After a top-up, pick the next charger before you set off
A mobile charge from us adds an estimated 10 to 12 miles in 30 minutes. That's a top-up to reach a proper charge point, not a full charge, and it varies with the car, temperature and battery state. So choose where you're going first, and head straight there. Don't stop on the way.
Use a map that shows live status
Search for rapid chargers near you on a charge point map app, or on your car's own navigation, which often shows whether a charger is free. Look for chargers marked as rapid or ultra-rapid. They are far quicker than the ordinary street chargers, which are slow.
A charger can show as available and still be broken or blocked by a parked car. Open the user comments or recent check-ins and look at the latest ones before you commit.
Check it suits your car
Before you set off, check these three things:
- The plug type: most rapid chargers have CCS, and some have CHAdeMO. Your car will take one or the other. If you're not sure, your handbook or charge flap says which
- The speed: your car has its own maximum charging speed, so the fastest charger isn't always needed
- The price and how to pay: how you pay differs from charger to charger, and some need an app or a membership. Check before you arrive
Have a second option ready
Rapid chargers in London get busy, particularly in the evening, and one of them being full or out of order is common. Pick a second one close to the first, so you don't use your last miles on a wild goose chase. If your range is very tight, choose the nearest working charger rather than the cheapest or fastest.
If you can't get there
If the charge you have won't reach any working charger, or the car stops again, ring us. Tell us where you are, the car and the battery percentage, and we'll tell you the price on the call before we set off. We're open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
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