When it comes to charging an electric vehicle (EV), there are many options available. Not everyone has the ability to charge at home, people have different driving habits and time restraints can dictate how you charge.
As EV ownership is growing across the UK there have been great improvements in availability of public charging. Uber has developed smart charging app features to help drivers optimize range and charging opportunities while online.
Read more below on charging technology, charging advice and exclusive offers for discounted public charging rates and home charging options.
How does charging for an electric vehicle work?
Charging Speed
Standard (7kW) and Fast (22kW) chargers, which use AC power, are common for home and destination charging (like workplaces or supermarkets) where your EV can be parked for longer periods, typically charging the battery overnight or topping up throughout the workday.
Rapid (50kW) and Ultra-Rapid (150-350kW) chargers utilize high-power DC current for significantly quicker charge times. These chargers can be found at most charging stations and are common at motorway stops.
The cost of charging varies depending on the power and speed of your charging option.
Uber Smart Charging features
Uber has developed various smart charging features within the Driver app, which use real-time data to help improve the EV driving experience. The goal is to help drivers optimise time on the road, take the stress of finding a charger and reduce range anxiety. Learn more below.
Charging Map
In your driver app you can simply tap to find a charging station nearby. View charging points in your current location with real-time availability and plug type information. Filter your experience with what you need from charging speed and specific providers.
Battery-Aware Matching
With battery-aware matching, you will only receive ride requests that are within your battery’s range when you connect your EV to the Driver app.
Drivers can connect their EV with the Uber app, this allows the app to see the battery range and level of your EV.
Recommended Charger Notification
This feature will send drivers in-app notifications with high-quality recommendations about the best time and location to charge.
Battery and range efficiency
Below are some best practices to maximise the lifespan and efficiency of EV batteries:
- Avoid letting the battery drain completely (i.e. go to 0%).
- Maintain an optimal charge level of between 20% and 80%, avoid regularly letting the battery go below 20%.
- Regularly update your vehicle’s software to ensure optimal battery management by the car’s system.
- Look into and follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
Tips to improve EVs range
- Minimize the use of heating and air conditioning when possible.
- Drive at steady speeds and avoid frequent and rapid acceleration.
- Regularly check tire pressure, as under-inflated tires can reduce range.
- Use eco-driving modes if available.
- See recommendations from your EV’s manufacturer.
Uber Exclusive Charging offers
Save on public charging with bp pulse
Uber has partnered with bp pulse to offer drivers free subscription and discounted charging rates with bp pulse across the UK.
Charge seamlessly: Find fast, ultra-fast and rapid chargers on the go with bp pulse app and start their charge using their bp pulse card or the bp pulse smartphone app.
Learn more on how to access these exclusive rates below.
Save on home charging with selected providers
Wallbox
Get an exclusive 24% discount on your home charger with Wallbox.
Wallbox chargers are designed for indoor or outdoor installation and backed by a 3-year warranty. Manage your costs with the myWallbox app and advanced features that optimise your energy use.
Pod Point
Get Smart Home Charging with Pod Point – Save £100 on a Pod Point charger. Get an untethered charger for £899 or a Tethered charger at £949. Standard installation & 5-year warranty included.
You will also have access to Pod Point’s public network and be able to understand your energy usage via the Pod Point app. You can also choose the UK’s first all-inclusive EV charging subscription.
Alternative solutions
Co-Charger
Already in an EV with a home charger? Rent out your home charger for extra money, set your own price and decide if you want to accept!
Don’t have access to home charging? rent your neighbours charger – usually cheaper than public networks and get peace of mind with your charging slot!
UK Government Grants
The Government is offering grants of up to £350 to help with the cost of installing charging points for Electric Vehicles. The grants are available for both renters and homeowners.
Renters and flat owners
This grant provides up to £350 towards the cost of installing a charging point at your property.
You can apply for this grant if you either:
- Own and live in a flat; or
- Rent and live in any residential property
- You have private off-street parking
- You own, use or have ordered an eligible vehicle
Households with on-street parking
The government grant provides up to £350 towards the cost of installing a charging point at your property. You can claim for an installation once you have installed the charging point and the cross-pavement solution is in place.
You must:
- Own or rent the property and be a resident at the property
- Be installing a cross-pavement solution
- Only have on-street parking
- You own, use or have ordered an eligible vehicle
Posted by Uber