[Stevelfc]

Hi everyone! I’m new to this EV stuff, but I bought a new Kia e-Niro 2 a month ago, my wife and I love it, and yesterday I thought I’d visit a Motorway Services to see how the chargers work. I learnt that Ecotricity runs the whole motorway network of EV chargers, and at the same time have a terrible reputation. Anyway I visited Birches services on the M62, found the charge point but found there were no rapid chargers, is this normal? We have a holiday 🤞 booked for May, from last year, the lack of rapid chargers could prove problematic. Suggestions?

 

[E Geeza]

Welcome to SpeakEV.
There are a number of resources for tracking down public chargers. You will likely need a few to get a comprehensive picture. Try Zapmap or A better route planner for starters. Enjoy the car!

 

[electricdriver]

Welcome!

You're right about Ecotricity's reputation...however, a quick check on ZapMap shows that Birch Services M62 East has two rapid chargers and West has three...whether they're working or not is a different matter, but they do exist.

 

[teepee]

Hi everyone! I’m new to this EV stuff, but I bought a new Kia e-Niro 2 a month ago, my wife and I love it, and yesterday I thought I’d visit a Motorway Services to see how the chargers work. I learnt that Ecotricity runs the whole motorway network of EV chargers, and at the same time have a terrible reputation. Anyway I visited Birches services on the M62, found the charge point but found there were no rapid chargers, is this normal? We have a holiday 🤞 booked for May, from last year, the lack of rapid chargers could prove problematic. Suggestions?

Most surprised you found no rapid chargers at the services ? Zap Map indicates there are 2 CCS rapids on either side of the motorway? I know Ecotricity has a poor reputation, but from my own personal expereince of EV ownership in 12 months I've used Ecotricity a handful of times and found them to all working (one was even free!). Enjoy the EV experience.

 

[DSLRed]

You are absolutely right, Ecotricity have the most awful reputation. There are rapid chargers at Birch services - I tried them once but they didn't work.

Your best bet is to download either Zap Map, or Plugshare apps, or both.

Zap map allows filtering where you can specify certain criteria which includes which specific suppliers you want to find.

If you use Apple CarPlay, then Plugshare is available on the CarPlay interface, which means you can search around you for chargers on the in car display.

There is a third app called 'a better route planner' (ABRP) which enables you to plan your journey ahead, plugging in all sorts of parameters, and it will help you locate the best stops to charge. It is also available on CarPlay if you pay the monthly subscription for the full version.

In reality, the charger infrastructure in motorway services areas is simply not where it needs to be right now - there are lots of threads on here bemoaning that fact and it has been widely discussed recently because the govt is inviting EVs users to participate in a govt survey to feed into a consultation exercise (i.e. a 3 year talking shop with little action).

In the meantime, you would be wise to take the default view that Ecotricity are awful and are to be avoided. It will lead to a less stressful ownership experience. There are other better options, you just need to plan ahead. Many people stick to using Instavolt and Osprey - 2 of the most reliable networks.

If you stay in ICE mode and think that the motorway service areas are going to serve your needs, it is only a matter of time before they let you down. Always have a plan B.

Enjoy your car though. Kia make great EVs. I have the Soul EV. Just don't get to drive it enough right now.

 

[Hitstirrer]

Anyway, I visited Birches services on the M62, found the charge point but found there were no rapid chargers......................

Not sure what 'charge point' you found but the Rapids on both sides at Birch are actually quite visible.

Eastbound.

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

goo.gl

Westbound.

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

goo.gl

Frequently such Rapids are in pairs but only one unit has a CCS plug for your car. This is annoying if a Chademo car has plugged in at that one and unless they move over to the other charger you will be stuck waiting. Not that it will work after waiting of course.

 

[Stevelfc]

Hi everyone! I’m new to this EV stuff, but I bought a new Kia e-Niro 2 a month ago, my wife and I love it, and yesterday I thought I’d visit a Motorway Services to see how the chargers work. I learnt that Ecotricity runs the whole motorway network of EV chargers, and at the same time have a terrible reputation. Anyway I visited Birches services on the M62, found the charge point but found there were no rapid chargers, is this normal? We have a holiday 🤞 booked for May, from last year, the lack of rapid chargers could prove problematic. Suggestions?

Hi everyone! I’m new to this EV stuff, but I bought a new Kia e-Niro 2 a month ago, my wife and I love it, and yesterday I thought I’d visit a Motorway Services to see how the chargers work. I learnt that Ecotricity runs the whole motorway network of EV chargers, and at the same time have a terrible reputation. Anyway I visited Birches services on the M62, found the charge point but found there were no rapid chargers, is this normal? We have a holiday 🤞 booked for May, from last year, the lack of rapid chargers could prove problematic. Suggestions?

Thanks for all the replies, very informative for me. Cheers

 

[AnotherJoe]

A Better Route Planner shows exactly where the charge points are at a location.