Charging stations of the future?

[epereira]

Here’s an idea - as charging stations become significant destination targets, wouldn’t it be nice if they incorporated snack/drink vending machines alongside or even attached to them? Makes for a pleasant “rest stop and charge” - no?

Sponsored

 

[macchiaz-o]

All you're missing is weather canopies and toilets and then you could call it a gas station. Once you add in toiletries, large screen TVs, and new or refurbished underwear, then it's a Walmart. (Or someone's house.)

 

[dmastro]

It's almost as if they could construct these "stations" right off major freeways to make it very quick to exit and return. Build large public restrooms, tables, trash cans, doggy bags for pets, etc. They could call them "rest stops".

Unfortunately federal law currently prohibits commerce at these already-built federal stops.

 

[silverelan]

It's almost as if they could construct these "stations" right off major freeways to make it very quick to exit and return. Build large public restrooms, tables, trash cans, doggy bags for pets, etc. They could call them "rest stops".

Unfortunately federal law currently prohibits commerce at these already-built federal stops.

service plazas or travel centers are perfect sites for DCFC. There are already American travel centers with 40, 50, even 100 gas pumps and lots of on-site amenities. There’s no reason DCFC can’t be co-located there with the same access.

Tesla takes this sort of thing seriously and either does it themselves (see Kettleman City) or partners with places like Buc-ees, WaWa, or Sheetz.

 

[hybrid2bev]

All you're missing is weather canopies and toilets and then you could call it a gas station. Once you add in toiletries, large screen TVs, and new or refurbished underwear, then it's a Walmart. (Or someone's house.)

Throw in a Starbucks and call it a “Target” destination. Maybe add some exclusivity and call it a club. Maybe Sams Club.

 

[dmastro]

service plazas or travel centers are perfect sites for DCFC. There are already American travel centers with 40, 50, even 100 gas pumps and lots of on-site amenities. There’s no reason DCFC can’t be co-located there with the same access.

Tesla takes this sort of thing seriously and either does it themselves (see Kettleman City) or partners with places like Buc-ees, WaWa, or Sheetz.

Totally agree that those are great sites for DCFC. As a long time Tesla owner, I'm quite acquainted with them. But the existing federal rest stop infrastructure would also be an ideal set of locations.

 

[Maquis]

Totally agree that those are great sites for DCFC. As a long time Tesla owner, I'm quite acquainted with them. But the existing federal rest stop infrastructure would also be an ideal set of locations.

Given what I know about the locations of Interstate highway rest stops around me, most don't have the necessary utility power available nearby.

 

[hybrid2bev]

Given what I know about the locations of Interstate highway rest stops around me, most don't have the necessary utility power available nearby.

That's where something like FreeWire would work. It just needs something like an L2 connection. It has integrated battery storage to provide DC power.

https://freewiretech.com/

 

[dmastro]

Given what I know about the locations of Interstate highway rest stops around me, most don't have the necessary utility power available nearby.

That's a limitation for sure, but not an insurmountable one.

 

[New2EV]

https://www.foxnews.com/auto/teslas-1950s-style-drive-in-diner-movie-charging-station.amp

 

[Pioneer74]

I'm surprised a fast food chain hasn't partnered with EvGo or Electrify America to have chargers installed on their sites for high traffic expressway routs. Seems like a win-win for both companies.

 

[CurtW]

In line with Guss's fantasy, I'm thinking charging will all be induction at some point. And maybe more common than handicap parking.

My made to order (fantasy land) charging scenario includes wireless (inductive) BEV fast charging sourced from on-site solar and battery storage.

 

[Guss-E 2021]

In line with Guss's fantasy, I'm thinking charging will all be induction at some point. And maybe more common than handicap parking.

Oh we can dream can't we

But ya know, I've got a phone that gets near broadband data speeds and a smartwatch with a solid three days of battery life (even with everything on all the time). Wasn't too long ago when all of that seemed like fantasy land too.

 

[Jeffvisor]

Ford should expand Fords Garage eatery and add fast charging for their electric cars.

 

[Glen Boise]

This reminds me that the biggest complaint my state DOT received, while preparing their state NEVI Plan, was the lack of amenities at DCFCharging stations. BEV drivers wanted the same amenities that ICE drivers see at convenience store/gas stations where they refuel their vehicles (trash cans, toilets, drinks, snacks and security). Some recommended co-locating the proposed federally funded DCFChargers at existing convenience store/gas stations. (This assumed the stations' contracts with their gasoline suppliers allowed adding another technology competing for fueling cars. After all, gas pumps and chargers do the same thing. They refuel vehicles using different technologies.) Co-locating would "future proof" the convenience store/gas stations from the transition to EVs. As some have noted, some big, East Cost(?), chains of convenience store/gas stations are doing just this. (Though I have not seen any of them here in "fly-over" country other than a BP convenience store/gas station with one hidden low speed DCFCharger.)

Sponsored