Lobbying re public charge points

[Hypermiler]

Hi all

Just a thought - can we try to canvass places to install charge points?
I did my longest drive today - about 42 miles and was trying to juggle battery usage so that uphills didn't drain it etc. Got 82% ev - not sure if that is great or not - will play top trumps with myself each week as I do that journey every Friday.

There are pretty much no public chargers in my area.
I have just emailed the National Trust and RHS (sorry, very middle class I know!) to ask whether they have a policy or are planning to install chargers - the NT website suggests they only have one - at Powis Castle. How ridiculous. If anyone else fancies contacting them, go for it as the more queries they get the better...

Why don't you email somewhere you regularly go and see what they say? Or just ask when you go, although probably better in writing. Perhaps let us know how you get on?

My local M&S which is recently built is supposed to have a charger - not sure where it is and guy on till didn't know a few weeks ago. Will ask for sure next time I'm there.

Cheers
H

 

[rjs104]

Good idea H!

Be good to get some support for various sites - as you say the more people who contact them the more likely they are to take the idea seriously. I wonder what sort of grants/incentives are available for commercial operations and charities?

The National Trust is a great starter for ten - I like that idea a lot.

I'm freelance and have been looking at the various sites I work at to see what the charging possibilities might be. One of them (Pinewood Studios) are very forward thinking - they have charging points already (albeit basic ones) - but they are looking to improve them, and even asked what car I would be buying to make sure they get the correct connectivity for me

I'll get my thinking cap on, and see who might be good people to contact about charging points.

I've already thought hotel chains would be a great one - surely this would be a positive for one of the chains to brag about having lots of? I work a lot in Manchester these days - it would sway me between Premier Inn, Holiday Inn or Travelodge* if one of them offered charging whilst I was there...

Richard.

*or whatever hotel chain!

 

[jaapv]

The Four Pillars hotel group offer free charging points. Slightly primitive as they are household plug outlets, and just one (at least at Tortworth Court Wotton-under-Edge), but still....

 

[Cityblueboy]

Most best western hotels in the uk have electric charge points which are free to use, they have been provided by zero carbon world who will provide free chargers for business, subject to certain criteria.

 

[Hypermiler]

Thanks CityBlueBoy - that is a fantastic website to suggest to people. Will forward to NT and RHS if appropriate when they reply. Will be great to send to holiday places too.

If the govt grant changes, might be worth registering as a B&B to get this kit for £400-500 (looks like you get a dedicated 13A and a 32A).
Cheers
H

 

[Hypermiler]

Update - had a reply from RHS. They apparently have charge points at Wisley gardens and said they would look at it when they update their Harlow Carr car park.
No reply from NT yet.
H

 

[rjs104]

Just to update too - I contacted travelodge who replied saying they had no immediate plans to install any charging facilities and that they would hope people research facilities in the area they are staying.

Bit disappointing.

I'm going to email a few more chains just to raise the thought.

R

 

[astede]

Lobbying bodies like these is a great idea, thanks! The more of us who raise it, the more likely it is they'll start doing something about it. I have just emailed the National Trust, English Heritage and the RSPB.

 

[chindley]

I contacted Centre Parks (who use electric vehicles round their centres) and they have no plans to install customer charging facilities. Not very green! :mrgreen: I think they only change things that save them money.