Public Charging Etiquette

[Gullwingdmc]

I wonder if there is/someone could make an app to notify another driver that the charger is available. The obvious thing would be for charger manufacturers to build it into their apps. The way I’d see it working is if you pull up and all chargers are in use you could add yourself to a waitlist in the apps. The charger company would then send an app or text notification to the person charging when their car is done and let them know others are waiting. Then when they leave it would notify the next person in line.
Just an idea, it would have to be implemented on a company by company basis though.

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[generaltso]

I wonder if there is/someone could make an app to notify another driver that the charger is available. The obvious thing would be for charger manufacturers to build it into their apps. The way I’d see it working is if you pull up and all chargers are in use you could add yourself to a waitlist in the apps. The charger company would then send an app or text notification to the person charging when their car is done and let them know others are waiting. Then when they leave it would notify the next person in line.
Just an idea, it would have to be implemented on a company by company basis though.

ChargePoint has a waitlist feature.

 

[Gullwingdmc]

ChargePoint has a waitlist feature.

Nice! I’m going to have to try that when my car comes in.

 

[Deleted member 3569]

I believe, typically the J7112 plug and the receptacle on our mach-E is IP65 rated, it is splash resistant suitable for use in wet locations ... but it is not waterproof, i.e. it will not survive total water immersion. I have charged my mach-E here in Florida under hurricane condition at EA's dcFast chargers and never had issues. PS: I always use leather gloves when handling the dcFast charger ... not only for sanitary reason but also scared of shocks !!!

 

[zvez]

Question for EV owners:

Being new-ish to the EV ownership world, I need to know what you think about the proper etiquette when using Level 2 public chargers. The scenario is as follows: you arrive at a public charger and plug in for an hour or two while eating lunch. Upon returning to your car, there is another EV parked next to you, unplugged (they needed a charge, but your car was using the last available charger). Their charge port is close enough for the Level 2 plug to reach.

Question 1: would it be ok to plug them in, or should you leave their car alone? I'm leaning towards plug them in, as that was likely their intent...

Question 2: is there a way to signal that you'd like to be plugged in? for instance, leave your charge port door open and hope the departing EV owners sees it and plugs you in when they vacate the space?

wouldn't dream of plugging someone else's car in. Would you want a stranger doing it with your car? What if they plug in wrong, damage the port etc.

 

[67 Stang Convertible]

OP, while your intent is noble. I would be unhappy if someone was messing with my car. What ifs: The charger handle slips and scratches the paint. What if the charger type is incorrect. There are too many variables to mess with someone ride (IMHO). Interesting question though. I'm sure as EVs become more mainstream there may be a simple method to determine. A simple sticky note (on your own car) seems like an easy solution.

 

[BadgerGreg]

OP, while your intent is noble. I would be unhappy if someone was messing with my car. What ifs: The charger handle slips and scratches the paint. What if the charger type is incorrect. There are too many variables to mess with someone ride (IMHO). Interesting question though. I'm sure as EVs become more mainstream there may be a simple method to determine. A simple sticky note (on your own car) seems like an easy solution.

After having lived in the EV world a bit longer now (my original post was during my first 2-3 weeks with the car), I agree that leaving things alone is the best solution. If there was a sticky note or hanger with the words "PLUG ME IN", I might have reconsidered. In this case, the other car was a PHEV, so I didn't feel sorry for them

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