nickcarr
Standard Member
Hi All.
Just returned from a family holiday to Bruges and this was the first time going to the EU with the STD Range MG5 (71).
We’ve owned the MG, without a hitch, for 2 years and 20k miles, charging 95% of the time at home, so not the most experienced at charging elsewhere.
The Journey
We travelled from Bognor, West Sussex, to STOPP24 (about 110 miles and 3 miles from Le Shuttle). Arrived with 50% and using the Electroverse/Octopus card, charged for 20 mins at the Shell IONITY which took us to 92%, although the first charger wasn't working.
On to the tunnel which had no delays, however only the tesla chargers were working, so very glad we charged beforehand. No need to charge on route now so drove straight to Bruges.
When in Bruges and for trips to the Netherlands, we used the SMOOV App charger map which shows all their many many 7.5Kwh chargers. We used the Electroverse card from octopus to trigger and pay for all charging. They were all charging around 43cents per kWh.
Unlike the UK, Belgium and Holland have really sorted the local charging out. In most bigger car parks there are several charge points and lots of Bruges' residential streets have them also. It just took all the hassle away.
On the way back we charged at the empty Coquelle, Le Shuttle Energie Rapids for 20mins whilst grabbing a Starbucks and back home. Car was a joy to drive as usual, smooth, quiet and easy; fitting 3 medium suitcases in the boot with 2 charge cables and bits. Haven't worked out the charging costs yet.
The comparison to UK charging is stark, not in terms of rapid charge stations, but the access to local street charging and cost.
Will add charger pics.
Cheers Nick
Just returned from a family holiday to Bruges and this was the first time going to the EU with the STD Range MG5 (71).
We’ve owned the MG, without a hitch, for 2 years and 20k miles, charging 95% of the time at home, so not the most experienced at charging elsewhere.
The Journey
We travelled from Bognor, West Sussex, to STOPP24 (about 110 miles and 3 miles from Le Shuttle). Arrived with 50% and using the Electroverse/Octopus card, charged for 20 mins at the Shell IONITY which took us to 92%, although the first charger wasn't working.
On to the tunnel which had no delays, however only the tesla chargers were working, so very glad we charged beforehand. No need to charge on route now so drove straight to Bruges.
When in Bruges and for trips to the Netherlands, we used the SMOOV App charger map which shows all their many many 7.5Kwh chargers. We used the Electroverse card from octopus to trigger and pay for all charging. They were all charging around 43cents per kWh.
Unlike the UK, Belgium and Holland have really sorted the local charging out. In most bigger car parks there are several charge points and lots of Bruges' residential streets have them also. It just took all the hassle away.
On the way back we charged at the empty Coquelle, Le Shuttle Energie Rapids for 20mins whilst grabbing a Starbucks and back home. Car was a joy to drive as usual, smooth, quiet and easy; fitting 3 medium suitcases in the boot with 2 charge cables and bits. Haven't worked out the charging costs yet.
The comparison to UK charging is stark, not in terms of rapid charge stations, but the access to local street charging and cost.
Will add charger pics.
Cheers Nick
