Summary
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– Had the opportunity to enjoy s’mores while the car charged at a pull-through charging station
– Helped a man at the station who was unfamiliar with EV charging, taught him about charging curves and recommended apps for trip planning
– Need for more charging stations to accommodate those who don’t make plans or use apps
– Issues with payment methods and the need for a unified standard for charging across different manufacturers and companies
Article
During a road trip across the US, the author had the opportunity to enjoy some s’mores while their car charged at a Sam’s Club parking lot. They found a pull-through charging station, making the charging process easier. Initially, the trip had some struggles with energy consumption estimates, but eventually, they started enjoying the journey. A man who worked for an automotive dealer approached them at the charging station and needed help with charging his electric car for the first time. The author assisted him in understanding charging curves and using apps like PlugShare, A Better Route Planner, and Chargeway for trip planning.
The building out of more charging stations is expected to improve the experience of EV road trips. While many people may not want to use trip planning apps, having more charging stations available will eliminate the need for intricate planning. However, there are still aspects that could be improved to make charging more convenient. Payment systems need to be more user-friendly, either through card readers that don’t hold onto charges for too long or through widespread implementation of plug and charge technology. The placement of charging stations also needs to be strategized, especially in challenging terrains and rural areas, to prevent drivers from running out of charge unexpectedly.
Improvements in payment methods and the strategic placement of charging stations can greatly enhance the experience of EV road trips. The author highlights the importance of implementing unified standards for charging infrastructure to simplify the charging process for drivers using different manufacturers. By addressing issues like charging curves, payment systems, and station placement, the overall charging experience can be made more convenient and user-friendly. Additionally, expanding the network of charging stations in challenging terrains will ensure that EV drivers have access to reliable charging infrastructure wherever they travel.
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