EA fail

[eisenb11]

Today, I decided to try to charge my car at an EA station to make sure that I had Plug & Charge set up right. It’s my first time using EA.

There are only 2 locations near me, so I chose the mall which has 6 stalls. Got there to find all stalls taken and cars waiting and circling around for a chance to charge. Bailed to go grocery shopping. A Target 2.5 miles away had 2 stalls, 1 available so I figured I’d try that. Got there to see a car waiting. Weird. Pulled into the stall and it’s broken - that explains the waiting car. Decided to go home.

So that’s my first experience with EA - not very impressed. Still haven’t successfully tried it. I’m very surprised by the lack of stations - especially in SoCal. They’ve got a lot of work if they’re going to try to catch up with Tesla.

I wanted to make sure everything was set up before I attempted a longer trip where I might have to charge. As a mitigation, I have the Tesla, Chargepoint, and Evgo apps installed just in case.

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[WasserGKuehlt]

Well, it might get better from here. Or not.

I’d recommend finding a “slow“ time, such as Sat evening, or very early morning. EA now seems to support notifications signaling charger availability.

 

[eisenb11]

I’d recommend finding a “slow“ time, such as Sat evening, or very early morning. EA now seems to support notifications signaling charger availability.

Maybe I’ll try during the Super Bowl half time! Or on my way back from work or something. IMHO this is the biggest knock against EV adoption. Fortunately, I have a level 2 in my garage so this was just a test vs an actual necessity.

 

[Tooney]

Maybe I’ll try during the Super Bowl half time! Or on my way back from work or something. IMHO this is the biggest knock against EV adoption. Fortunately, I have a level 2 in my garage so this was just a test vs an actual necessity.

Once you find an open EA stall:

Don't forget, you have to have Plug & Charge enabled in PCM.
Good luck!

 

[ShiftyWolf]

I used EA stations twice this weekend during a trip. With the exception of the first plug station being out of order, both sessions went very smoothly. Plug and charge worked perfectly in my 2021. Having said this, I had to research first and checked both stations at numerous different times to determine that they were lightly used locations. The two nearest my home town are almost always full with a wait.

Best wishes for your success in the near future.

 

[kort]

I just did a 500 mile weekend trip, I used only two EA chargers, both worked but both were severely throttled, I think the best speed I saw was 83Kwh.
I used a FPL unit a chargepoint unit that both worked fine.
no real crowding issues, I did have to wait a few minutes for a unit to open up one EA stop.

so many newbies and they always seem to have issues.
some guy in a volt tried to us my 350 EA plug despite the adjacent 150 unit was available, I had to stop him and explain to him that even if the 350 unit was available his car was incapable of charging at that speed and that he should use the 150 unit, he grunted " I never knew that"

 

[Scandinavian]

I just did a 500 mile weekend trip, I used only two EA chargers, both worked but both were severely throttled, I think the best speed I saw was 83Kwh.
I used a FPL unit a chargepoint unit that both worked fine.
no real crowding issues, I did have to wait a few minutes for a unit to open up one EA stop.

so many newbies and they always seem to have issues.
some guy in a volt tried to us my 350 EA plug despite the adjacent 150 unit was available, I had to stop him and explain to him that even if the 350 unit was available his car was incapable of charging at that speed and that he should use the 150 unit, he grunted " I never knew that"

That is the sad thing about new EV owners. I do not blame them since they probably never have had any guidance and help from the sales persons. The plug fits so it should work, right.

I have seen this a few times a few years ago here in Europe, but not so much any more. Perhaps due to the fact that there has been a substantial roll out of charging stations in most countries. Especially along the most frequented routes. And perhaps also the sales person is much more knowledgeable now, with many be very enthusiastic about EV’s.

 

[kort]

That is the sad thing about new EV owners. I do not blame them since they probably never have had any guidance and help from the sales persons. The plug fits so it should work, right.

I have seen this a few times a few years ago here in Europe, but not so much any more. Perhaps due to the fact that there has been a substantial roll out of charging stations in most countries. Especially along the most frequented routes. And perhaps also the sales person is much more knowledgeable now, with many be very enthusiastic about EV’s.

you are correct, there is minimal support/education for the new EV owners.

most of the early adaptors were a bit nerdy about their new EVs and they devoured any info available regarding their cars.

the newbies are handed the keys and they drive off thinking that just knowing how to insert the EVSE handle into the car is all that they need to know.

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