‘Where can I charge my car? ‘ is one of the most common questions asked by EV and PHEV drivers, especially when venturing into unfamiliar areas. The following information will provide clear answers to that question, and will also direct Toyota owners to Toyota products and services that can assist you along the way.
Where can I charge my car? – Public charging
Did you know there are almost four times as many charging points in the UK than traditional fuel stations? These 32,000 individual points are distributed over almost 20,000 locations, and their number is currently increasing at a rate of around 30% a year.
But whereas traditional fuel station forecourts are readily visible from the road, public charging points are not always so easy to spot. Travel that involves public charging may therefore require a little forward planning.
Toyota has also developed a Europe-wide network of public charging points that can be accessed through the Toyota Public Charging Network. More than 150,000 points are clearly displayed on the network website (see screen grab above), which has useful search and zoom functions to enable visitors to zone in on any specific area (see screen grab below). Further information is provided on each station’s immediate availability, charging speed and price per kWh.
Subscribers to the Toyota Public Charging Network can access the same information through their MyT connected services app. But they also benefit from a convenient charging solution that requires just one contract and a single charging card, irrespective of the company supplying electricity from the public charger. Payment is made via a single monthly invoice.
Some satellite navigation systems can display a list of the nearest public charging stations and how far they are from your location. Alternatively, smartphone apps such as Zap-Map allow you to search for public charging points, plan longer journeys, pay on participating networks and share updates with fellow EV drivers.
See more: Searchable website map of the Toyota Public Charging Network
Home charging
What if your travel plans are less ambitious and you are confident that you will be able to return home without needing to top-up on route? In this instance, charging your EV or PHEV at home usually represents the most straightforward and cost-effective means of replenishing your vehicle’s battery.
The battery packs in electrified vehicles can always be topped-up using any domestic three-pin socket, but as this method delivers a maximum of 2.2kW per hour it is the slowest method of charging. Where possible, Toyota recommends the installation of a dedicated home charging system, which can supply electricity to the battery at a higher rate of up to 7.4kW.
To make the move to electric as simple as possible, Toyota has partnered with British Gas to offer UK customers with private off-street parking such a dedicated home charging system free of charge. Subject to availability and eligibility, this offer includes a 7.4kW home charger and standard installation. A government fund is also available to help homeowners living in flats or rented accommodation install a home charging point.
Learn more: What is the Toyota Public Charging Network?
NB: Details were correct at the time and date of publication
How can I get a personal charge system installed in my London Borough of Havering Council owned rented garage that currently has no power supply?
Hi Nigel,
Thanks for your question.
The easiest way to charge your vehicle at home is to install an electric vehicle charger.
To make the move to electric is simple – a home EV charger, and installation is included with all of our plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles.
We’ve teamed up with British Gas to make installation as quick and easy as possible. Subject to availability and eligibility.
For more information, click here: https://fal.cn/3riCA
Thanks.
Hi
Does the Toyota home charging BZ4x offer apply to Norther Ireland customers, we do not have British Gas here.
If yes Can you forward details on how to apply pls.
Hi Henry,
Thanks for your comment.
We would recommend contacting your nearest Toyota Centre to see what options are available to you.
Thanks.
I ordered a Toyota RAV 4 PHEV from Steven Eagell Toyota (Aylesbury), Gatehouse Road, HP19 8ED, Aylesbury in June 2022.
Unfortunately, I did not receive an email from either Steven Eagell Toyota (Aylesbury) or British Gas in order to start the process of installing a free home charger.
How to proceed in order to have a home charger installed?
Many thanks
Adrian
Hi Andrea, thanks for your order of the RAV4.
We would recommend contacting your Toyota Centre regarding this.
Thanks.
Hi Adrian did you ever resolve this issue? I also was promised a free charger installation by the same dealership (different location) and now they are denying all knowledge!
Very similar story. Steven Eagel dealership in Cambridge. I bought PHEV RAV4 from them in December 2022 with a promise of a free wallbox installation. Then had to waste a lot of my time on follow-ups in Q1 of 2023. Centrica / BG kept telling me, that Toyota dealer failed to pass on to them any information and “nothing in the system” . Dealer responses in avoidance mode and unable to keep their promises. Eventually I had to install my own wallbox. Won’t be touching Steven Eagel with a barge pole, and will think twice before buying any new Toyota.
Hi, thanks for getting in touch.
We are very sorry to hear you are experiencing this and completely understand your frustration.
We would recommend contacting our Customer Relations team to discuss this further. If necessary, the team may be able to contact the dealership to resolve this for you.
The team can be found here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre#/
Please let us know if we can assist with any other problems or queries.
Thanks.