FAQ
We have the answers
Below you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers about charging at ubitricity-operated charge points.
Rebranding of ubitricity charge points (most recent)
Why are ubitricity’s being rebranded to Shell Recharge?
ubitricity became a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell in 2021. From September 2023 ubitricity charge points will start to be rebranded as Shell Recharge, alongside our pay-as-you-go access payment and website. As part of Shell we want to create a full e-mobility ecosystem to help end users feel fully supported in the switch to EV. By changing our branding, our customers can benefit from one network that supports them in every type of charging, from home, to fleet, to on-street.
Does the rebranding to Shell Recharge affect my usual charging experience with ubitricity?
The rebranding will not affect your usual charging method. You can continue to use all ubitricity-operated charge points as usual.
Can I call Shell Recharge’s customer service when using a ubitricity-operated charge point?
Please always use the customer service details stated on the charge point you’re charging at. For all ubitricity-operated charge points in the UK, please use 0800 024 6279 or support@ubitricity.co.uk.
Why do I get different prices in the Shell Recharge App and with the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) service?
Firstly, we would like to acknowledge that there is indeed a difference in pricing between the Shell Recharge app and the PAYG (direct access) option. This variation arises from the fact that the Shell Recharge app and PAYG have different capabilities and features at this time. The Shell Recharge app is designed to offer a more simplified and user-friendly experience for our customers. It provides an easy way to locate and initiate charging sessions, offers the option to have monthly bills and more.
We are excited to inform you that the Shell Recharge development team is actively working on enhancing the Shell Recharge app to include more features and functionalities, including those currently available with PAYG. We are committed to ensuring that our customers have a seamless and unified experience across all our services. In the near future, you can expect updates that will bridge the gap between the two pricing structures.
General
How can I find an ubitricity charge point near me?
You can find your nearest ubitricity charge point on our charge point map or by using an app by a E-Mobility Service Provider (such as Shell Recharge).
How do I pay for the charging process?
If you charge at this charge point with Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) via the QR code, the payment is via credit card or Apple Pay / Google Pay. After you have agreed to the tariff for charging, you will be prompted to enter your credit card details or to authorize Apple Pay / Google Pay. As soon as this is finished, charging can start and continues as long as you are plugged into the socket.
What are the costs for charging at this charge point?
Costs for charging can vary from charge point to charge point. Precise information about the respective costs are provided on the mobile site before entering your payment details. Please read through the tariff information carefully before you agree to the respective tariff.
Why have I been charged prior to starting the charging session?
As soon as you start charging, your bank pre-authorises (reserves) £25 to ensure it’s available for you to pay with.If you have mobile banking, you may see this amount pop up. When you finish charging, we tell your bank the real amount you spent, they deduct it, and arrange to unreserve the pre-authorised amount. This process can take a few minutes to a few days depending on who you bank with.
What charging current is available at this charging spot?
You can see the maximum charging current of the respective charging point on the mobile website before you start the PAYG charging process or in your E-Mobility App (such as Shell Recharge)
Are ubitricity chargers safe? What if people trip?
All ubitricity charge points are installed according to local health and safety standards. Our lamppost charge points are installed near the edge of the kerb meaning that the traditional trip hazard of trailing cables is reduced. Additionally, we encourage users to ensure their cable is tucked away during charging, to further reduce trip hazards to pedestrians.
Will my car be fully charged by the time I unplug?
Charging times depend on the battery capacity of your vehicle, the power output of the charge point and the rating of the charging cable. Generally, you can calculate your charging time by using the following formula:
Time = battery capacity of your vehicle / power output of charge point (which depends on the charge point or the charging cable). As we’re currently mainly operating lamppost and bollard charge points which focus on low power charging during long parking times, the power output at our charge points in the UK is usually 5 kW.
For example:
45kWh (battery capacity) / 5kW (power output) = charging time of roughly 9 hours if a 32 ampere charging cable were used.
Using a cable with lower ampere would limit the power output which would mean a longer charging time.
What should I do if I have a question about my charging?
If you have a question, or run into any problems, please contact us at 0800 024 6279 or support@ubitricity.co.uk. Let us know the charge point ID and the model of your car and we’ll investigate.
Our tariffs
What tariffs does ubitricity offer and at what times do the different tariffs apply?
ubitricity has 2 tariffs: standard and off-peak. These prices apply at the following times:
Standard: 57p per kWh (6am - 11pm)
Off Peak: 47p per kWh (11pm - 6am)
Some charge points may not have Smart Charging available, these charge points will instead have one flat rate. Please check the home screen to receive your charge point's tariff information.
What is Smart Charging?
Select Smart Charging and we’ll ensure your charge is scheduled exclusively during our off-peak window (11pm-6am). Currently drivers who charge at home already have the option to smart charge and access cheaper tariffs, with launch of ubitricity Smart Charging we are hoping to bring a similar advantage to people don’t always have access to a home charger.
Some charge points may not have Smart Charging available, these charge points will instead have one flat rate. Please check the home screen to receive your charge point's tariff information.
You can learn more about Smart charging here.
What will happen to my cable if I opt for Smart Charging?
We’ll lock your cable in place once you’ve selected our Smart Charging option. We won’t send any power to your car until our off-peak window has begun (11pm-6am). The charge will end once the off-peak window has finished (6am).
At the end of the charge, just unlock your cable as normal.
How will I know my charging session has started when using Smart Charging?
On our lamppost and bollard charge points, he LED light will turn green to show that your session has started – we just won’t send any power to your car until the peak period ends. Depending on what type of car you have, you may see a different message in your car app.
Charging process
Is there anything I must be aware of when charging?
Please ensure your charging cable is tucked away when your car is charging, this is to avoid accidents such as trip hazards to yourself and pedestrians.
Be aware when using our charge points that there may be parking restrictions where parking fees may apply. These are independent from any ubitricity charges.
How will I know my charging session has started?
On ubitricity lamppost and bollard charge points, the LED light on the charge point will turn green to show that your session has started.
How do I end the charging session?
When using PAYG, you have to unplug the charging cable from the vehicle to release the cable and stop the charging session. It is very important to unplug the cable from your vehicle first before unplugging from the charge point. The charged electricity is billed to your credit card. You will receive a separate invoice via email.
The LED of the charge point is off, what should I do?
Please write us an email at support@ubitricity.co.uk or call +44 800 024 6279 (available 24/7) to report the issue.
Why didn’t my charging event start after I have authorized a charging process via Pay-As-You-Go?
Please ensure your cable is plugged in properly.
Please unplug your cable and start the process again. Once you have entered your payment details please wait for a connection between the car and the charge point to be established. Once a mobile connection has been successfully established, the button at the bottom of the payment page will be visible, and you need to click it to start charging.
Some EV models require a different plug-in sequence for our charge point to connect to the vehicle successfully. Please try again using the following sequence:
Step 1: Unplug the cable from the charge point.
Step 2: Scan the QR code
Step 3: Connect your cable to the charge point.
Step 4: Allow the charging event to start. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate the charge session. Once on-line connection has been automatically established by the charge point you will be able to enter your payment details (or select a payment card previously stored on you Smart Phone).
Continue to follow the instruction to commence your charge session.
Step 5: Once charging has started plug your cable into the car.
My charging cable is locked in the charge point. What should I do?
Try to plug in the cable a little tighter into the charge point, then unplug again. If it’s impossible to remove your cable, please contact our support team. Do not try to remove the cable by force! This could cause damage to the cable.
Why was there no power drawn during my charge event?
1. Your car may already have a fully charged battery, please check your battery level.
2. This could be due to a faulty charge point, please check for the correct LED colour during the connection process (BLUE when the socket is available to use, then ORANGE when the cable is plugged in but the charge event has not started, then GREEN when charging).
3. You may not be plugged in correctly, please unplug your cable and reconnect the cable correctly.
4. There may be a local power outage.
If the solutions above, do not work please call our customer service team on call who will be happy to help
What happens in case of a technical disturbance in the grid?
Due to technical issues in the distribution grids, the electric current can be interrupted from time to time. Normally, this shouldn’t be a problem as the pauses in supply are very short. But even if there should be a longer shortage of electricity, there’s no need to worry: You only pay for the electricity you have actually charged.
What happens if mobile communication fails? Can my EV charge then?
In this case, a subsequent data transaction enables charging by using an expiring certificate that actualizes itself when reconnecting online.
How is my payment data protected? Is my payment safe?
The security of your data is very important to us. Payments are handled by a secure third-party payment provider and are compliant with the usual online banking standards.
Can't find what you are looking for? Get in touch!
If you have a question that is not listed in our FAQs please feel free to send us an email to support@ubitricity.co.uk