ChargePoint crowding?

[JBB_JD]

Long rant, short question - I stopped at a ChargePoint/Georgia Power site. Not in the middle of nowhere but just down the road from there. It was right off of the interstate so convenient. Convenience store and bbq close by. One DCFC and at least 8 Tesla chargers, I don't think SCs. No one else charging so I plug in and go grab some lunch. I came back after lunch and realized the DCFC paused and now there are 8 baby Tesla's charging. My question: could there be throttling going on or just not my day?

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[SnBGC]

Long rant, short question - I stopped at a ChargePoint/Georgia Power site. Not in the middle of nowhere but just down the road from there. It was right off of the interstate so convenient. Convenience store and bbq close by. One DCFC and at least 8 Tesla chargers, I don't think SCs. No one else charging so I plug in and go grab some lunch. I came back after lunch and realized the DCFC paused and now there are 8 baby Tesla's charging. My question: could there be throttling going on or just not my day?

Possible. What type of DCFC unit was that ChargePoint? Express 250 or one of the older 25 or 50 kW units?

 

[JBB_JD]

New. Not sure model#. SHORT cables. Another pet peeve of mine.

 

[SnBGC]

New. Not sure model#. SHORT cables. Another pet peeve of mine.

The newer CP DC units require 480v 3 ph so not the same service as the Tesla Destination units.

 

[JBB_JD]

The newer CP DC units require 480v 3 ph so not the same service as the Tesla Destination units.

Makes sense. I'm at another CP location now trying to get enough to get home. ?

 

[JBB_JD]

Makes sense. I'm at another CP location now trying to get enough to get home. ?

Update - PlugShare app says that was a Tesla SC site so my question remains?

 

[macchiaz-o]

Update - PlugShare app says that was a Tesla SC site so my question remains?

I'm not sure I understand your question?

Sometimes Supercharger locations are nearby everyone-else locations, like this:

But they probably aren't in any way network-linked to one another.

 

[SnBGC]

Update - PlugShare app says that was a Tesla SC site so my question remains?

Then yes.....those can be sharing power and when all plugs are busy the power level drops. The CP Express 250 are especially sensitive to anything less than 100A so they would likely shut down if the incoming current falls below that level.

In fact, it is incredibly complicated to set up power share devices correctly. Very few electricians know how to do it and the ChargePoint documentation leaves a LOT to be desired in that regard. The installing tech MUST call the CP main office to activate it in the cloud as well as set up the hardware a certain way. It is very easy for the installer to follow the instructions to the letter and do everything correctly but if that phone call isn't made then it's all for naught.

ChargePoint isn't the only manufacturer with that issue. Almost all have some quirk or another that makes it unique. The installer really needs to understand how EVs work and be able to test them out. Sometimes the ONLY way to properly test the power shared units is show up with a PHEV that has a 3.3 kW charger on board, a smaller BEV with a 6.6 kW and a larger BEV with 10 + kW charger on board. With that combination, the three vehicles can be plugged in and the machines tested correctly.

 

[AllenXS]

Sometimes the ONLY way to properly test the power shared units is show up with a PHEV that has a 3.3 kW charger on board, a smaller BEV with a 6.6 kW and a larger BEV with 10 + kW charger on board. With that combination, the three vehicles can be plugged in and the machines tested correctly.

Electrician's are going to need larger toolbelts to fit all these cars in.

 

[JBB_JD]

I'm not sure I understand your question?

Sometimes Supercharger locations are nearby everyone-else locations, like this:

But they probably aren't in any way network-linked to one another.

Coincidence? That site in Metter is where I was. I will keep closer watch on the Ford Pass app. I assume, 8 MMEs trying to charge at the same time might cause the same result.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Then yes.....those can be sharing power and when all plugs are busy the power level drops. The CP Express 250 are especially sensitive to anything less than 100A so they would likely shut down if the incoming current falls below that level.

In fact, it is incredibly complicated to set up power share devices correctly. Very few electricians know how to do it and the ChargePoint documentation leaves a LOT to be desired in that regard. The installing tech MUST call the CP main office to activate it in the cloud as well as set up the hardware a certain way. It is very easy for the installer to follow the instructions to the letter and do everything correctly but if that phone call isn't made then it's all for naught.

ChargePoint isn't the only manufacturer with that issue. Almost all have some quirk or another that makes it unique. The installer really needs to understand how EVs work and be able to test them out. Sometimes the ONLY way to properly test the power shared units is show up with a PHEV that has a 3.3 kW charger on board, a smaller BEV with a 6.6 kW and a larger BEV with 10 + kW charger on board. With that combination, the three vehicles can be plugged in and the machines tested correctly.

This is great info and explains the inconsistencies. Let's say the phone call wasn't made and I come across this in the field, would it be possible to call ChargePoint myself and have them fix things? Some of us electrical-savvy types wouldn't mind spending the time on the phone to fix this if it means better charging.

 

[minjaep]

This is good to know! I probably should avoid a crowded place (maybe with fancy restaurants and shops) if my circumstance cannot tolerate these errors.

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