I heard that Tesla will be installing Superchargers off Hwy 459 at the Colonnade. I hope it is true. That would be a GREAT location!
I can not say, but it is from a very reliable source. It really makes since to put it there with people coming from GA.
Birmingham is not on the "Opening Soon" Tesla map, but it and what looks like Athens, AL, are on the 2015 map. That will complete I-65 from Mobile to Nashville! Mobile, AL Greenville, AL Birmingham, AL Athens, AL Nashville, TN
Am not a student of how Tesla has placed Superchargers in other locales. Perhaps 5 miles off a major route isn't too unusual? Can't tell for sure whether they tagged Athens or Decatur, AL. There is nothing near I-565 and I-65 for Decatur but a good number of hotels and restaurants (McD, Wendy's, Cracker Barrel) at US-72 and I-65 in Athens. If traveling from Chattanooga to Memphis one would prefer I-565, but for amenities Athens is better. There is a stub of a road at McDonalds between it and Wendy's that might host a Supercharger. Might be a bit small and too close to the big road. A parking lot behind McDonalds isn't labeled as such but is used for semi truck overnight parking. This stub is often used for overflow. Cracker Barrel is on the other side of a street most wouldn't care to cross on foot. There are enough businesses around that one should be able to find a better place in the corner of someone's parking lot. https://goo.gl/maps/hf0HI
Personally, I would be disappointed if it is located at the Colonnade. You are putting the supercharger in a mediocre mall with terrible traffic on 280. I understand that the spots would be at risk of getting ICE'd at the Summit, but I am not even sure that is a good location for them. This is pretty inconvenient for anyone traveling through Birmingham except if on 459. I wish the location would be more central, however I will be the first to admit that I am not sure there is really a better option.
While we are waiting for this supercharger, now that the Chademo adaptor is available, could any locals check out if the Chademo in metro Birmingham is actually accessible and usable? I don't see a recent entry in plugshare, but here's a cut and paste of the summary: Benton Nissan of Hoover PlugScore 8.6 Ports CHAdeMO DCFC Address 1640 Montgomery Highway Birmingham, AL 35216 Phone (205) 979-5420 Hours Dealer hours: Mon. - Fri.: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat.: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Description Twenty minute quick charger next to the Service Department. Free and open quick charging plus level two 24 hours a day. Last Check In Matthew as of a month ago
Supercharger might be near announced Bass Pro in Decatur AL This was announced April 2014: "The Bass Pro Shops retail attraction, which will be approximately 100,000-square-feet in size, will be located on the south side of Highway 20 at Interstate 65/565. It will be the primary anchor for the Sweetwater mixed-use retail, entertainment, office and residential community located on 540 acres in Decatur " This would make a better location than the I65 US72 junction IMHO. Decatur, AL Sporting Goods Outdoor Stores | Bass Pro Shops
I've been on the wait list for a year and not heard anything. The Accessories site still shows CHAdeMO as "coming soon." While some have received a CHAdeMO adapter I am not under the impression it is "available". Or am I wrong and being too patient? For lack of a charge in Birmingham I am not making a trip to PCB this weekend. At 230 miles Greenville is too much of a risk in the cold.
Email arrived this morning informing me that CHAdeMO adapter supply has caught up to my position in the waiting queue! Its ordered!
Now that Mobile is under construction, maybe the crew will do Bham next. Has anyone found permits or confirmed location yet?
For those in the area, several new owners have started a Facebook Tesla group for Birmingham. https://www.facebook.com/groups/471295779692270/
Any news on site development? After adding 75 miles to my trip to route through super chargers from Nashville to Auburn, I am getting desperate.
Don't hold your breath. Tesla site suggested Nashville and Louisville was imminent when I ordered and nearly 2 years later Nashville came online just this past week. Time runs differently for Tesla Motors.
I live in Nashville but have family down in Mobile -- so I am also very interested in the Decatur and Birmingham SC development. I found a listing on the Tesla website that surprised me -- they are taking applications for "Product Specialist" at the Birmingham AL Summit location. Is this news to anyone else? https://chc.tbe.taleo.net/chc01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=TESLA&cws=1&rid=27960 I also found similar listings on LinkedIn