MD to Durham NC
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A real killer is working vs non-working. So, hope someone who actually successfully uses certain chargers can get back to you. Hope that someday soon, this will be a non-topic, with tons of working sites existing.
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1,324 Posts
I generally look at the recent reviews on Plugshare to see how well the chargers are working.
I'm learning along the way, myself, for such road trips. Expecting to do my first long trip early in April. In looking at and planning the route using PlugShare app, the notes by those with previous check-ins are a real help. I have messaged users, from time to time, to ask for more details as well. Just this weekend I decided to purchase a 20' J-1772 plug extension cable (expensive at $209.00 - ouch) which will come in handy if a charger is ICE'd. I also anticipate using the extension cable at the house where I will be staying to enable me to reach the dryer outlet with my own ESVE which I am taking with me.
I've learned the hard way a long the way. It is no fun to end out at a level 2 because a fast charger is not working but it is better than a tow. For this trip I'm planning on using a friendly Chevy dealer (after calling) with nearby EA station as a back up. Honestly long trips are the only time I wish I had a Tesla.
I know for sure that in the central and southern bits of Virginia most L3's are Grieflots and newer EA installations. Since the former doesn't really own "their" chargers, and the latter is enjoying its teething problems, a careful study of Plugshare reviews/check-ins is highly recommended.
The only L3 charger in the area I have tested myself was this, and it did end up yielding e's - after a call to the Customer Services. Also, expect 30-35 kW rather than 45. And the scoundrel is buried inside a multi-level parking garage, has only one CCS plug, and is prone to ICE-ing because it's kind of squeezed into a corner.
https://www.plugshare.com/location/61935
The only L3 charger in the area I have tested myself was this, and it did end up yielding e's - after a call to the Customer Services. Also, expect 30-35 kW rather than 45. And the scoundrel is buried inside a multi-level parking garage, has only one CCS plug, and is prone to ICE-ing because it's kind of squeezed into a corner.
https://www.plugshare.com/location/61935
My trip was nice and boring! I started with a full charge and charged just south of Richmond at a friendly chevy dealer. A bit slow for a L3 but free (and I had plenty of range left). I felt adventurous and went into Chapel Hill towards a level 3 charger with mixed plug share reviews. I had enough range to get to a back upcharger but did not need it. charged to 85%. I ran around Durham for work all day and headed for home. I only had about 150 miles on the guessometer, but that was enough to blow by a EA sketch charger at a Walmart to a L3 at a hotel south of Richmond near a Mexican restaurant. By that time I was pretty low (about 30 miles left) but within a (again uneeded) back up station. It was getting colder so it was 90 minutes to just over 80% charge. That 80% got me all the way home with about 30 miles left. A total of about 630 miles at about 4miKWh. went a little slow to save juice ~62MPH and didn't run any heat. Spent about $20 on electricity (not counting home charging).
FWIW, the ChargePoint app shows all CP stations/plugs (filter for CCS Combo DCFC). Find a circle with a number in it along your route. Enlarge until the # disappears (may occur in stages) and see individual plugs. Green means working and free. Blue means working and in use. Gray means "non-networked" (may mean working/free/in use/broken). PlugShare and ChargePoint apps, used together, make most trip planning less questionable/stressful.
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