FAQ
About GoPlugable
What is GoPlugable?
GoPlugable is a pioneering platform and app designed to enable neighbors to share electric vehicle chargers. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their type of residence, can reap the benefits of home charging.
Why GoPlugable?
Our primary mission is to facilitate the shift away from fossil-fueled vehicles. Charging your EV at home is not only cost-effective but also supremely convenient. Yet, a significant number of drivers lack access to a home charger, making them hesitant to switch to EVs. GoPlugable is here to bridge this gap, with the goal of making EV driving accessible to all.
Who is a Host at GoPlugable?
A GoPlugable Host is an individual who offers their home EV charger for rent to neighbors via our app. To become a Host, simply download the GoPlugable app.
Who is a Chargee at GoPlugable?
A Chargee is someone who rents a nearby home charger using the GoPlugable app. To start, just download the GoPlugable app.
Can I play both roles?
Certainly! With GoPlugable, you can register as both a Host and a Chargee within the same app. You can easily switch between roles as needed.
How do I become a Host?
It's simple. Download the GoPlugable app for free and set up your Host account swiftly!
How do I become a Chargee?
Just download the GoPlugable app, create your Chargee account, and you'll be notified whenever a new Host becomes available near you.
What sets GoPlugable apart from other charging apps?
Unlike other apps focused on destination charging, GoPlugable is crafted to nurture a consistent, beneficial relationship between neighbors. Our primary aim is to extend the convenience of home charging to a broader audience.
Is there a fee to use the app?
No! The app is free to download. GoPlugable only deducts 17% (15% + VAT) from the charge session cost, which is taken from the Host's set price.
Can I trust GoPlugable?
Absolutely! GoPlugable is an esteemed Irish startup with a strong foothold in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We're set to expand to the UK in 2024. Our core values revolve around environmental responsibility, and we prioritize ethical standards in all our operations. Our vision is clear: a greener planet.
Do I need to own an EV to be a Host?
Not necessarily! While many of our Hosts are EV owners, some rent out chargers that came with their property or even installed them specifically to generate income.
What about potential risks?
As with any interaction, it's about employing common sense and adhering to existing laws. Hosts ensure their chargers are safe and up to standard, while Chargees ensure they don't cause any damage. Mutual respect and being a good neighbor are key. Regarding insurance, we recommend checking with your provider to understand coverage specifics.
Is GoPlugable only in Ireland?
Currently, GoPlugable operates in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, we're gearing up to launch in the UK in 2024.
How secure is GoPlugable?
Your safety is paramount. We use a highly secure payment service to handle all financial details, ensuring maximum security. Personal safety, as always, is up to individual discretion.
How can I share feedback or report issues?
We value your input! You can reach out via the app's 'Help' section, email us at hello@goplugable.com, or use the "Contact Us" form on our website.
How is my data protected?
We prioritize data security. Only essential data is stored on our systems, while financial and sensitive data is securely managed by Stripe, a leading payment processing company. Your personal data is in safe hands.
Process in the app
What does GoPlugable do?
GoPlugable simplifies the process of neighbors sharing electric vehicle chargers. By connecting Hosts and Chargees, and managing the intricacies of booking, reminders, and payments, we make the entire experience effortless.
Why can't I be both a Host and a Chargee on GoPlugable?
GoPlugable is tailored for base charging, not destination charging. While the platform is optimized for consistent bookings with a few neighbors, users can register as hosts and Chargee within the same app and easily switch roles as needed.
Can I delete my GoPlugable account?
Certainly! If you wish to disable or permanently remove your account, please reach out to us via the "Contact Us" option in the app.
How does GoPlugable work?
Finding a Host: Chargees use the GoPlugable app to locate nearby Hosts and link to their accounts. If no Hosts are in the vicinity, the platform notifies the Chargee when one becomes available.
Booking a Session: Chargees can request charging sessions as one-off needs or recurring weekly appointments. The booking duration typically covers the entire time the vehicle will be with the Host, even if the charging is completed earlier.
Host Control: Hosts have the autonomy to accept or decline any booking requests, ensuring they always have full control over their charger's usage.
Reminders: Both the Host and Chargee receive automatic reminders an hour before the session starts. This ensures timely plugging in and charging.
Charging Session: The Chargee initiates the session in the GoPlugable app upon plugging in. They can then leave and return conveniently, often at the end of the booked period.
Session Completion: If the vehicle is fully charged before the booked period ends, the app calculates the actual charging duration. The Host then reviews the session details in the app and confirms them.
Payment: Once the Host confirms the session details, the app processes the payment from the Chargee's pre-registered card. GoPlugable deducts a 17% fee (15% + VAT), and the remainder is transferred to the Host's bank account approximately a week later.
How is pricing determined on GoPlugable?
Pricing Basis: The primary determinant of the price is the active charging time. Hosts use a rate calculator in the app to set a rate that covers their electricity costs and provides a reasonable profit.
Booking Duration: While Chargees book for the entire duration they need to leave their vehicle, they only pay for the active charging time. This ensures affordability and fairness.
Rate Adjustments: Hosts can modify their pricing at any time. Regular interactions with the same Chargees make it easier to find a mutually agreeable rate.
Calculation Algorithm: The app doesn't connect directly to the charger or vehicle. Instead, it uses an algorithm that considers the user profiles, such as the vehicle's battery size, the charger's speed, and the battery's starting and ending percentages. This data, combined with the Host's set rate, determines the session's cost.
Accuracy Note: The algorithm's primary goal is to ensure a fair price for each session, leading to satisfaction for both parties. While it aims for precision, it's designed to balance accuracy with practicality.
How is the payment amount calculated on GoPlugable?
The calculation of the payment amount is based on several factors, ensuring both the Host and Chargee experience a fair and transparent process. Here's a breakdown of how it works:
Battery and Charger Information: The app is aware of the car's battery capacity and the speed of the charger, thanks to the user profiles.
Starting and Ending Battery Percentage: At the beginning of a charging session, the Chargee indicates the initial battery percentage. If they decide to unplug before reaching a full charge, they'll also provide the ending percentage.
Charging Duration Calculation: Using the above data, the app can estimate the duration the charger was actively running. This is then multiplied by the Host's hourly rate to determine the session's cost.
Example:
Let's say a Chargee's car has a 77kWh battery and is at 25% charge at the start of a session. The Host's charger operates at 7.4kW, and they've set an hourly rate of €3.50 with a minimum session price of €10:
If the Chargee unplugs 2 hours later, with the battery at 40%, they'll pay the minimum €10. This is because 2 hours at €3.50 is less than the minimum. Out of this, the Host receives €8.30, with the remaining €1.70 going to GoPlugable, payment processing, and VAT.
If they unplug 3 hours later, with the battery at 58%, the Chargee pays for the 3 hours of active charging, which totals €10.50. The Host receives €8.72, with GoPlugable, payment processing, and VAT sharing the remaining €1.78.
If the Chargee leaves the car until the battery is fully charged, the app calculates that the charger would have run for approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes to charge the 77kWh battery from 25% to 100% at 7.4kW. Thus, the Chargee pays €25.70. The Host gets €21.33, and the remaining €4.37 is divided between GoPlugable, payment processing, and VAT.
Note on Accuracy: The algorithm aims to ensure a fair price for each session. While it strives for precision, it's designed to balance accuracy with practicality, ensuring both parties are satisfied with the arrangement.
For Chargees
How can I find the nearest available home charge points in my area?
You can view available charge points on the GoPlugable map, but exact locations are slightly adjusted for privacy reasons. You can see more specific locations once you've registered and verified your account on the GoPlugable app. However, the full address of a host's location is only shared after the host accepts the booking.
If you register and don't find any Hosts nearby, fret not. Maintaining your account is free, and we'll notify you as soon as a Host becomes available in your area.
How much will it cost to charge my EV using the GoPlugable app?
Prices set by Hosts can vary, but they're often much more affordable than public charging stations. Browse through the GoPlugable app to see the rates set by local Hosts. We also have a map on our website displaying prices, with locations slightly adjusted for privacy.
Hosts determine their minimum charge per session and an hourly rate for active charging. You're only billed for the charging duration, not parking.
What if I can't be present when my car completes charging?
No worries! Our app is designed to emulate the convenience of home charging. You can pick up your vehicle whenever it suits you (and the Host), and you're only billed for the actual charging time.
How is the payment amount determined?
The GoPlugable app doesn't directly communicate with your charger or vehicle. Instead, it uses profile data, such as your car's battery size, charger speed, and battery percentage at the start of charging, to calculate a fair price.
If you disconnect before reaching a full charge, you're only billed for the active charging duration. If you leave your car connected after it's fully charged, the app handles the billing calculations.
What if my charging needs change from my initial booking?
Flexibility is key. You can initiate a charging session up to an hour before your scheduled time and continue until the end of your booking slot. The GoPlugable app facilitates easy communication and arrangements between you and the Host.
What if I miss a charging session?
It happens! Our app sends reminders to ensure you don't forget. If a session is missed, the Host is notified and can decide the next steps. Regular communication and reliability are essential for a smooth experience.
Am I billed for the entire duration my car is connected?
No, you're only charged for the active charging time, not the entire connection duration. This approach ensures affordability, especially for overnight charging.
What if I forget to conclude a session?
If you don't manually end a session an hour after your booked slot, the app assumes your car charged to 100% and calculates the cost accordingly. If you finished charging before reaching 100% but forgot to end the session, inform your Host. They can adjust the session using the app's query function.
For Host
What are my responsibilities as a Host?
Being a Host with GoPlugable is straightforward. Your primary responsibilities include:
Keeping your pricing current to ensure fairness for both you and the Chargees.
Making sure your charger is operational, accessible, safe, and available for Chargees.
Ensuring Chargees use the GoPlugable app to log their sessions, allowing for automated payment processing.
What type of charger is suitable?
While the GoPlugable platform is versatile and can work with various chargers, most home chargers are Type 2, 7.4kW units. These are universally compatible, ensuring most vehicles can charge without issues. Chargers with capacities below 6kW or above 11kW might not be ideal for Community Charging due to differing usage patterns.
How much can I earn as a Host?
Your earnings depend on your set pricing and electricity costs. For instance, if your electricity costs €0.30 per kWh and you have a 7.4kW charger, and a Chargee uses 40kWh of charge weekly, setting your rate at €3.70 per hour could earn you about €20 per session. After accounting for GoPlugable's 12% fee and electricity costs, you could profit around €6.80 per session. This could amount to over €350 annually from just one average Chargee. Some Hosts, with multiple Chargees or professional drivers, can earn even more.
How should I determine my charger's pricing?
Setting a price involves considering:
Your electricity tariff.
Charger wear and tear.
Transfer loss, which can exceed 10% if the battery requires temperature regulation.
The 17% fee (15% plus VAT) for GoPlugable's services.
A reasonable profit for offering the service. Our Host Rate Calculator can help you find a balanced price that benefits both you and the Chargee. Remember, you can adjust your rates anytime.
When will I receive my payments?
Payments are typically processed about a week after the charging session. Security and anti-money-laundering measures can cause slight delays.
Do I need to pay taxes on my earnings?
For our UK hosts, most earnings typically fall within the government's allowance for 'casual income', allowing you to earn up to €1,000 annually from renting out your charger without incurring taxes. In Ireland, the situation is slightly different. Generally, the money you earn from renting your space is considered income and may be subject to tax. Your specific income tax liability will depend on your individual financial circumstances. We recommend consulting with Revenue to ensure you're fully informed and compliant.
What if my electricity tariff fluctuates?
While the initial app version allows for a single hourly rate, the ongoing relationship between Hosts and Chargees facilitates easy pricing and timing adjustments. You can use car or charger scheduling features to accommodate variable tariffs.
Is it legal to resell electricity?
In the UK, Ofgem, the government regulator for gas and electricity markets, has clarified that renting out a charger isn't the same as selling electricity, provided you use specific EV hardware. Similarly, in Ireland, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has clarified the stance in line with Ofgem's perspective.
How do I manage charger or garage security?
Most chargers are externally mounted and unlocked. However, you can implement security measures like key safes or remote garage openers. Many chargers come with monitoring apps, but even without them, Chargees are unlikely to misuse the service.
What if I can't park my car while a Chargee uses my charger?
This depends on individual circumstances. If parking becomes an issue, weigh the benefits of the income and positive environmental impact against the inconvenience.
What if a Chargee misses their session?
Community Charging is built on trust and cooperation. Missed sessions are typically due to valid reasons and can be resolved through communication. However, if a Chargee consistently misses sessions, Hosts can cancel their bookings and decline future requests.
Am I guaranteed payment?
Absolutely! Chargees must have verified payment details before booking. If there are any payment issues, the app notifies the Chargee and re-submits the payment once a valid card is registered. If further problems arise, GoPlugable will step in to ensure a resolution.