On-the-go level 2 charging networks

[majcina]

Hi all,

I'm awaiting my CPO Model S 85 delivery and am preparing for possible on-the-go charging needs. I've also installed the HPWC in my garage (squeezed it into a 9" space between the garage doors so it will be available for both my Model S and our forthcoming Model 3). Obviously, I know about Superchargers. Now I want to make sure I'm okay for longer trips off the major highways. I searched through old threads, abut I couldn't find the right search parameters to yield the answers I seek. I have two specific questions for all you US East Coast veteran EV drivers out there:

1) Networks
My Tesla delivery specialist recommended ChargePoint, so I signed up. I activated my card today. I live in Maryland, and there are a lot of evgo/nrg systems around here, so I just signed up to get a card for that service too. Are there any other charging networks I need to sign up for ahead of time for East coast driving? I'd hate to find a charging station and realize I can't use it for lack of prior planning.

2) Apps
I have downloaded PlugShare, which looks pretty robust. I also have ChargePoint's app. Any others you guys recommend for finding charging stations?

I don't anticipate doing a lot of level 2 charging, but better prepared than range-anxious! I'm also hoping with more EVs being built every year that they will expand these networks further. Right now, it's still a pitiful state of affairs out there (Walgreens notwithstanding), considering the LEAF came out in 2011. Kudos to Musk for foreseeing the importance of the Supercharger network. What a lifesaver! Thanks ahead of time for your input.

 

[Doug4650]

Hello,

I'm an east coaster, going as far up as Vermont / NH and as far south as North Carolina. Of course, I normally use the Superchargers on the way. But I also have the ChargePoint and Plugshare. I've used Chargepoint only a couple of times, but it was great at the lodge in Killington. I got one of the small cards (NFC I think) and that activated the charger without a problem. I've also used Plugshare to locate a free charger in Pinehurst NC and that was no problem as well. My anxiety has decreased over the year, but there is some planning involved in long distance driving and I've developed a preference for the more expensive hotel options that have destination chargers.

Have fun. The trip planning adds to the experience.

 

[JClu]

I posted a similar question a few weeks ago. The link is below. You may find some useful information in all the replies, even though the discussion wasn't specifically geared towards East Coast EV driving as you asked.

Should I get a public charging network account?

 

[majcina]

Thank you both! @JClu Your post's thread was especially helpful. Appreciate it.

 

[majcina]

As a summary of what I learned from the other thread, I ended up ordering a card from every network out there that has one, and I downloaded all the apps. I think I ended up paying $20 total, with no ongoing subscription fees:

Blink - created account, ordered card, got app, no up-front payment
ChargePoint - created account, ordered card, got app, no up-front payment
EV Connect - created account, no card, got app, no up-front payment
Evgo - created account, ordered card, no app?, paid $5 up-front
Greenlots - created account, ordered card, got app, paid $5 up-front
PlugShare - created account, no card, got app, no up-front payment
SemaConnect - created account, no card, got app, paid $10 up-front

 

[TexasEV]

As a summary of what I learned from the other thread, I ended up ordering a card from every network out there that has one, and I downloaded all the apps. I think I ended up paying $20 total, with no ongoing subscription fees:

Blink - created account, ordered card, got app, no up-front payment
ChargePoint - created account, ordered card, got app, no up-front payment
EV Connect - created account, no card, got app, no up-front payment
Evgo - created account, ordered card, no app?, paid $5 up-front
Greenlots - created account, ordered card, got app, paid $5 up-front
PlugShare - created account, no card, got app, no up-front payment
SemaConnect - created account, no card, got app, paid $10 up-front

Plugshare is not a charging network. It's a crowd sourced web site and app listing charging locations and comments about them.

 

[majcina]

@TexasEV It's still a Wild West era for EV charging options. PlugShare's app seems really useful in bringing things together. Thanks for clarifying!

 

[tga]

In VT, there are several Green Mountain Power sites with SemaConnect L2's (some free, some not) and NRG/Evgo L3 (some Chademo only, some Chademo/CCS). I have cards/accounts with Chargepoint, SemaConnect, and NRG/Evgo. I use Chargepoint a few times/week.

 

[TonyWilliams]

You need to buy the CHAdeMO adaptor ($450) to be able to wisely use public chargeing:

Tesla — CHAdeMO Adapter

 

[Rocky_H]

Plugshare is not a charging network. It's a crowd sourced web site and app listing charging locations and comments about them.

Yes, definitely this. Here is what frustrates me about the current situation with tons of networks. The Plugshare mobile app does have an interface that is called "Pay With Plugshare", and at least one or two networks have tied into that. For example, the "West Coast Electric Highway" is the name of Aerovironment's really excellent network through Oregon and Washington. They have enabled that, so even without any account, you can just select the station on the Plugshare app, put your credit card info in, and it will activate the station. People wish that there was one unified card for Greenlots, Semaconnect, EVGo, Blink, Chargepoint, etc. Well, Plugshare could be that unified interface if the other networks were willing to use it.