New to EV's first EA DC charging experience

Killer95Stang · May 4, 2023

This post was prompted by the video released by the CEO of EA traveling from coast to coast.

So... I feel like I'm stepping into an AA meeting, because I'm admittIng I had an ICE problem for the last 30 years. With that said, one week into R1S EV ownership, I decided I should try to DC fast charge, incase we decide we need to charge on the road. I downloaded the EA app, mainly because they have 150kw faster chargers at shopping center two blocks from the house and I tend to see more of those around. Working with the app, everything loaded fine, credit card worked through the app and I took my R1S from 76% to 85% in 11 minutes total. With the posts I see here, I thought I was in for problems owning the Rivian, but it was uneventful. I had brought a book to read expecting a lot of idle time, but I didn't even have a chance to break it out. A pleasant surprise.

As far as other cars. A Kia EV6, ID4, unknown brand new BMW and Fiat all pulled up while I was charging. Every single one of them had no issues charging. Another BMW that looked like a 3 series pulled in and that guy had nothing but problems. He had to jump from spot to spot, then ended up on the phone with EA... probably never ended up charging.

Are problems still a thing or they finally getting better?

jjswan33 · May 4, 2023

Most charging experiences will go like that but there are stations that are less reliable or not giving full charging speeds. In my experience they are few and far between and can be avoided with advanced planning but I am sure others will disagree.

cbrcanuck · May 4, 2023

Hit or miss. For me, many sessions are flawless, others are awful.

inconceivable · May 4, 2023

Likely very dependent on where you live and the states of the stations near you. I live in CT and the one closest to me has 4 dispensers, 3 of which are severely de-rated (50kw max). Another station in New Haven has one down and the other 3 de-rated. The one in Stratford has 8 dispensers all working and giving full power. (It’s one of their latest generation stations). So… there’s quite the variety.

jeeden · May 4, 2023

I had a similar experience. I went to an outlet mall nearby us that has several 150kw EA chargers. I wanted to try it before our summer road trips. Roll up to it and followed the instructions on screen. Two of the chargers green LEDs were out, but the chargers worked. I plugged in first like the charger said. Then I swiped my CC and clicked start charging. I was at 43% and it went to 49% in 4 minutes 38 seconds. I sat it the truck for a second because it was raining (I hope they roll out those canopies to all the EA chargers nationwide). Then I got bored and stopped the charge from the EA unit on it's screen, unplugged, and went on my way. Was a great experience. I did click on the app that the charger's lights were out on top for EA, I think it is important to let them know about stuff.