to it... only a couple of hours now!