Sounds that way. That also means they can't tow your EV just because someone unplugged it.
GSP
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CA AB 475 Allow ticketing of vehicles not connected to chargers
- Thread starter jaanton
- Start date
Sounds that way. That also means they can't tow your EV just because someone unplugged it.
GSP
No, for that regulation to be in play there has to be specific signage. This was in a semi-private parking lot with just a simple "EV only" sign so I don't think there was any chance of a tow situation. I figured the plug was up for grabs since the chargepoint said it wasn't charging, and was waiting for someone to activate it with a card. After that experience, I won't ever unplug a Volt as I can't know if the plug alarm is active or not... Sharing plugs as needed between spaces seems like it might be a doomed concept because of things like unplug alarms (even while the vehicle is not charging!)
Norbert
TSLA will win
Great, the wording seems really good.
Not only because of the problems with unplugging, but also since once we have plenty of chargers, people won't want to return and move the car the very second charging has finished. It allows plugging in, and going somewhere for 2 hours (movie), even if topping-off only takes 1 hour, for example.
Thanks TEG, I did not know the signage was required. May come in handy if I rent an EV on my next visit to the Golden State.
I can't disable the alarm on my 2011 Volt, but if I trade for a newer one, I will add "cord alarm disabled" to my charging protocol card that I leave on the dashboard. Since most CA Volts will be 2012 HOV models, you may want to check for a similar notes from their owners.
GSP
Hi Norbert,
Yes, in my opinion Florida is not the first state one thinks of when discussing sensible legislation. :wink:
However, this wording looks good to me. In the absence of abundant charger infrastructure it should allow us to leave notes on our cars permitting other EV owners to unplug us if we are done charging.
I'm not keen on free charging. Now, with limited numbers of EVs it probably doesn't matter, but later it may be more difficult to find an available charging station. In addition to notes, I think the setting of intelligent fees would assist in getting folks to move on after charging, but if they wish to pay for the convenience of parking longer at least they won't get ticketed or towed.
Larry
Norbert
TSLA will win
I have a different expectation of what will happen when the number of EVs increases. Although charging providers seem to have a difficult time developing well-working networks (thinking of the reports from the UK), the cost of chargers will go down a lot, their technology become very reliable, the associated paperwork and processes will be streamlined, and a good way to finance them will be found, as the cost (on a national level) is small compared to the expenses we have (on a national level) for oil/gasoline. So as soon as the numbers of EVs increases, strongly encouraging these processes, I'm confident there will be, in general, a good number of chargers relative to the number o f EVs.
Norbert
TSLA will win
For DC chargers, this depends on whether it will be possible to have multiple outlets per DC charger, which automatically switch the charger from one outlet to another, when the car on the first outlet is finished charging.
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Hi Norbert,
The reason I asked about DC fast chargers was that the expansion of networks of DC fast chargers are much more challenging and in general probably shouldn't be free. They are much more expensive and the issue of significant electrical demand charges are more difficult to ignore. Further, we don't want folks lingering at a DC fast charger simply because they find its a convenient parking space. The need for intelligent charging fees for DC fast chargers is more compelling and hopefully would move people along even if state regulations don't require them to move when done charging.
Larry
Norbert
TSLA will win
Well, this is exactly the problem solved by having multiple outlets per DC charger. With that, there is no need, in general, to run to the car when charging is finished, as the charger will automatically switch to charging the next car. The problem with too many regulations, especially at this early stage, is that there are often technical solutions to problems that seem to be human superficially. That's why I like the one quoted above: It is very simple and gets the primary issue right (as far as I can tell), without trying to impose secondary restrictions which would depend on temporal circumstances which have other possible solutions.
Hi Norbert,
Having multiple outlets is certainly a good idea, but it doesn't really resolve the fundamental problem of having someone parked in a fast charger parking spot all day. Having an intelligent fee structure, such as a healthy premium for being parked after charging is completed, would help to keep the charger spots available to folks who need it without resorting to dubious legislation. If someone wants to park there while going to the movies they could do so without being ticketed or towed. It would just cost a healthy fee for the convenience.
While the argument is stronger for fast chargers, in principal the same applies to level 2 chargers. Charging might take longer, but premium fees wouldn't kick in until charging is completed. Likewise EVs could park there as long as they wish without violating any regulation provided they are willing to pay for the convenience of not moving their car.
Larry
The one model I've seen work well on EV sharing is at the Lenox Hotel in Boston, which gives not only free parking to EVs (with a meal or hotel stay), but free valet parking. The valet moves the car along when it's charged.
Norbert
TSLA will win
Seems to me that common sense dictates that EV owners would not occupy a charger for completely unreasonable amounts of time, as long as there is a strict rule for gas cars, as their owners might not care. (Of course there may be exceptions).
This "healthy fee" would have to be high enough so that even rich people would move, which means that low income EV owners (or those who spent more than they can usually afford, on the EV itself ), could not afford a convenient additional 10 minutes. This would make using chargers a race against the clock, not very pleasant. And unless you expect to be always back by the minute, even when there are more chargers or outlets than needed (at non-peak times), this would increase the fess you have to pay in general, for no good reason. The better solution is to install enough chargers and outlets, rather than to start a habit of charging EV owners at each possible moment for every little thing a lot of money, something only rich people can afford.
This is what makes the most sense to me. Especially at long parking situations like airports. I don't need to block the charging station for days, just have someone make sure the car gets charged before I get back. Dulles airport used to have (may still have for all I know) a valet parking arrangement similar to this. You drop off your car, and tell them your return flight number. They'd have the car ready (and optionally washed) and waiting up front when your flight arrived. Very convenient.
NigelM
Recovering Member
(Some) Other hotels will do the same. The SeaWorld Renaissance in Orlando for example. Is there any interest in starting a recommended hotels list?
Hi Nigel,
Good idea.
It might make sense to start a number of lists in the appropriate Local Group forum.
Larry
Expresso parking at Oakland (CA) aiport does that too.
Expresso Parking Free Charging Station - Oakland Airport Parking
Norbert
TSLA will win
Agree with your point otherwise, but specifically airports could have lots of long-term parking spots with cheap 110V plugs, allowing battery management without reducing the charge.
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