Feature Request - Lock charge port while AC charging

[Mach-Lee]

After getting unplugged by a new Tesla (that ended up just taking the spot without charging, they probably had no clue how to use a J1772), I was thinking it would probably be a good idea to implement a locking charge port during all types of charging (AC and DC). Ford has already recently added locking the charge port during DC charging, so nobody can steal your adapter.

There are pros and cons of a locking port, but I would personally set it up so the port is locked with the car doors (how it currently works with DC charging), and also have it automatically unlock when charging is finished. That way someone else can use the charger if you are finished and can’t get back to unplug. If you want to stop charging while the car is locked, you’ll need to press the unlock button on the charge port and have a key present before it will stop and unlock. If the car is unlocked during charging, then you can just unplug like normal. You could also remote unlock the doors or stop the charge if you wanted to release the plug to someone present.

Many other EV brands already implement a locking charge port during AC charging (Tesla, Rivian, GM). Ford should get on the bandwagon to prevent nuisance disconnections.

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[Fremont Kid]

The Tesla Destination Charger adapter from A2Z has a lock. I used it several times recently. Works great.

 

[ESJB]

This is how it already works for Mach-E for Type 2 cables, both AC and fast DC charging. The cable locks and unlocks in sync with the doors. Pretty sure I'm not imagining it, maybe our Europe friends can back me up on this!

 

[noway]

Yes, in the EU version the cable has always been locked as long as doors are locked/key is out of range. (somewhat annoying when using PAAK since it takes so long to unlock). But the lock on the car is not the same as the lock on the wall side as the evse still can unlock the cable on its side regardless of the vehicle side lock. The result could be that the cable is still attached and locked to the vehicle, but unplugged from evse side.

 

[AliRafiee]

That’s one feature I miss from my 2013 Nissan LEAF

 

[Superintendent]

I have had this problem several times with my 2021 Mach e. What I do is park my front left tire on the cord short enough to only reach my port. It is a nuisance because you have to get out, position the cord in front of the tire, get back in and drive onto the cord and the same when leaving. But no one has taken my charge since I started doing this.

 

[Adventureboy]

I 3D printed a simple lock mechanism from the Lightning forum. It works to keep folks from unplugging easily. It prevents the unlock latch from being depressed whille inserted. They could still unplug it if they spent the time to dig out the lock with a screwdrive, but they'd have to spend a few minutes for that, and most won't bother unless they are really out to get you. It looks and feels like the cable is locked to the car when you press the latch button. It comes out easily with the key.

 

[ChasingCoral]

I would personally set it up so the port is locked with the car doors (how it currently works with DC charging), and also have it automatically unlock when charging is finished.

That’s one feature I miss from my 2013 Nissan LEAF

Agreed. The Leaf had three settings: unlocked, locked, and locked until finished.

I miss that feature, too.

 

[Adventureboy]

unlocked, locked, and locked until finished

I like this feature. The Lock until finished would be sweet at destination chargers. I don't care if someone unplugs me when it is done.

 

[Aubury]

Agreed. The Leaf had three settings: unlocked, locked, and locked until finished.

I miss that feature, too.

Hyundai EVs also have this feature.

 

[Lonesparrow67]

Maybe I'm just naive, and have never experienced this, lol, but good Lord, how common is this of a problem that people are randomly unplugging other people's vehicles while they're charging....

 

[Fremont Kid]

Maybe I'm just naive, and have never experienced this, lol, but good Lord, how common is this of a problem that people are randomly unplugging other people's vehicles while they're charging....

I have not experienced this. However, because when traveling I depend on a full charge overnight, I do not want someone to unplug the charger from my car regardless of the reason. Just not worth the risk when I can lock the charger to my MME.

 

[MachhE-CT]

Until you damage the cable. DC chargers often have liquid cooled cables. No cable whether DC liquid cooled or not is designed to be driven over

 

[Mach-Lee]

Maybe I'm just naive, and have never experienced this, lol, but good Lord, how common is this of a problem that people are randomly unplugging other people's vehicles while they're charging....

Depends how much you use public Level 2 charging. Happens once or twice a year to me. But if you were charging at a hotel and somebody unplugged you, that could really ruin your travel day if there are no Level 3 chargers in range.

 

[AZBill]

I charged at a hotel this weekend, using a Tesla destination charger with J1772, and when I came out in the morning the charge had completed and the lock was still on. But rather than unlocking the car, I pushed the stop charge button by the port and that unlocked it. My car seems to have this feature, but not necessarily tied just to locked doors. It does not lock at home.

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