Free Volta Charging - Easy, no app

[Zoidz]

In my area there are a handful of free Volta Level 2 Destination Chargers at Giant Food Stores. I knew they were free, so I tried one. I intentionally did not down load the app. I just plugged in and it started charging - app not required, I was somewhat surprised since Volta Media's free model is advertiser paid. I was expecting that they would be collecting/selling use data and advertising inside the app. Has anyone else used free Volta?

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[godfodder0901]

In my area there are a handful of free Volta Level 2 Destination Chargers at Giant Food Stores. I knew they were free, so I tried one. I intentionally did not down load the app. I just plugged in and it started charging - app not required, I was somewhat surprised since Volta Media's free model is advertiser paid. I was expecting that they would be collecting/selling use data and advertising inside the app. Has anyone else used free Volta?

I have (mainly because they are in the front of the lot, and I plugged in specifically so people wouldn't think I was IC'ing) and it worked well, and I didn't even know there was an app until your post. It's slow (6kW?) but free.

 

[hbkdinobot]

Yes. We have a few at our local outlet mall associated with video billboards. Has always worked well. Can’t beat free.

 

[Swilly]

A lot of vehicles relay a vehicle specific MAC address to the charger that I guess they could data mine? That’s my best guess. That or they are getting enough from the commercials on the screen of the charger to have it be free.

 

[jjswan33]

They also have some 50kW units near me, not sure if they have a cost involved. Plug Share didn't say.

Of course there is a RAN in the same lot so I guess the only utility is getting some juice while you are shopping. Also I suspect they are frequently iced because it is a very busy parking lot.

 

[Zoidz]

A lot of vehicles relay a vehicle specific MAC address to the charger that I guess they could data mine? That’s my best guess. That or they are getting enough from the commercials on the screen of the charger to have it be free.

I was expecting that I would have to request the charge session using the app, and watch a video, advertisement, etc. before you could actually click on a "Start Charger" button, or something like that. Not that I am complaining!!

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

There's a few at our local movie theater. Been meaning to check them out next time something good's playing. Although I believe Volta's been bought out (by Shell?), so I suspect they won't remain free much longer.

 

[Lizardo]

Last time i used a paid volta charger dcfc, was 0.30 per kWH

few scattered free L2 chargers. Nice when working, usually taken and sometimes taken without being used some drivers think it’s reserved parking spot with or without charging

 

[Tim-in-CA]

DCFC Volta units do require you to authenticate in the app. The L2 units seem to be just plug and charge (2 hours max). I have a DCFC unit 5 miles from me (currently down ). It only charges at 50kWH and has a 30 min limit. Its a quick, free 25ish kW. Its at an under construction Amazon Fresh, so once it opens, the chargers will be occupied all the time IMHO. I'm surprised that their model is only electronic signage (which you can't see when charging). I'd be OK if I was required to watch an AD in the app to get the free charge ... YouTube makes you watch ADs every few minutes it seems.

 

[mikehmb]

They have a couple in Santa Cruz, conveniently near downtown. Never seen them used, until I decided to pop onto one in the Golf while we were grabbing lunch and doing some vinyl shopping @Streetlight. Worked flawlessly.

 

[Lizardo]

They have a couple in Santa Cruz, conveniently near downtown. Never seen them used, until I decided to pop onto one in the Golf while we were grabbing lunch and doing some vinyl shopping @Streetlight. Worked flawlessly.

We got 2 Volta DCFC in the area and a handful of L2 chargers. Its not much, but more useful than the single EA location. Not much else in the city until the RAN station goes live (any day now).

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Volta has a presence here in Maryland. The advertisement are like billboards...so I'm guessing they aren't just advertising to EV owners. The ones here are large, attention grabbing, LED screens. They are placed at the front of the lot where folks will see them coming/going.

The model seems to be offer free charging in exchange for ad space on the property.

Also, according to Google Shell USA bought them out at the end of March.

 

[Rickmc]

I have 2 by my gym and I try to find an open one each time at the gym, get 8-9kw. One charges at 9 and has a thicker cable.

Free is phenomenal! What gets me is the utter lack of respect other EV drivers have when they use this "Free" charge. They never coil the charging cable back up, sometimes don't even click the handle back in it's slot and toss it in the mulch bed. I've pulled up countless times to find the charging cable half into the parking spot which would require me to run it over to pull into the spot.
I actually confronted this lady once when she tossed the handle in the mulch bed right in front of me. I guilted her into picking it up and coiling the cable up.

I really want to get some magnets made up and place by the handle that says "Don't be an entitled ASS, coil the cable and plug the handle back in, it's FREE!"

 

[RedRaiderRivian]

Volta is now owned by Shell. They have two DCFC units in San Antonio that require payment and both have been down for over a month. I expect Shell will rebrand and change to a paid model on all of the Volta chargers. Hopefully it will improve reliability.

 

[norivian]

In my area there are a handful of free Volta Level 2 Destination Chargers at Giant Food Stores. I knew they were free, so I tried one. I intentionally did not down load the app. I just plugged in and it started charging - app not required, I was somewhat surprised since Volta Media's free model is advertiser paid. I was expecting that they would be collecting/selling use data and advertising inside the app. Has anyone else used free Volta?

I have but it’s been a while. They have an app but not required to charge (if I remember correctly). Slow but if you’re in store and shopping anyway. Volta seems to be more reliable than EA. ?

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