Sorry if this is a dumb question. I currently drive a hybrid and am looking to upgrade in the next 1- 2 years to either PHEV or full EV. In either scenario, I envision most of my charging will be done at home. However, if I go full EV, I will eventually need to charge in public.
I’ve read it varies from charging network to charging network, so I figure I’d ask EV owners what their experiences are like. I really don’t like the idea of relying on an app or monthly subscription or anything like that.
So, is a debit card more or less guaranteed to be accepted, and if so, are the rates significantly higher than some kind of membership option?
Edit: In the US if it matters.
Mostly because I’ve been wanting to go EV for a while now. This car has been and continues to be amazing, but when the time comes to replace it, I want to have my research done and have something in mind. Public charging experience was one of my outstanding research questions for EV ownership. I said 1-2 years in the post, but it’s probably more like 2-3 years out if I’m being realistic (unless something catastrophic/unexpected happens to this car).
That’s how WV does it too, but I can only renew for 2 years at a time. I’ll keep that in mind and see if something like it is possible. Good tip!
I expect the landscape for EVs to change significantly in the next few years. With the announcement of NACS and numerous manufacturers getting onboard, that breaks down a barrier for many people. There’s also a lot of growing pains that I expect to start being resolved.
The big one is charger maintenance- right now, Tesla is the only one taking it seriously. The rest subcontract it out with mediocre (at best) results. With the rapid expansion of DC Fast Charging (every Walmart near me has or is getting a bank of Electricity America chargers, truck stops on several major interstates near me are getting them, etc).
As for your concern about apps being required, I’m not sure. Tesla and its fans are the ones really, really pushing for required apps, plug to charge, etc. they call it “a seamless experience”. But with other brands rising, I don’t see the same mentality from people that own Bolts or Mustangs. Charging companies and whatnot would absolutely love to Hoover up your data if they can, so who knows…
Another pain point is starting to be unraveled now, too. Fast Charging hasn’t really been very fast because the batteries can’t handle it. There are a few models, such as the Hyundai Ionic, that have 800v batteries that can fast charge at 350 kW. Combine that with DCFC expansion into truck stops, and it can easily fit into the usual breaks of a standard road trip.
Anyway, all of that rambling aside, I would highly advise keeping an open mind and watching developments in this space. The answer today will probably not be the answer when it comes time to buy.
Oh, absolutely. Those are all pain points I’ve been noticing in my research, and we just haven’t quite overcome them on a large enough scale. Yet. I’m also optimistic those are going to resolve in the next few years.
Hopefully the Bolt/Mustang crowd win the wars. I’m not an “app” person and will probably never be lol. Taking an extra 8 seconds to run my debit card + PIN is not an insurmountable obstacle it seems to be for the Tesla crowd haha. The only integration I want between my phone and my car is Bluetooth audio and handsfree. For everything else, give me tactile, physical buttons and keep the touch screens and tech companies far away.