Public electric vehicle chargers need clearer signs to help raise awareness of charging networks across the UK, according to the AA.
The breakdown company said adding charging costs to existing petrol station price boards, changing the parking sign ‘P’ on a blue background to a green one and introducing digital displays ‘would help advertise the locations in the public realm’.
Meanwhile, the AA says the number of breakdowns for electric cars that have run out of charge has ‘steadily fallen over the past few years’. Just over two percent of EV callouts are now due to a flat traction battery.
EV drivers need ‘clear advice’
AA president Edmund King said: “It’s important that drivers interested in making the switch to EVs are given clear information and advice. Ensuring definitions around chargers are the same will help people understand what they are likely to use while they travel across the country.”
“With around 50 percent growth in EV charge points in the last year, it is unsurprising that the number of callouts for EV drivers running out of charge has also fallen to just over two percent of callouts.
“One of the top reasons drivers say they are hesitant to switch to EVs is their concern about lack of public chargers. Updating the signs to make them more visible will help EV drivers find chargers more quickly and show other drivers that the network is rapidly growing.”
How do you find EV charging points?
There are numerous different ways to find your nearest public charging points. One of the most popular is to check Zap Map, which shows the full extent of the UK’s EV network.
Its interactive map allows you to zoom in via a town name or postcode, then use several filters to narrow the search. These include connector types (rapid, fast and slow), charging network (Ionity or BP Chargemaster, for example), location type and whether payment is required.
Google Maps also has the ability to locate electric car charging points. Not only can you find your nearest charger – or points along a chosen route – you can also add the plug used by your EV into the preferences.
Finally, many EVs allow you to locate your nearest charger via their dashboard infotainment system or a connected smartphone app. All Teslas have a built-in Trip Planner, for example, which provides an efficient route to your destination, taking into account the company’s Supercharger stations along the way.
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