Charging Guide
Charging Guide
What do I need?
If you are not charging at home, you can top up at a charging point. You’ll be able to do this using a ChargePlace Scotland card which looks like this:
To register for one, please visit ChargePlaceScotland.org and click on ‘Join us.’ You have to enter payment details to pay for electricity where it isn’t free.
Most charge points in Scotland will activate with a Charge Place Scotland card.
Alternatively, you can use the mobile app on here:
- For Apple devices: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/chargeplace-scotland/id1572473574
- For Android devices: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.chargeplacescotland.chargeplacescotlandapp&gl=GB
or webpay at https://webpay.chargeplacescotland.org/.
You can also access the BP Pulse 50kW chargers as a guest with a credit or debit card – these units have a contactless payment feature.
How to locate a charger?
Drive up to an available charge point – find one on our map here.
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If you’re travelling out of Dundee, check out zap-map.com, chargeplacescotland.org or the CPS app.
AC Charging
How to charge?
AC chargers have sockets on both sides of the charger which will allow you to plug your car into using your own charging cable.
Park your car appropriately and ensure that all windows and doors are closed before connecting the cable to your vehicle. The charge point will have a socket to plug your car into. To start charging:
- If you’re using a ChargePlace Scotland RFID card, hold your card up to the ‘scan’ icon for the charge unit to authorise your user card.
- If you’re using the mobile app, use the charge point ID to locate the unit and follow the on-screen instructions.
- If you’re using webpay, use ther charge point ID to locate the unit and follow the on-street instructions.
Select the charging socket on the unit, app or webpay screen. Plug your charging cable into the unit. Charging should start automatically and there will be an indication that your car is charging (e.g. ‘PLUG B CHARGING’ on the unit’s screen and the unit light will change colour to blue). Your vehicle may also indicate that it is charging (depending on the type of vehicle you have, this can be shown on the dashboard screen, lights above the dashboard, etc.)
How to stop charging?
To stop charging:
- If you’re using a ChargePlace Scotland RFID card, place it on the reader (the ‘scan’ icon)
- If you’re using the mobile app, follow the on-screen instructions.
- If you’re using webpay, follow the on-screen instructions.
Wait until the unit indicates that it is ready to disconnect the cable and unplug your cable from the unit first and from the car second. To prevent damage, always tidy cables away as you found them.
If the cable becomes stuck, cycle the central locking with your keys to release it. Your vehicle may also have a release button. Other times, it might be helpful to lock and unlock the vehicle.
DC Charging
How to charge?
DC rapid chargers have cables installed into them which will allow you to plug your car in without using your own cable.
Park your car appropriately and ensure that all windows and doors are closed before connecting the cable to your vehicle. To start charging:
- If you’re using a ChargePlace Scotland RFID card, hold your card up to the ‘scan’ icon for the charge unit to authorise your user card. The unit will beep or read ‘User Authorised’.
- If you’re using the mobile app or webpay, use the charge point ID to locate the unit and follow the on-screen instructions.
- If you’re paying with a credit/debit card, press ‘Guest’ and hold your card to the ‘scan’ icon.
Select the connector type for your vehicle – CCS, Chademo, Rapid AC – and connect the cable to your vehicle when prompted by the machine. There will be an indication that your car is charging (e.g. a charging summary will appear on the unit’s screen and the unit light will change colour to blue). Your vehicle may also indicate that it is charging (depending on the type of vehicle you have, this can be shown on the dashboard screen, lights above the dashboard, etc.)
How to stop charging?
To stop charging:
- If you’re using a ChargePlace Scotland RFID card, place it on the reader (the ‘scan’ icon)
- If you’re using the mobile app or webpay, follow the on-screen instructions.
- If you’re using a credit/debit card, place it on the reader (the ‘scan’ icon).
The session will stop automatically or prompt you to press a stop button on the screen. Wait until the unit indicated that it is ready to disconnect the cable. Unplug the cable from your vehicle and replace it into the charging holster.
If the cable becomes stuck, cycle the central locking with your keys to release it. Your vehicle may also have a release button. Other times, it might be helpful to lock and unlock the vehicle.
Issue with a charge point?
To report a problem with a charge point of if you need further guidance on charging, please take note of the charge point and visit the contact page https://chargeplacescotland.org/contact/ or contact the ChargePlace Scotland helpline at 0141 648 0750.
Current Tariff
As of March 1st 2024, electric vehicle charging tariffs are 45p per kWh for fast chargers (up to 22kW), 50p per kWh for rapid chargers (>43kW AC or 50kW DC) and 55p per kWh for Ultra-Rapid Chargers (up to 150kW) alongside a 38p connection fee. Please be mindful of overstay charges that may apply. A £10 overstay fee will be applied if time exceeds 190 minutes for chargers up to 22kW and if time exceeds 70 minutes for chargers >43kW. Tariff rates and overstay chargers are shown on units and on the ChargePlace Scotland website and app.
Please note that tariffs apply to the overall chargers and not individual connectors.
The Charge Place Scotland back office will record charging sessions through the use of swipe cards and will then invoice electric vehicle users on a pay as you go basis.
Any queries, please contact us at: