Pilot / Flying J - Not as nice as people say...

[RickMachE]

I have watched people post about how wonderful these locations are to charge at. I've used a few myself over the past year or two, and some were covered and nice. Others, well...

Today I stopped at one on my way home from picking up my new battery snowblower, because I had $50 in credits that were going to expire soon. Spaces full of snow. One space iced. No paper towel, and windshield washers were frozen solid and full of snow. Oh, the windshield washing stations a mere 50 feet away seemed fully stocked. Oh, and no roof. 54 cents too, but free due to my credit.

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[rad1234]

$.54 is cheap for Pilot/Flying J. A couple near me are $.69 while local utility rates are $.12 - highway robbery. They seem to be cheaper where there is nearby competition.

 

[darkastor]

But you were able to charge?

 

[JohnFoxeSheets]

They seem to be cheaper where there is nearby competition.

Sounds like a gas station…
(Oh wait, they are.)

 

[IgorKl]

I just can’t understand how they going to compete with Tesla SCs. I understand that there is a push for legacy businesses to install chargers, but i hoped they would be better than EA.
I understand high prices when it’s charging desert.

 

[Space_Pony]

In my state Pilot/Flying J was awarded a lot of money to install DCFC stations by the end of the year. It doesn't seem right to use tax money to install these chargers with a history of having the highest priced chargers in the state. I'm sure these new chargers will continue with being the most expensive in the state after getting financial assistance to install them.

 

[A-A-Ron]

Having stopped at Pilot/Flying J's for gas before.... let's say this is on brand. Be glad that one had an integrated McDonalds instead of a Subway. Less likely to get food poisoning at the McD's.

 

[Fremont Kid]

Not really an equitable comparison during a very cold polar vortex condition. Eliminate all negatives that are the same at gas stations, e.g. frozen windshield washer equip., snow and ice, not all gas stations have overhead roofs, and then an equitable comparison is possible.

All I can say is that using them during September across the country, from CO to VA, Flying J's were available 24 hours, reliable, fast, clean, provided food and bathrooms. I can understand all charging stations might be less attractive during super cold winter weather.

 

[RickMachE]

Not really an equitable comparison during a very cold polar vortex condition. Eliminate all negatives that are the same at gas stations, e.g. frozen windshield washer equip., snow and ice, not all gas stations have overhead roofs, and then an equitable comparison is possible.

All I can say is that using them during September across the country, from CO to VA, Flying J's were available 24 hours, reliable, fast, clean, provided food and bathrooms. I can understand all charging stations might be less attractive during super cold winter weather.

Sure it is equitable. Look at the 2nd picture. Fully equipped and not frozen windshield cleaning stuff at the same station...

 

[Blue highway]

Brrrrr... This reminds me of why I intentionally moved away from Michigan...

I presume the chargers worked ok, which my primary concern... and why I use Tesla stations away from home.

 

[Fremont Kid]

Sure it is equitable. Look at the 2nd picture. Fully equipped and not frozen windshield cleaning stuff at the same station...

My error. I apologize.

 

[Elmst-e]

Not really an equitable comparison during a very cold polar vortex condition. Eliminate all negatives that are the same at gas stations, e.g. frozen windshield washer equip., snow and ice, not all gas stations have overhead roofs, and then an equitable comparison is possible.

All I can say is that using them during September across the country, from CO to VA, Flying J's were available 24 hours, reliable, fast, clean, provided food and bathrooms. I can understand all charging stations might be less attractive during super cold winter weather.

We have also used flying j stations as our first choice while travelling for the last 3 years. They are the most convenient stations to get to, all services are available and have never done anything but plug in and walk away. I don’t understand people complaining about price, if you are travelling, and the majority of people stopping at these places are, the convenience is certainly well worth the small price difference.

 

[RickMachE]

We have also used flying j stations as our first choice while travelling for the last 3 years. They are the most convenient stations to get to, all services are available and have never done anything but plug in and walk away. I don’t understand people complaining about price, if you are travelling, and the majority of people stopping at these places are, the convenience is certainly well worth the small price difference.

Your definition and mine of "small difference" are different. Most Pilot / Flying J stations are 64 cents, and top of the market in pricing.

Tesla is closer to mid 30s with their membership. When I go on a trip, it's usually thousands of miles of driving, and I charge 3 to 4 times per day. Saving 40% is hundreds of dollars on those trips.

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