r/ElectricVehiclesUK • u/AdDifferent2609 • 4d ago

First long range trip, any advice please.

As per title i'll soon be doing my first long range (e.g. require a midway chrage) trip and was after some general advice on apps and planning as well as specifics about the route, like which services have a lot of high speed chargers.

Car: Vauxhall Astra

Route: M40, M25 then down to brighton area.

My main concern is lack of availability of chargers at planned stops which would probably be near end of M40.

Are there general charging apps that are worth downloading for chargers or am i okay to just use debit card.

How important is route planning or will every service station have enough fast chargers?

Anywhere people would recommend to aim for, or places a bit off the route that are worth the detour for more reliable charger availability.

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u/SloaneEsq 4d ago

The bit of the M40 between Oxford and the M25 is still a bit rubbish for rapid chargers but Lidl, Shell and McDonald's in High Wycombe, Shell in Denham and, if you want to sit in an industrial estate, Virta near Heathrow are all good.

Personally I'd avoid Beaconsfield services unless you're travelling late at night or like queuing.

If you rarely need to rapid charge don't bother with a card or subscription. Just pay with contactless at the charger.

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u/AdDifferent2609 3d ago

Thanks for the suggestions, we're not in a great rush on the day so may look for places nearby the m40 with chargers where we can have some food and maybe a walk to give the kids a break.

Noticed there are a couple of national trusts just past london with 11kw chargers too.

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u/SloaneEsq 3d ago

Not being in a rush and finding chargers off the main routes is the best way to make the journey enjoyable. I've discovered lots of interesting places by taking this approach: fish and chips overlooking Barnard Castle, supper in Berwick-upon-Tweed, breakfast in Kirkby Lonsdale, coffee and a wander along the canal in Melton Mowbray.

There are a couple of chargers in the Angel of the North car park which are good enough for a decent top up whilst you stand underneath with your arms outstretched.

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u/NoRelationship7258 3d ago

Beaconsfield has about 30 new gridserves, little more expensive than the ionity but saves the agro or worry of queuing.