FAQ

Where will the new Rapid Charge Network charge points be located?

The map on the Drivers page will show you the approximate location of the new charge points. All sites are subject to survey and installation and therefore an exact location will not be publicised until each charge point is available.

Which vehicles can use the Rapid Charge Network points?

The charge points will be equipped with new and innovative multi-standard rapid charging technology which will combine CHAdeMO and Combined Charging System 44 kW DC chargers and 43 kW AC charger into one easily accessible charging station. This means that all standardised electric vehicles will be able to access these charge points opening up EV charging to more EVs.

How can I find out the exact location of the charge points?

Every Rapid Charge Network point will be operating through an established network operator and its exact location and information will be made available on their website. At the moment in the UK this will be through Ecotricity’s Electric Highway and ESB’s ecars in Ireland.

How will I know when a charge point on the map is live?

We will keep this website updated and each time a new Rapid Charge Network point goes live, we will change the colour on the map to orange. Once the charge point is live it will also appear on the relevant network operator’s website.

How will I access the charge points?

You will access these charge points through the existing network operator schemes.

How much will it cost to use the charge points?

It will be free to use the rapid charge points until 31 December 2015.

Can more than one vehicle charge at the same time?

No at present only one vehicle can charge at any one time.

Are all 74 Rapid Charge Network points new or are they replacing some existing charge points?

All 74 charge points are new additions to the UK.

What is the study element of the project about?

The Rapid Charge Network project is a European study on the benefits that the installation of a network of multi-standard, rapid charge points can bring. The results of this project will be rolled out across other countries, towns and cities in Europe. The successful analysis of driving and charging behaviour during this roll-out is therefore essential and we would like to encourage drivers to get involved.

How can I get involved in the study?

We are asking drivers to help us in a number of different ways:

  • Complete an online questionnaire which will be sent out 2 – 3 times over the next 12 months.
  • Take part in a focus group during the project.
  • Allow us to access your electric car data remotely.
  • Have a data logger installed in your car so that we can analyse your driving and charging patterns. All data will be used for analysis purposes only and will be anonymous. The data loggers are critical to the trial, providing us with detailed data and therefore a financial incentive will be offered to those taking part in this aspect of the study.

If you are interested in taking part in any of the above ways then please tell us a little bit more about yourself by completing this short questionnaire. We will then be back in touch within seven days to let you know the next steps.

I am interested in giving you access to my electric car data but what does that entail?

Collecting data from your car journeys is vital in providing Newcastle University, one of the project partners, with historic data of how people use the Rapid Charge Network. Car manufacturers collect data on how far you have driven, how much energy you have used and how long each journey took, as well as data on when you have charged your electric car and for how long. All data that are collected through this method are anonymous. With your agreement, the car manufacturer would transfer this data securely to the University. Data transferred would be anonymous; no personal data would be transferred and we would not receive any information about where you have driven or charged your car.

In order to help us with the analysis, we would ask you to provide us with your vehicle identifier number. We will then receive the data from the car manufacturers directly. At the end of the trial we would provide you with a summary of the trial results.

I am interested in having a data logger installed in my vehicle but what does that entail?

The data loggers are vital in providing Newcastle University, one of the project partners, with real-time data of how people use the Rapid Charge Network. It will monitor location, journeys, state of battery charge and charging patterns. 

Can I see my own data from the data loggers?

You are entitled to see your own personal information held by Newcastle University at any time. Through a free web portal, you could access data that have been collected through the data loggers. Those include time, duration, energy used when you were driving the car; as well as frequency of charging, duration, and energy transferred when you were charging the car. While this information would help us capture and understand how electric vehicle drivers use public charging infrastructure, it could give you valuable insights into your daily usage and utility of your car.

If I take part in the study, how will my personal data be used?

Newcastle University will be responsible for all data collection, analysis and storage of data. Newcastle University will collect and process personal information only to the extent required for the Study, shall ensure all data, including personal information, is collected, stored and managed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, and shall not transfer personal data to a third party nor include it in any published data.

What are the benefits for participants?

You will be part of a high profile trial and the data that is analysed by Newcastle University will provide us with vital insight which will help shape EV charging networks in the future, both in the UK and across Europe. It might also help you understand more about your own driving patterns over the period of the trial.

Back to drivers page >