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bnewsom
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September 29, 2025
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New EV owner, overwhelmed by too much information

  • September 29, 2025
  • 25 replies
  • 371 views

Hi, my new Cupra Born arrives tomorrow so I need to get set for home charging.

 

I don't have the charger yet but Cupra offer a deal where they supply it although I don’t actually know what model or when it will happen.

 

I’ve looked at the links to Charge Anytime plans but there’s so much info it’s hard to know where to start.  Since the car is from Volkswagen group it seems there is a special arrangement in place but I don’t really understand it.  Should I be looking at a plan or Pas you go, or are these the same thing?

 

Other people I know with EVs are with Octopus Energy so I haven’t been able to get any friendly help.

 

Please can the forum please help to simplify things for me.

Many thanks,  Bruce

Best answer by Ben_OVO

Updated on 24/02/26 by Chris_OVO

Hi ​@bnewsom,

 

I don’t have the app myself, however I believe you need to add your payment details in the app, and then use the app to find a charger. Once you’ve done this, you can press ‘Start Charge’, and then it should use your payment details from the app.

 

Let us know how you get on!

25 replies

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
September 29, 2025

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?

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Peter E
Super User
Super User
September 29, 2025

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

 

Reducing my yearly fossil fuel usage with an EV (-900 litres petrol), A2AHP (-8,700 kWh gas) and Timed Immersion heater (-1,500 kWh gas)
Ben_OVO
Community Manager
Community Manager
September 30, 2025

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!

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bnewsom
Rank 2
bnewsomAuthor
Rank 2
September 30, 2025

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?

New EV owner, still finding my way.
Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
September 30, 2025

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!

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
bnewsom
Rank 2
bnewsomAuthor
Rank 2
October 1, 2025

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.

New EV owner, still finding my way.
Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
October 1, 2025

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!

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bnewsom
Rank 2
bnewsomAuthor
Rank 2
October 1, 2025

The one at Tesco is POD Point

 

New EV owner, still finding my way.
Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
October 1, 2025

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! :)

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Ben_OVO
Community Manager
Community Manager
October 1, 2025

Thanks as always for your help ​@Blastoise186!

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