New to char.gy? Start here!

Whether you’re an experienced EV driver, or you are taking your first steps into EV driving, we want to ensure that your experience with char.gy is as easy and efficient as possible. To do that, we've put together this quick introductory guide to charging with us. If you have any questions at all then please use the contact details at the end of this guide. You can also use the video in this linked Help article as a quick step-by-step guide. 

How to charge with char.gy

Customers can use two ways to start a charge session with char.gy. 

• Charge with us via our char.gy app:

We would recommend that you download our app! Click HERE for iOS devices or HERE for Android devices.

For the best experience, we would recommend that you register for an account with us and register a payment card against the account. A pre-authorisation hold of £25 will be placed on the payment card for any charging session. For more information on creating an account, please view How to set up an account with Char.gy, or How to pay via a payment card.

• Charge as a guest using Apple or Google Pay:

You can also charge with us using your web browser simply by entering the URL www.char.gy or, on certain charge points, by scanning the QR code which will open up the relevant charge point page.

When using Apple or Google Pay for your charge sessions, there will be a £25 pre-authorisation charge placed against the card when starting the session. Once your charging session has finished our system will automatically reimburse you any remaining balance from your pre-authorised payment (if applicable) but please note this may take 5-10 working days to reappear on your card, depending on your bank. For further information on charging as a guest please view How to use Apple or Google Pay to charge your vehicle.

• Choose your charge point:

To find an available Char.gy Charge Point on the Char.gy App, you can search by a specific Charge Point number (Char.gy ID) or by using the List View or Map View to find Charge Points nearby (please make sure that your Location Services are turned on in your phone settings). When using a charge point please make sure to abide by any local parking restrictions which you will find displayed locally and listed on the charge point page. 

Char.gy charge points are colour coded for ease of determining if they are available for use :

GREEN - the charge point is available for use 

BLUE - the charge point is in use by another driver  

GREY - the charge point is not available to use, most likely due to a temporary fault that we are aware of. 

If you’re physically at a charge point, you can find the charge point ID on the top of the charge point, or there will be a specific char.gy QR code which will take you straight to the relevant charge point page when scanned. The current charging price will show under the details for that charge point on your mobile device.

• Starting your charge session:

Once you have selected a charge point through the app or web browser, you will see the relevant details and the option to Charge. To start a charging session press Charge and then, once prompted, fully insert your charging cable into the charge point (ensure you've already plugged the cable into your car beforehand). You may then need to confirm your payment method (either your stored payment card or Apple/Google Pay) and then your charging session will start immediately. If your car doesn't commence charging, please view our guide My car isn't charging.

• Finishing your charge session:

Your charging session will end when you press ‘Finish’ on the charge point page on the app or web browser, or by stopping the session manually via your vehicle or automatically by your car settings (such as reaching the set battery level or scheduled end charge time).
 

Happy charging! If you need any support please try the following:

• Search for the answer on our online Help Centre.

• If you have any immediate issues whilst at a charge point then please call our 24/7 support line on 0800 086 9606 (Option 1)

• If you have any issues with your account, or have any billing queries following a charge session, then please email us on support@char.gy or call us on 0800 086 9606 (Option 2) between 9am-5.30pm Monday - Friday.