611 – EV Charging!

Once again, the header picture is absolutely nothing to do with today’s topics.

We went to London today to visit family. We had a lovely day, and I’m pleased to say that everyone we saw were OK.

We drove to London in the Leaf. We left home with a full charge, and we knew that we could get to south London without having to stop to charge. I didn’t want to do that, because I knew that plugging in at our destination with the 13 amp connector would not give us sufficient charge even after six or more hours, and we would have to stop on the way home. I didn’t want to do that.

On previous trips north our first port of call has been the Genie Point charger at Liphook Services. We knew that if we stopped there, had a cup of coffee whilst we charged would give us sufficient to get home (with the home charge in London). We pulled in to the services, went to where we knew the charger to be. What was evident as we drove in were the rather extensive construction works that were underway. What was not evident was the charging point! It had gone.

We had a good look around, just make sure that it hadn’t been moved. It had, but only to remove it.I think it reasonable to say that our lack of being impressed was rather profound. To say I felt a tad grumpy about the issue would not be an understatement.

Subsequent research has revealed that the northbound services are being subject to a multi-million pound re-vamp, to include a MacDonalds, and possibly other outlets. Which is fine and good, at I would be shocked, very shocked if it didn’t include a bank of chargers – I just hope they include the connection standard we have on our car.

Subsequent to our not getting a charge at Liphook we proceeded on to Cobham Services on the M25. It has three EV points we can use. As we drove on to the M25, ZapMap told us that all three charging points were in use, which was good in that they were working, but how long would we have to wait?

Upon arrival, one of the cars was in the process of disconnecting, so we didn’t have to wait long at all. All connected up, charging progressed apace, a minor discussion with Elayne about my stress over the whole issue. charging complete, journey complete, a good day was had by all. Why-oh-why do I get so stressed about this? I was not happy about Liphook. Absolutely nothing I can do about it.