Drivers can avoid queueing at electric car charging stations with four tips

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Electric car drivers can save valuable minutes and avoid queing at charging bays by taking a range of precautions, according to experts.

The tips come as electric car owners have called out concerns over the length of time they are forced to wait to charge their models.

EV driver Dylan Sumbler took to social media to share a video of Tesla’s queuing at Tebay Services in Cumbria over the Christmas holidays.

Meanwhile, 64-year-old Richard Stewart was fined after waiting an hour to charge his vehicle after he breached a two-hour service station stay limit.

Express.co.uk looks at four simple solutions motorists can take today.

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Use rapid charging stations

Rapid charging bays are likely to have smaller queues as drivers can get in and out a lot quicker. These stations usually offer 50kW plugs which can top up a vehicle to around 80 percent in 30 minutes.

According to ZapMap, there are 9,015 rapid and ultra-rapid chatting devices in the UK with 242 bays added last month.

Avoid peak times

Experts at EV specialist ChargeMap have warned owners should always avoid charging bays at peak periods. Many more motorists are likely to be using their vehicles ahead of rush hour meaning some forward planning could go a long way.

They commented: “Try to charge in the early morning or late evening to avoid peak charging times. These are the ideal time slots to enjoy a bit of calm and cooler summer temperatures.

“In fact, your charging time is optimised if you charge your EV outside the hottest moments of the day.”

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Check availability before arriving

The RAC has encouraged drivers to check whether bays are available before arriving at a location.

They stress it was “always best” to check a location’s status which can be done through apps such as Zap Map or PlugShare.

They added: “This allows you to see which chargers are occupied in real-time, reducing the risk of a frustrating and timely wait.”

Regular top-ups

According to specialists at PodPoint, electric car owners should gradually top-up their cars whenever they stop off. Plugging in while you pop into a service station or the shops will keep your battery at a sustained level instead of falling into the red.

This would also mean motorists are not forced to stop if they notice massive queues at a charging bay.

They explained: “Try to get into the habit of topping up at your destination whenever you can.

“Whilst this feels alien for those used to refuelling, it reduces your reliance on (usually) expensive and inconvenient rapid charging and means charging happens when you are busy doing other things, thus minimising your time spent waiting to effectively nil.”

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