TL;DR
Booking EV chargers is rarely useful for personal vehicles due to poor implementation and lack of interoperability. However, for commercial fleets, properly managed reservations can improve efficiency. The key is a clear, centralised, and enforceable booking system.
Why EV Charge Point Booking Doesn't Work (Except for Commercial Vehicles)
Booking EV chargers is a hot topic. Many drivers ask why charge points aren’t reservable, and some operators experiment with booking systems. But for most cars and many vans, booking a charger is a waste of time.
A bold statement? Perhaps. But let’s examine the reality of EV charge point reservations.
The Challenges of Booking EV Chargers
- Signalling a Reservation: How does a charge point operator communicate that a charger is booked? A tiny "reserved" message on an 8-inch screen? A pop-up barrier? There is no standardised way to indicate a booking to all drivers.
- User Experience Issues: What happens when a driver who has booked a charger arrives, only to find another driver in the bay, checking their phone or adjusting their cables? Conflict and frustration.
- Unintentional Blocking: If someone plugs in before a booked session and leaves their vehicle, the booked session may begin, but the vehicle remains parked, preventing the next driver from charging.
- Lack of a Common Platform: If booking is only available on one software platform, how do drivers using different charging apps know a charger is reserved? A booking system must be interoperable across all networks to be effective.
The Data Backs It Up
Hubject data shows that 19% of operators offer booking, but only 0.1% of charging sessions are booked. Despite the discussion around reservations, actual usage is extremely low.
When Does Booking Make Sense?
While personal EV drivers rarely need to book chargers, commercial fleets—especially large vehicles—benefit significantly from reservations.
How to Implement an Effective Booking System
For reservations to work, a structured approach is needed:
- Exclusive Reservation Model – The location must operate on a "reservation-only" basis. If you don’t have a booking, you cannot charge. This forces drivers to check and respect bookings.
- Centralised Booking Service – Operators must use a shared, interoperable booking system. Multiple fleets and platforms need to coordinate reservations in real time.
- Clear Local Signage – The site must be clearly marked. Painting the bay with “RESERVATION ONLY” is a simple but effective way to reinforce the rule.
The Paua Perspective
Booking will play a role in the future of EV charging—but only for commercial fleets. For everyday EV drivers, the reality is that booking charge points is impractical, poorly implemented, and rarely used.
For commercial EV operators, properly managed reservations can ensure smooth operations, prevent wasted journeys, and maximise efficiency. The key is to approach booking the right way, with clarity, interoperability, and enforceability.
