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How to Charge and Use the Zest Chargers for the Hackney EV Car Club
How to Charge and Use the Zest Chargers for the Hackney EV Car Club

This guide explains how to properly charge and use the Hackney EV car club vehicles and the Zest Chargers

Eléonore Kuentz avatar
Written by Eléonore Kuentz
Updated today


Dropping Off the Vehicle (Charging After Use)

For good EV karma, please follow these steps to ensure the vehicle is charged for the next driver:

  1. Park in the Correct Bay

    • Ensure you park in the dedicated car club bay (look for markings on the road).

  2. Turn Off the Car

    • Ensure the vehicle is powered down completely.

  3. Retrieve the Blue Fob

    • Find the fob in the glovebox or the charge card holder.

  4. Get the Charging Cables

    • Open the boot and locate the charging cables. They may be stored in the under-floor compartment.

  5. Open the Charge Port

    • At the front of the vehicle, press to open the charge port cover.

  6. Plug in the Cable

    • Insert the correct end of the cable into the car's charge port.

  7. Activate the Charger

    • Tap the blue fob on the charge point reader for a few seconds.

  8. Plug in the Other End of the Cable

    • Connect the other end of the cable to the charger.

  9. Check for Proper Charging

    • The charger light will turn from green to blue, and you’ll hear a “zipping” sound from the car.

    • The charge port light on the car will turn blue, then green to confirm charging.

  10. Verify Charging Status

    • Get back in the car and check the screen. Wait until it says “Slow Charging.”

  11. Return the Fob

    • Place the fob back in the glovebox or charge card holder.

    • Important: If the fob is lost or not returned, a £50 penalty will be applied to your account.

  12. Complete the Drop-Off Process

    • Follow the drop-off instructions in the app, ensuring the car is locked correctly at the end of your hire.

Troubleshooting:

  • If the charger light turns red at any point, start the steps over.

  • If the issue persists, call Zest. Their helpline phone number is located on the charger.

For those who are more visual, you can also watch this short video.


Picking Up the Vehicle (Disconnecting from the Charger)

  1. Unlock the Car

    • Follow the pick-up steps in the app to unlock the car.

  2. Retrieve the Blue Fob

    • Find the fob in the glovebox or charge card holder.

  3. Deactivate the Charger

    • Tap the blue fob on the charger. The light will change from blue to green.

  4. Unplug the Cable

    • Disconnect the cable from the charger.

  5. Unplug from the Car

    • Remove the cable from the car’s charge port. If it doesn’t release, press unlock in the app and try again.

  6. Close the Charge Port

    • Ensure the charge port cover is securely closed.

  7. Store the Cables

    • Place the charging cables in the boot for the next user.

  8. You’re Ready to Go!


Important Reminder

The blue fob is essential for using the charging system. If it is lost or not returned to the vehicle, a £50 penalty will be applied to your account to cover replacement costs. Please handle it carefully and always return it to its designated place.

By following these steps, you help ensure the EV car club operates smoothly and sustainably for all users. If you encounter any issues, please contact Zest Support for assistance.

Happy driving! 🚗✨

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