New EV owner, overwhelmed by too much information

Hi ​@bnewsom ,

If you’re getting a VWG Group vehicle, check whether you get the free miles/discounted rate offer via Cupra first! If you qualify, that takes priority.

Otherwise, the PAYG options is just that - PAYG with nothing else. The Plans method gives you an allowance that you pay for as part of a package, based on which one you pick. You’re free to change your mind later though.

As for a Charger? Hypervolt is your best bet - could you find out what’s being offered please?

Hi ​@bnewsom Welcome to the world of EVs where driving took on a whole new world of challenges but a very rewarding driving experience to go along with it.

When I first started with my EV over four years ago it was quite overwhelming but I settled for getting a charge point and just operating it from my Fixed Price contract (then 15p a unit - seems unbelievable now) without any add ons or discounts. You can do that as a first step with you new charge point (I used the one in my local town car park for the first month) so you can get your head around whether you are entitled for a charging deal through the VWG or not. I endorse ​@Blastoise186’s choice of Hypervolt because it allows you to use Charge Anytime and supports solar power export if you have that or are considering that as well but it may well depend on any offer you will get with the car purchase.

Please come on here again if you have any further questions. We would be pleased to try and help you with any of the steps you need to take. If you haven’t found it already this is a large resource of user information here as well https://www.speakev.com/

Peter

Afternoon ​@bnewsom and a warm welcome to the OVO Forum! I’ve added the EV badge to your account so that other Forum members can recognise you.

To confirm Volkswagen Group EV drivers can benefit from up to 30,000 free miles over three years thanks to our Partnership with Volkswagen. You’d also benefit from the 7p/kwh charging rate, rather than the new 14p/kwh rate. You can find all information, and check your eligibility here. We’ve also got a Forum topic covering this:

I hope this helps, and I hope you enjoy your new EV!

Thanks for the help and advice so far.  I’ve successfully added Charge Anytime to my Ovo account and downloaded the Ovo Charge app.  I can see from the map that the app provides, that there are only a couple of charge points in my town (Stratford-upon-Avon).  But I know of several others that don’t appear on the Ovo map, such as those at Tesco.  Can I only use the charge points displayed on the Ovo app?

Hi ​@bnewsom ,

If you can tell me which operator the charge points at that Tesco (or anywhere else!) run on, I can check with the team and let you know what to do.

Thanks!

Thanks ​@Blastoise186 the chargers at the Maybird Shopping centre are Met.  Here’s a picture 

I tried connecting but couldn’t work out how to make it work.

I’ve checked with the team - mer support is coming soon as they’re currently being onboarded.

Keep an eye out for them on the map!

The one at Tesco is POD Point

PodPoint should be on the list. If you can’t see them on the map for some reason, please give the team a heads up via the Live Chat at https://joinbonnet.com and they can investigate.

Let them know I said hi too! :)

Thanks as always for your help ​@Blastoise186!

Sorry for being dim, but I’m still stuck.  What is the actual process for using a charge point?  It doesn’t seem to integrate with the Ovo Charge app.  I need idiot proof instructions 🤡.

Which charger are you using?

I’m going to go back to Maybird and try the Mer one there.  If I can’t make that work I’ll try the RAW charger in Shottery.

If you’re looking for a rapid charger, the ones at mfg or Double Tree may be worth investigating.

mer support is coming very soon. Please keep an eye on the map!

The RAW charger at the Bell in Shottery is working but I had to pay by card as I couldn’t see how to do it through the OVO app.

it does appear on the OVO app map though.

My understanding was that it would simply charge back to my OVO account, is that not right?

Then as a VW Group driver I get the 7p pay as you go rate.

Hi ​@bnewsom ,

I’ve checked that with the team. You need to add a payment method to the app as you can’t use the Monthly Plans if you’re a VWG customer.

My understanding is the 7p rate is only applicable for home charging. The public charging is at the operator’s rates, but possibly with a discount for certain levels of membership. But happy to be proven wrong.

Just thinking this further...

It’s possible you might still be able to use the Light/Turbo Boost memberships within the OVO Charge app for public charging. But you’d still be paying via the app itself if you did that.

Hi,

whilst it can be good to link back to your OVO account, I think pretty much all public chargers should take a contactless credit/debit card. There are a couple of exceptions e.g. many of the Tesla chargers are only available to Tesla drivers. Some will give discounts if you download their app, join a club, pay monthly etc. These may be worthwhile if you do a lot of mileage and need to charge on the road.

Not sure how good your in car satnav is, but one I have found useful in the past is ABRP (a better route planner), which can optimise your charging stops.

good luck.

colin

Thanks for your help ​@nealmurphy ​@Blastoise186 and ​@Colingray83 - much appreciated as always!

​@bnewsom have you managed to link your payment details to the app?

​@Ben_OVO  I believe I have but I haven’t tried using it at a charger since then.

  There are only a couple of compatible locations here in Stratford and neither are very convenient.

Hey ​@bnewsom 

I’m glad to hear it sounds like you’re all set up! Do let us know how you get on with charging out and about.😊