Charging at charging stations without an App

[worachj]

I like Ford’s Plug & Charge and no need for an App. But it only works on Electrify America’s chargers. You need the FordPass app to start the other chargers on the BlueOval Network.

I am trying to find DCFC charging stations that will allow me to charge without the use of an App. I just want to plug in, tap my card and begin charging either by use of an RFID card or credit card.

The only three networks that I have found so far that allow me to do that are:

• ChargePoint (RFID card)
• EVgo (RFID card)
• Electrify America (Ford’s Plug & Charge)

Are there any others?

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[Slowmotion]

Freewire, if there are any around you. They're just getting started. Two of their sites are near me and they work great.

 

[worachj]

Thanks. Seems to be charger manufacturer that will sell to anyone and not a charging network.

Can't find any locations of their chargers current in operation.

 

[hybrid2bev]

I added my ChargePoint and Electrify America accounts into my Apple Wallet. I can tap my phone to activate my account/pay without opening an app.

 

[RickMachE]

Without getting into the reasoning of why you don't want to use an app to start a charger, you are using FordPass for other things, correct?

 

[kdonnel]

EvGo has their own version of plug and charge, no app or RFID required.

 

[worachj]

I added my ChargePoint and Electrify America accounts into my Apple Wallet. I can tap my phone to activate my account/pay without opening an app.

Thanks, that is something I haven't thought about and will work if I didn't have an android phone. And I only have a calling plan with no data.

 

[kdonnel]

I don't care if I have to juggle a bunch of apps but what I do dislike is having to leave a balance in multiple apps.

I greatly prefer charging networks that don't require deposits. It should work like a gas station and they should put a hold on the attached credit card for each charging event.

Right now I have a balance in Shell Recharge and ChargeUp4.

Odds are low I will ever get to use the balance in the ChargeUp account. I had a failed DCFC charging attempt at a station in Florida. Ended up using their L2 station that was next to the DCFC station but only used $1.08 of the $25 I was required to deposit before I found out the DCFC did not work with the MME. Maybe after the OBCC update it will work, if I am ever near a ChargeUp branded station again.

Shell Recharge I have used each time I have gone to Charleston SC. Something I might do once every other year so the money sits there.

 

[snowy_91]

Those charges put in by Red E only use a credit card.

 

[kdonnel]

Not sure if they exist near you but Blink and ShellRecharge both offer RFID cards. Blink lets you order one for free, ShellRecharge has a $5 fee to order an RFID card.

 

[worachj]

I do not understand why charging networks require apps and balance deposit.

Why can’t I just plug in and use my credit card like 99.99 % of the other retailers I visit.

 

[roamtheworld]

Not sure if they exist near you but Blink and ShellRecharge both offer RFID cards. Blink lets you order one for free, ShellRecharge has a $5 fee to order an RFID card.

The issue I have with Blink is they require a minimum balance. I have just under $10 with them now after a road trip this summer where I didn't have any other choice but to use them. It's like the lost Starbucks card with a balance

 

[worachj]

Not sure if they exist near you but Blink and ShellRecharge both offer RFID cards. Blink lets you order one for free, ShellRecharge has a $5 fee to order an RFID card.

I will look into Blink. I looked into ShellRecharge but didn't see any near Minnesota.

 

[kdonnel]

I do not understand why charging networks require apps and balance deposit.

Why can’t I just plug in and use my credit card like 99.99 % of the other retailers I visit.

I think apps are required because it has been determined that apps are cheaper to maintain than credit card readers. At least at a gas station there is an attendant in the building and people behave. Charging stations are often out by themselves and subject to anti EV abuse.

As for the balance, I imagine a decent amount of interest can be made off those required deposits. Might be the difference that makes the charging network profitable. I don’t like it though.

 

[worachj]

Those charges put in by Red E only use a credit card.

Red E looks promising. Not any in Minnesota yet but some in nearby states. I'll be looking into them more for my traveling plans.

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