"Charge here" via MINI App?

  • Thread starter Thread starter inferno10
  • Start date Start date
  • Replies Replies 23
  • Views Views 4K
inferno10

inferno10

Member
I'm not sure if this is old news, but I just noticed that there's a "Charge here" option under the Charging section. I was able to create a Shell Recharge account and start public charging via the Mini app. Looks to be limited to chargers compatible with the Shell Recharge network. I was able to start a charge w/ a Chargepoint charger this way. Wonder if this will eventually allow for the setup of Plug and Charge.

638C4698-D82C-4B26-8B16-30D103CAABDD_1_201_a.webp
 
@inferno10, I have a Shell Recharge account, and after reading your post I wanted to learn how to connect my account to the MINI app. However, the "Charge here" option doesn't appear between "Charge & Climate timer" and "Charging history" in my Android app Version 3.11.2(29533).
 
Is it possible that menu only appears and populates when one is near a supported station?
 
Sitting here at home, I see "Charge here / no charging stations nearby" when I'm not near anything. If I tap it anyway it will direct me to further stations. One of these has a "Shell recharge" tag on it, but selecting it says "mobile app authentication not supported" so... not sure what to do from there.
 
You can now also set preferred charging networks, I've never noticed that before. Did it come with the latest update, or have I just missed it? I'm on app version 3.11.2 (29533) on iPhone.

IMG_5176.webp IMG_5175.webp
 
insightman said:
@inferno10, I have a Shell Recharge account, and after reading your post I wanted to learn how to connect my account to the MINI app. However, the "Charge here" option doesn't appear between "Charge & Climate timer" and "Charging history" in my Android app Version 3.11.2(29533).
Click to expand...

I'm on 3.12.0 (29622). You probably need to update to this version to see the new setting.

Also, I don't think you can link an existing Shell Recharge account. I didn't see an option to log into an existing account, only to add a CC. My guess is that Shell Recharge links to your MINI account.
 
inferno10 said:
I'm on 3.12.0 (29622). You probably need to update to this version to see the new setting.
Click to expand...
Odd, App Store said I was up-to-date but when I went to the app in the store it showed 3.12.0 was available for download. Now that I'm truly up-to-date I see the "Charge here", and it shows up even when not near anything.

IMG_5180.webp

And playing with it for a bit it's pretty impressive! It seems to be on par with PlugShare, and since it shows availability at each location I wonder if maybe it's using PlugShare data?

Screenshot 2023-12-09 at 21.40.11.webp
 
Last edited:
I happened to charge at an Electrify America station today, so I took a look at the MINI app and saw something promising. It looks like the Charge here function will be able to link with your EA account so you might be able to start charges at an EA station as well.
IMG_7853.webp

I tried to add an EA account, but kept getting an error, so maybe it's still in the works.
IMG_7851.webp IMG_7849.webp
 
My app responds with no chargers within 0.12 miles. That’s only 600 feet. Is there a way to adjust that initial distance setting?

IMG_2406.webp


Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs
 
Jim In Tucson said:
My app responds with no chargers within 0.12 miles. That’s only 600 feet. Is there a way to adjust that initial distance setting?
Click to expand...
I just tapped on the "find charging stations" button and was able to search for chargers farther away, see my previous post.
 
Each time you tap the "find charging stations", it displays those further away. Apparently, still none in my tiny village.
 
When I hit the find charger button the distance jumps from 600 feet to 32 miles, but it does not show the largest charging station in this area, which is an EA.

Does EA show up on the app for anyone else?


Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs
 
Oh, the app does point out a number of charging stations in my area, and in increasing distances fom my location. There are (apparently) lots of stations in the surrounding villages, just not in mine. But, not to worry, I do almost all of my charging at home.
 
Just noticed that the Charge Here option has returned with today’s app update. Guessing it’s in preparation for supercharger access.
IMG_0280.webp
 
I just noticed the Shell Recharge, has anyone used that? Apparently it's an aggregate of multiple providers such as ChargePoint, EVgo, BLINK, and many others.

Does it actually work with the F56 SE? I use ChargePoint frequently and would consider using BLINK if I didn't have to set up yet another app.
 
I use it often when I drive to Des Moines, IA (that's the prevalent network there). Be advised that I got an email from them yesterday advising the Shell Recharge app will be retired in a couple weeks, and that I should start using the Shell app, which now has all the EV charging capabilities integrated (in an "EV Driver" mode). The kicker is that Shell Recharge accounts will not be migrated, so a new account must be created in the new app.

This is an awkwardly-timed change for MINI's app team.
 
Puppethead said:
I just noticed the Shell Recharge, has anyone used that? Apparently it's an aggregate of multiple providers such as ChargePoint, EVgo, BLINK, and many others.

Does it actually work with the F56 SE? I use ChargePoint frequently and would consider using BLINK if I didn't have to set up yet another app.
Click to expand...
It doesn't appear in the F56's IFE, but does work within the app. I previously tested the function at a Chargepoint level 2 charger. Don't bother setting up an account in Shell Recharge (or the new Shell app), as you'll have to create a completely separate account within the MINI app (it's tied w/ your Mini account)

MichaelC said:
I use it often when I drive to Des Moines, IA (that's the prevalent network there). Be advised that I got an email from them yesterday advising the Shell Recharge app will be retired in a couple weeks, and that I should start using the Shell app, which now has all the EV charging capabilities integrated (in an "EV Driver" mode). The kicker is that Shell Recharge accounts will not be migrated, so a new account must be created in the new app.

This is an awkwardly-timed change for MINI's app team.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure if the MINI app will be affected by the upcoming Shell app migration, as the "Charge here" function works entirely within the MINI app and uses a different account that's tied to your Mini account. But the timing does make it somewhat confusing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top