British driver fined for taking too long to charge EV? Car expert weighs in

Car centre JLR Essex has issued guidance to EV drivers on how to avoid fines whilst charging their electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, and as the market grows so does the demand. New legislation will see a compulsory measure put in place that all “New homes and buildings… as well as those undergoing major renovation, will be required to install electric vehicle charge points from next year, under new legislation.”

British drivers are reportedly put off after a motorist was fined for waiting in a queue to charge his electric vehicle. After an extended wait and a £100 fine, some motorists are now hesitant about taking the plunge into owning an electric car.

JLR Essex has advised Brits on how to best prepare their electric vehicles for extended journeys to prevent them from getting caught out and potentially fined.

“Whether it’s your first journey in your electric vehicle or you’re a seasoned professional, it’s always worth having a plan if you’re going on a long-haul journey in an electric vehicle. Many of us are used to petrol or diesel vehicles, and the prospect of having to locate a charger can feel stressful. It’s worth noting that depending on the make and model of your car, you can travel between 100 and 300 miles with a full charge. Here are our top tips for planning that big road trip:

“Ideally, charge the night before, but if this isn’t possible look at how far you could travel on one full charge. This will allow you to work out how many charging points you will need to access en route.

“Plan your route and map out charging points along your journey. If you’re not sure how to find out the location of charging points along your journey, your sat nav should be able to provide information on this.

“It’s important to also plan how much time you will need to set aside to charge your vehicle and if this is going to cause a detrimental setback on your journey. Charging your car also allows you to take valuable breaks from driving, have a drink and a snack, and stretch your legs especially if you’re driving long distances.

“Try to recharge before your range drops below 30%. You don’t want to be waiting in a queue and lose all power as you’re waiting. Maintain a sensible speed! Whilst careering down the motorway may get you there quicker, you will be burning through power and this will result in more frequent stops to charge.

“Drive safely and plan ahead with plenty of time in case you do experience issues along the way.”