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Oct 12, 2023

LeasePlan issues timer cards to EV drivers to manage charger queues

LeasePlan UK has launched a new dashboard timer for its electric vehicle (EV)

LeasePlan UK has launched a new dashboard timer for its electric vehicle (EV) customers, to help improve wait times and driver communication at public charging stations.

The dashboard timer, named ‘Happy Charger’, encourages better charging etiquette by giving chargepoint users an easy means of telling other EV drivers how long they think they’ll be.

Drivers can set an estimated time of completion using the timer wheel, then the card can be placed in the vehicle's windscreen, while it's on charge, to inform other EV drivers when the charging will be complete.

The launch follows the recent move by Aberdeen and Sheffield city councils to charge drivers who stay too long in EV chargepoints. More local authorities are expected to follow suit in a bid to cut down long queues caused by the growing number of EV registrations.

Neill Emmett, head of marketing at LeasePlan UK, said: "Getting behind the wheel of an EV is an immensely enjoyable experience. Anyone who's made the switch to an EV will tell you that they’d never go back to a petrol or diesel car. However, as we learn the new process of EV charging, there are a few important etiquette rules we all need to follow, particularly when charging in public.

"Our new Happy Charger dashboard timer is all about giving EV drivers greater peace of mind when they’re out and about and simplifying the charging experience. There's a great sense of comradery within the EV-driving community, so by adding that extra layer of transparency we can ensure we’re all being considerate of one another and enhancing the experience for all."

All LeasePlan UK customers who lease an EV will receive a Happy Charger in their driver pack.

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Matt has been an automotive journalist for seven years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.