Guide · 03
Public charging reality check
Public networks are a backup for most owners — a primary strategy for others.
When public-first still works
- Low annual miles (cheap overall energy bill either way)
- Reliable workplace or supermarket slow charging
- Subscription / membership rates you actually use enough to justify
- You value convenience over minimum pence-per-mile
When it hurts
- High annual miles + frequent rapid DC sessions
- Idle fees and peak pricing you did not model
- Assuming “electric is always cheaper” without a tariff
In the calculator, raise “% of miles charged publicly” and watch the 5-year gap. That single slider is often more educational than another review video.
Long-distance road trips on rapids are normal EV life. Day-to-day miles on rapids is a
different financial product. Separate the two in your head — and in your spreadsheet.