DB-EV
Well-Known Member
Was this a pilot or flying J? It seems EVGos are there. Just asking because I did a trip from NY to Huntsville Alabama. Researched the heck out of it and luckily did not need all the research. Did not end up at an EVGoFirst of all, I want to say, that nothing I write here is critical of any person or group of people. I am just stating the facts, and I can't tell there story without stating the facts .... which are well.... bizarre.
Last week we went down to the outer banks.... Corolla, NC.....from Maryland. On the way down I planned out the trip. Rivian GPS directed me to stop north of Richmond, and then again in Newport News/Norfolk area . The first stop north of Richmond went great. The 2nd stop directed me to a Tesla station at a Wawa, where there was also an EVGO.
All 11 Tesla chargers were open. My adapter didn't work. Ugh. Shame on me, for never testing it. I also didn't realize that anywhere south of Norfolk, there are only 11kw chargers at best. I had to reach our beach rental , where I would charge off the dryer outlet.
Traffic was building, and instead of 2 more hours, the traffic would be closer to 4 hours. I needed a little bit of charge and no choice to stop at the EVGO, or I would not make it to Corolla. With Tesla not working, I went over to the other side of the Wawa to the EVGO.
At the EVGO, there were cars already charging. I asked politely how long each car would be charging, and I was told "why don't you take your fancy car somewhere else?" (Note that I am being kind here). I was then told that this was the place local drivers charge for free, and that one lady was saving the spot for her Mom who was arriving in 20 minutes. It was not the cleanest or safest neighborhood. But I had put myself in a bad spot. I needed charge. If I didn't charge I would be risking running out of battery.
Both women were having a problem getting their cars to charge, and the chargers would work for 5 minutes and then click off. I asked if I could help and I was asked why don't sexually experiment with myself. After an hour waiting, I offered 20 dollars for 5 minutes of charging (not to the person whose Mom had arrived). The person I offered $20 bucks to was transvestite prostitute from DC. The latter she told me several times, and the former was obvious (think of the famous 1970 song by the Kinks). I will call her Lola. Lola said, "Baby, you want 5 minutes of my time for 20 minutes? You insult me!" But then she said yes and I handed over an Andrew Jackson. This was so weird it was funny, especially with my wife and teenagers watching. Kind of funny anyway. I made it clear that all I wanted to pay for was the charge .... and that's it.
The situation quickly went south . Lola agreed to let me have 5 minutes "but not a second more" for $20, "and I am going to time you." That was fine with me. Time away!. Lola move the car, and as I pulled mine up, a man parked at the Wawa drove up way too fast nearly rammed me, got out, and told me he was next. I tried to tell him that Lola and I had a verbal contract. But he wasn't listening. He ripped the charger out of my hand and threatened to fight, and called me a name that suggested that I was sexually active with my mom. At this point I am wondering if I was on some type of crazy TV show. Candid Camera, What Would You Do? Just bizarre. No I was not going to fight. Apparently I wasn't going to get my $20 bucks back either. I drove south.
Long story short I made it to our beach house with 5 miles of charge left.
I have learned a bit more about EVGo and will pass on these stations unless absolutely necessary and in better locations. I love my Rivian. This does not discourage me from doing trips. I have several more planned. But I am going to plan my trips to stop at RAN or Tesla (yup got the correct adapter now). And I will not put myself in a situation like that again.
All true. In fact, I held back.
Sponsored
