You guys really pull into a Nissan dealer with your CHAdeMO adapter?

[Cottonwood]

As others have said, always call ahead. It really depends on the dealer.

Boulder Nissan | Boulder, CO | PlugShare is very welcoming to all EV's, and sells more Leafs than most dealerships in America. They have even installed a very nice, combo, CHAdeMO/SAE, ABB, L3 charger. Unfortunately, to avoid demand charges, it is throttled to 20 kW, only a little more than you can get from an HPWC.

 

[Sgutz]

Didn't Musk encourage other EV car makers to provide access to superchargers for their cars. He freed up all of the patents for them, so there's no reason for any company to say things "Don't use our adapters because we can't use your superchargers" - because they can.

There is definitely a need for some consolidation of standards for connectors though. It seems dumb to have to pay $400 for a CHAdeMo adapter when a little unity in the provider network could solve this easily. Imagine how quickly a Leaf could be charged at a Tesla Supercharger.

 

[mknox]

Didn't Musk encourage other EV car makers to provide access to superchargers for their cars. He freed up all of the patents for them, so there's no reason for any company to say things "Don't use our adapters because we can't use your superchargers" - because they can.

True, but I guess we're just not at the point where there is agreement on the standard yet. Remember Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD or VHS vs. Beta? Took a while to sort that out too.

Imagine how quickly a Leaf could be charged at a Tesla Supercharger.

There could be limitations based on the Leaf's battery technology, but sure, even if they could only take power at CHAdeMO speeds, that would certainly open up a lot of new charging options for Leaf owners.

 

[AudubonB]

The leader of the WVa House owns a Nissan dealership, and he specifically referred to a Model S owner "consistently" (my words) using the dealer to charge his car as background for why he was opposed to the legislation allowing Tesla to sell in that state.

The legislation failed - and while it's probably unfair to burden that one Tesla owner for all the blame, I'd consider it as Evidence #1.

 

[rlang59]

Didn't Musk encourage other EV car makers to provide access to superchargers for their cars. He freed up all of the patents for them, so there's no reason for any company to say things "Don't use our adapters because we can't use your superchargers" - because they can.

There is definitely a need for some consolidation of standards for connectors though. It seems dumb to have to pay $400 for a CHAdeMo adapter when a little unity in the provider network could solve this easily. Imagine how quickly a Leaf could be charged at a Tesla Supercharger.

Keep in mind he didn't say they could use the Superchargers for free. He said they would have to contribute to the network cost to be allowed to use them.

 

[hiroshiy]

In Japan Nissan invested most money into charging network. Recently they decided to install second CHAdeMO charger at dealers. Most dealers charge 540yen for 30 minutes (daytime), and at night (at least currently) only open to Leafs with auth card.

Not sure why, but Nissan global HQ has two free CHAdeMO chargers.
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I personally use Nissan and "Nissan Rent a Car" a lot because half of the high power DCFCs are at Nissan dealers. Convenience Stores started installing low power CHAdeMOs, and while they don't make sense at all, people with gas cars started to realize 'electric car future' is coming

 

[Polly Wog]

I used my CHAdeMO adapter to charge my Model S at the Garcia Nissan Dealership in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I just showed up and started charging. I only charged for an hour, mainly because its power was limited to 20 kW (50A @ 400V). Some of the employees there admired the car, but never approached me. I admit that I was a little nervous when I first showed up, but quickly got over it. By the way, for now that is the only CHAdeMO charger in the entire state of New Mexico - sad.

 

[Chris TX]

I'll be traveling from Dallas to Nashville soon and will be utilizing CHAdeMO at a Nissan dealership in Memphis. I've called ahead and they were very nice about it.

Holy cow, do I wish Tesla would put a Supercharger in Little Rock, AR, though.

 

[cwerdna]

When CHAdeMO DC FCing was pretty much free at Nissan dealers, even some Nissan dealers weren't welcoming of other Leafs coming to charge, if the car wasn't purchased/leased from that dealer.

Eventually, a local Nissan dealer had Chargepoint equipment installed on it, instead of a fob that you had to find a dealer employee to come out with w/activate the DC FC. Then, I saw My Nissan Leaf Forum View topic - Networking the free DCQC chargers at Nissan dealers, which made sense.

Perhaps if I could pay them for the charger use, then I would consider it.

Many now charge money, indirectly via the above. A few dealers w/the above pay system have it so that if you bought/leased from them, you can charge for free. They'll check their sales records and make it so that your account can DC FC for free there.

Some CHAdeMO chargers at Nissan dealers in San Diego are eVgo chargers, so there is no reason to feel guilty or strange when using those, since you are paying for the charge.

Yep.

 

[islandbayy]

Ive used the Local Nissan Dealers L2 a hand full of times. They don't have a CHAdeMO. I have no problems with using that one, as they already got a Crapload of business from me before I bought the Tesla. They would have Gotten my Leaf Business too if Nissan had a Leaf that got the range of a Model S. On top of that, I have no problems going in and getting a free coffee and a doughnut either. But, once again, I've already spent plenty of money with that dealership, and, I also feel, looking back on some service I had done on my truck before getting the Model S, that they really Hosed me. Hindsight...

As for using a other dealers station, I will usually, unless signage is posted, just plug right in as long as I'm not blocking anything. After plugging in, I will go inside, and speak with the manager. I usually say Thank You for providing this much needed service, and can I pay for my electric usage.

It's more along the lines of "easier to ask for Forgiveness, then to ask for permission".

Just for offering, I've never been asked to charge. In fact, usually, at that point, I'm invited in to relax in the customer service lounge, and use any of the customer amenities available.


I would like to point out a VERY kind BMW dealer in Erie, PA. When doing my niagara falls trip in 2014, I found myself, despite driving extra slow, and leaving the supercharger with a range charge, grossly short on range getting to Niagara. We stopped at the BMW dealer (Forgot exact name off the top of my head). On route TO Niagara, they actually thanked me, as they just had the Chargepoint installed the week before for upcoming I3's, and had no way to test the station. Invited us in etc...
On the way home, they even offered to have the dealership shuttle drop us off (And pick us up) at a restaurant. We accepted. I offered to pay, they said no, just tip the driver. So that we did.

 

[jomo25]

Free Chademo station at Mesa Riverview Nissan in AZ. I used it twice, without any issues. In fact, sales guys come out to take a closer look and tell me how much they'd love to get one.

I do also own a Leaf, though I bought it at another dealership around town. I mention that to them, just in case they might consider giving me a hard time. I have pics of it ready to show them in case (but haven't had to resort to it yet).

 

[martinwinlow]

Before I bought my MS I did quite a lot of long (for the UK) journeys in my Peugeot iOn (i-MiEV). I used Nissan dealerships very regularly - including UKs Nissan HQ at Maple Cross just west of London - which also has the advantage of being available 24/7 and is right on the M25). I found all at least prepared to allow me to use their RC and in all but one case very happy to accommodate me - free coffee whilst waiting, friendly EV chat etc. I always rang ahead and told them which car I had and it never seemed to be an issue for them. I have also taken the trouble to email Nissan Customer Services on several occasions to thank them for their intelligent approach to this subject, particularly in these early years of the EV adoption movement.

Of course, Mr Musk has kindly blessed the South of England with enough SuCs to mean that even my MS 60 will very unlikely to ever need to use an RC but it's nice to know that I could if I needed to - even if it was only a 10 minute stint to get me to the next SuC.

So, in the interests of furthering the EV cause, I would strongly recommend calling ahead, being up-front about not having a Nissan and taking the trouble to ping a quick email to Nissan to thank them afterwards - better still, the LEAF specialist at the dealer you used - or both! MW

 

[smartypnz]

Simple.... Show up unannounced.

But bring a box of donuts.

Always works for me.

 

[Kalud]

Simple.... Show up unannounced.

But bring a box of donuts.

Always works for me.

Clever!

 

[bonnie]

Ive used the Local Nissan Dealers L2 a hand full of times. They don't have a CHAdeMO. I have no problems with using that one, as they already got a Crapload of business from me before I bought the Tesla. They would have Gotten my Leaf Business too if Nissan had a Leaf that got the range of a Model S. On top of that, I have no problems going in and getting a free coffee and a doughnut either. But, once again, I've already spent plenty of money with that dealership, and, I also feel, looking back on some service I had done on my truck before getting the Model S, that they really Hosed me. Hindsight...

As for using a other dealers station, I will usually, unless signage is posted, just plug right in as long as I'm not blocking anything. After plugging in, I will go inside, and speak with the manager. I usually say Thank You for providing this much needed service, and can I pay for my electric usage.

It's more along the lines of "easier to ask for Forgiveness, then to ask for permission".

Just for offering, I've never been asked to charge. In fact, usually, at that point, I'm invited in to relax in the customer service lounge, and use any of the customer amenities available.


I would like to point out a VERY kind BMW dealer in Erie, PA. When doing my niagara falls trip in 2014, I found myself, despite driving extra slow, and leaving the supercharger with a range charge, grossly short on range getting to Niagara. We stopped at the BMW dealer (Forgot exact name off the top of my head). On route TO Niagara, they actually thanked me, as they just had the Chargepoint installed the week before for upcoming I3's, and had no way to test the station. Invited us in etc...
On the way home, they even offered to have the dealership shuttle drop us off (And pick us up) at a restaurant. We accepted. I offered to pay, they said no, just tip the driver. So that we did.

And because you go in and thank them, you probably keep the spot open for the next Model S owner who comes along. Stopping and charging without that important step could very likely result in the dealership deciding on a 'only our customers' policy for the future.

Good job.

 

[TEG]

Didn't Musk encourage other EV car makers to provide access to superchargers for their cars. He freed up all of the patents for them, so there's no reason for any company to say things "Don't use our adapters because we can't use your superchargers" - because they can.

Patents is one thing, but actually granting access to the supercharging system is another. No one else besides Tesla can currently use it, right? I think it requires VIN/authentication to enable a supercharging session, so Tesla is likely fully in control of who they let use it. Do the patents tell you how to make a working supercharger connection? I think there is a bit of one sided "in our own interests" approach going on. Can I get an adapter to charge my CHAdeMO LEAF at a SuperCharger right now? NO... Anecdotally I once heard of someone who said they tried to work with Tesla to get access for their car to charge at Superchargers but were told they wouldn't even consider it if the car couldn't charge as quickly as a Model S. So, most non Tesla EVs may not even have a battery pack suitable to charge at the rates Tesla would expect. The argument is that they never want Model S (and X) owners to be stuck waiting for someone else doing "slow charging" at a Supercharging station.

 

[green1]

Tesla has however consistently said they'd love to share the SC network with other companies, as long as they contribute to it in proportion to their use. Tesla is willing to work with the other automakers, it's the others that are preventing SC access for their customers because they don't want to help Tesla in any way (and don't seem to really see charging as an important aspect of EV sales)

 

[SMF]

Look Teslaholics this isn't some secret society here. Drive up to the Nissan Dealer, walk inside and announce yourself and politely ask to use the charger, if no one else is ahead of you. I have done this about 5 times locally, with absolutely no problem with a handshake and a smile. Frankly, I have owned a Nissan Maxima and Altima in the past--have certainly contributed to the brand. Three times I got into a friendly EV in general conversation. One Guy asked to see the Tesla computer screen.

Really no different than asking to use the John in a private business.

 

[N4HHE]

Stopped by Nissan USA HQ in Nashville shortly after receiving my CHAdeMO adapter. Saw this and decided I wasn't welcome:

 

[Chris TX]

Stopped by Nissan USA HQ in Nashville shortly after receiving my CHAdeMO adapter. Saw this and decided I wasn't welcome:

"Until they kick us out! Until they kick us out!"

If you can take a picture of it, you can use it.

Why wouldn't you be classified as a visitor? You're visiting the CHAdeMO, aren't you?