ChargePoint broken clips

[Mini166]

I have free ChargePoint stations around the public buildings where I work. I see people plugged in all the time, but when I see one available and try to use it, I notice that MOST of them have broken clips on the plug/handle (I should have taken a picture, but most of you seasoned EV vets probably know what I'm talking about). I tried plugging in, but it wouldn't detect my vehicle.

I saw a random reddit thread where someone suggested that you can flip up another section and prop it into the proper position. I'm assuming that is NOT recommended, and I'm not willing to try it. UNLESS one of you can share your experience. Is this safe? Does it even work to do this?

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[Mach-Lee]

If you are talking about the J1772 release button/latch, you do not want to prop that open or it won't charge. It needs to be released to work. Press and hold the button before unplugging or you will damage your charge port.

I would not advise using these chargers since the contacts are likely damaged from arcing and they can damage your charge port from using them. Or if someone else yanks it out without using the button. Don't plug questionable stuff into your charge port.

You should report the broken charger in the app, I'm guessing the public building doesn't want to pay to replace the handles however.

 

[Mini166]

Thanks very much. Yep, I reported it both as a "tip" in the app at the location, and "Report a Problem".
Is the owner of the building/garage the responsible party for repairs and replacements? I'm assuiming ChargePoint is just the vendor for payments, but not maintenance of the machine itself (?)

Thanks for the good info. I will definitely not attempt to do workarounds on these damaged handles. Safer just to charge at home, I guess, but was hoping to utilize the free stations when possible.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Thanks very much. Yep, I reported it both as a "tip" in the app at the location, and "Report a Problem".
Is the owner of the building/garage the responsible party for repairs and replacements? I'm assuiming ChargePoint is just the vendor for payments, but not maintenance of the machine itself (?)

Thanks for the good info. I will definitely not attempt to do workarounds on these damaged handles. Safer just to charge at home, I guess, but was hoping to utilize the free stations when possible.

ChargePoint is just a provider of services, the stations are owned independently. They could be maintained by ChargePoint if the owner buys a service plan, otherwise the owner is responsible for maintaining them themselves. But typically broken ChargePoint stations are because the owner doesn't want to pay for repairs.

 

[voxel]

Yup, older ChargePoint chargers suffer from the broken clip issue. And I’ve seen charges broken for 2 years plus… usually the landowner just abandons upkeep.

I wish US/NA went with the “bring your own charging cable” used in Europe. The Type 2 system I believe. Oh well we are stuck with J-1772.

 

[Mini166]

I work for a county government and found out that the garage and the charger are owned & maintained by the county. I contacted our deputy public works director and told her that other drivers have told me the handle has been broken for months. She had no idea, and said she would follow up right away. Pays to know people!!
However I’ve learned that the slow trickle charge from these free stations are not worth running around and moving the car every 3 hours. ?
I’ll use it every once in a while for a little boost but I’m not going to stalk the stations for an opening. My commute is short.
ALSO, after visiting the free stations in the area and seeing how many of these are snapped off, I’m pretty sure those clips will just be broken off again. I think maybe they are regularly vandalized. A huge shame ?

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