Congestion Reduction Pilot for EA

[beatle]

Maybe it's just me, but I find it a little challenging to suss out which chargers are which, and how to line up the vehicle to charge, at least in some of the pull through stations. The first time I charged my Lightning I tried using the other side of a charger that was already in use by another car. The driver and I exchanged jokes about it and I just pulled forward to the next charger, but I had no idea if it was a 150kw or 350kw charger. It didn't really matter much anyway since the truck peaked at 170kw, but I have a feeling a lot of people have no idea that some chargers are different than others. Never attribute to malice what can easily be explained by stupidity.

Also, as others have said, companies need to cut out free all-you-can-eat charging. Ford's 250kwh, for example, provides enough charging for a few road trips without encouraging people to camp out and suck down as much free juice as they can.

Sponsored

 

[Mathme]

I say impose a surcharge once you get past 85%. Even if you have free charging, you pay after 85%.

that way people can have a choice that meets their needs if they really need it.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Should offer the customer the option to charge above 85% for an extra fee or charge a congestion fee for sessions over a certain threshold.

The way I envision that would work is to have a standard congestion policy across The entire network. Then have a pop-up in the app or on the screen stating something to the effect. Of "congestion charges are in effect". With a link to the congestion policy.

Also allowing folks to idle free for 10 minutes at congested chargers is too long. Should be no more than 5 minutes. 10 minutes is fine at non-congested chargers.

 

[VSG]

EA should implement idle fees like other networks - that seems to be an easy win that doesn't hurt anyone.

But in general, I think it's a great idea to experiment with ways to make the charging experience better.

I personally have never encountered an EA station where I had to wait for a charger. And if I had, I would have moved on to a different location instead of waiting for an hour to get access to a charger. I think the congestion problem is VERY specific to the part of the country you live in and the stations(s) you charge at. Most of the complaints I see are from California, so it makes sense that they are experimenting with things in California.

 

[Thedude]

I’ve always thought that a multi-tier price scheme would work well. Lower kw rated chargers would be cheaper which incentivizes the people with less capable vehicles to use them. Charging above 85% wouldn’t be limited but cost 4x the usual rate, something most people wouldn’t want to pay unless they absolutely needed that extra range

 

[VSG]

I’ve always thought that a multi-tier price scheme would work well. Lower kw rated chargers would be cheaper which incentivizes the people with less capable vehicles to use them. Charging above 85% wouldn’t be limited but cost 4x the usual rate, something most people wouldn’t want to pay unless they absolutely needed that extra range

I mean, the problem is the clueless people. And if you start hitting them with charges for being clueless, they're going to complain. Loudly. That doesn't make them right, but it does make charging companies unwilling to penalize people for using their chargers.

 

[docwhiz]

I mean, the problem is the clueless people. And if you start hitting them with charges for being clueless, they're going to complain. Loudly. That doesn't make them right, but it does make charging companies unwilling to penalize people for using their chargers.

Tesla charges fees if you stay plugged in after charging is completed.
People seem to accept this as reasonable.

 

[RivianRunner]

The biggest issue with EA chargers near me has to do with VW, Kia, Hyundai, BMW, and Porsche dealers offering 1 to 2 years of free charging with purchase. The same people in the long line of cars waiting for the same 4 chargers every single day. I don't blame them, since it was probably a huge deciding factor for some, but it was enough of a hassle for me to just cancel my membership.

That was the automakers plan all along, make the chargers congested to slow down adoption of EVs (while still selling everyone they make because they come with 1-2 years of "free" driving). Just plug up those fast chargers and remove any incentive for EV buyers to add home charging.

They talk a big talk about electrification, but make no mistake, they want to sell as many ICE cars as possible, for as long as possible.

 

[jjswan33]

My two cents. This is maybe the right idea executed wrongly.

People pull trailers with their EVs or drive them places far from charging infrastructure and may need to charge beyond 85%.

I understand we don't want those folks that have free charging to abuse it but then offer the promotions in a way that they can't be easily abused.

ie free unlimited 30 min charging session but limited two one every 2 hour period. Or something similar.

Sponsored