Supercharger - Kennebunk, ME (I-95 NB and SB service plazas)

[TDR32]

Just wanted to add this link that I saw. It looks like they built the infrastructure to handle more changers at a later time. The additional chargers should be open to other electric vehicles. I also enjoyed the last bit of the article.

Tesla charging stations now at Kennebunk service plazas

FYI: the two southbound chargers are still roped off as of yesterday.

 

[Accrat]

Northbound chargers are open, but how do you get there, if you are not on the freeway? GPS takes you on the ramp, where you can see the chargers, but you cannot make a turn to it, since this is illegal. Any suggestions?

 

[Tdreamer]

Not sure what issue you are having - they are in back of the car parking area not too far from the concessions building. See Kennebunk ME Supercharger for location.

EDIT: reread your post - yes, in theory you need to be on the Maine Turnpike to access this rest area legally. Not sure about entering via the service road illegally.

 

[TDR32]

Northbound chargers are open, but how do you get there, if you are not on the freeway? GPS takes you on the ramp, where you can see the chargers, but you cannot make a turn to it, since this is illegal. Any suggestions?

The southbound chargers are open as well. You need to go through the too like you are getting on the turnpike. Then make a left and follow that road until the second right. The super chargers will be right there for you to use.

 

[TDR32]

Just wanted to update that there is expansion on the southbound side. It looks like 4 more pedestals will be added bringing the total to 12.

 

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Just wanted to update that there is expansion on the southbound side. It looks like 4 more pedestals will be added bringing the total to 12.

Definitely Superchargers? Could it be other DCFC?

If Superchargers, they'd better not get pedestals before the other Superchargers in Northern Maine and New Brunswick.

 

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Definitely Superchargers? Could it be other DCFC?

If Superchargers, they'd better not get pedestals before the other Superchargers in Northern Maine and New Brunswick.

To follow up on this, there was an article in December 2018 about installation of DCFC through Maine.

State prepares to install string of high-speed chargers for electric vehicles

ChargePoint will put ultra-fast charging stations at the Maine Turnpike visitor plazas in Kennebunk (northbound and southbound) and West Gardiner, on Route 302 in the Bridgton and Naples area, in Farmington near the intersection of Route 2 and Route 27, in Jackman and in another location along Route 201.

(My bold).

So, it could be the beginning of that installation.

 

[tinkererguy]

Thank you for taking this!

Kennebunk Northbound sure came in handy for me last week, twice actually! I was in a bit of a rush to get to Portland ME's PWM Airport, 9 minutes of Supercharge worked out really well.
https://twitter.com/paulbraren/status/1150501821863137282

 

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Kennebunk Northbound sure came in handy for me last week, twice actually! I was in a bit of a rush to get to Portland ME's PWM Airport, 9 minutes of Supercharge worked out really well.

Apparently somebody else needed it as well.

Riding with friends a few weeks ago, they stopped for gas at Kennebunk Southbound and I saw a Model 3 charging.

So, the Superchargers there are definitely getting some use.

 

[ModelNforNerd]

Apparently somebody else needed it as well.

Riding with friends a few weeks ago, they stopped for gas at Kennebunk Southbound and I saw a Model 3 charging.

So, the Superchargers there are definitely getting some use.

I was coming back on Sunday evening from up north, and I counted 4 Teslas on the southbound side (I didn't need to stop). Most I've seen this summer (usually northbound Thursdays, southbound on Sundays)

 

[TDR32]

I saw construction fence on the northbound side as well. It looks like 4 are being added there as well. Before winter both sides should have 12 spots to charge.

 

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

I saw construction fence on the northbound side as well. It looks like 4 are being added there as well. Before winter both sides should have 12 spots to charge.

See my post above:

Kennebunk ME Supercharger

Might not be additional Supercharger stalls.

 

[TDR32]

See my post above:

Kennebunk ME Supercharger

Might not be additional Supercharger stalls.

That is good to know. I'll keep an eye out to see what type of pedestal is installed. It looks like all the new electrical work is done on the southbound side. I drive by these every workday so I'll keep looking for changes.

 

[ModelNforNerd]

If there is no other transformer installed, then it's unlikely it's anything other than an expansion of the Supercharger.


Tesla paid for all of that, and I find it unlikely they would allow conduit and other-branded charging stations to be tied into their setup.

 

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

If there is no other transformer installed, then it's unlikely it's anything other than an expansion of the Supercharger.


Tesla paid for all of that, and I find it unlikely they would allow conduit and other-branded charging stations to be tied into their setup.

All we have right now is that there is fencing for more construction.

Note that at the Augusta, ME Supercharger power was run from near a transformer at the nearby Red Robin, to the Supercharger transformer.

Here, at least for homes, you pay for a connection, and the connection to the transformer is owned by the utility, but you have a financial interest in the connection. Your interest in it is amortized over a number of years. If during that period the connection is then extended/used by somebody else, they effectively buy into the connection and you have part of the cost refunded.

So, Tesla wouldn't have a say in what happens beyond the transformer.

 

[ModelNforNerd]

All we have right now is that there is fencing for more construction.

Note that at the Augusta, ME Supercharger power was run from near a transformer at the nearby Red Robin, to the Supercharger transformer.

Here, at least for homes, you pay for a connection, and the connection to the transformer is owned by the utility, but you have a financial interest in the connection. Your interest in it is amortized over a number of years. If during that period the connection is then extended/used by somebody else, they effectively buy into the connection and you have part of the cost refunded.

So, Tesla wouldn't have a say in what happens beyond the transformer.

That may be how it works for residential if you're running power to your property. Is that how it works for commercial applications as well?

 

[Gwgan]

Two ChargePoint Express Plus stalls

Smart Charging Stations | ChargePoint

 

[ModelNforNerd]

Two ChargePoint Express Plus stalls
View attachment 436889
Smart Charging Stations | ChargePoint

I hope the transformer properly handles the load. I wonder how it would work if all stalls on both sides were full.

 

[WesB]

I was there on Thursday. Stalls 4A and 4B were blocked due to constriction of 2 chargepoint fast chargers. Stall 3B was also marked "Bad" with a piece of tape.

 

[tga]

1A southbound has no power. Charging now at 1B. Will report to Tesla.