Question about public charging

[Parisi2274]

Hi All, new to the forum and new to EV’s and just had a question about public charging that I can’t seem to find an answer to on line…

Is there a current Mach E owner who could confirm how charging works at a public DC Fast Charger like an EA station with regards to having the charger get locked to your car so that no one could just unplug it if you happen to step away? I know some cars when you connect the charger a pin will insert itself into the charger so that it’s locked in and the only way to release that is to press the unlock button on your FOB. Was wondering if the Mach E was the same way?

I have yet to hit up a EA station because most of my charging is done at home with a ChargePoint Home Flex, but I’m planning a road trip in a couple weeks and will definitely need to stop to recharge and so I’m hoping I don’t have to worry about someone just coming along and being a dick and removing the cable.

thanks all!!!

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[generaltso]

There is no way to stop a passerby with ill intent from unplugging your car.

 

[Parisi2274]

Well that’s disappointing. seems like a big oversight on Ford’s part.

 

[SnBGC]

Well that’s disappointing. seems like a big oversight on Ford’s part.

It might seem that way but there is a lot of thought put into it. If someone unplug your car then you should be notified via several different methods.

Emergency and security agencies have their own concerns and there might be a good reason for them to disconnect your car in case of emergencies. I can't think of any right now but I am sure there is a scenario where it might make sense.

 

[Parisi2274]

It might seem that way but there is a lot of thought put into it. If someone unplug your car then you should be notified via several different methods.

Emergency and security agencies have their own concerns and there might be a good reason for them to disconnect your car in case of emergencies. I can't think of any right now but I am sure there is a scenario where it might make sense.

I guess it makes sense, and in the long run I guess you wouldn’t be away from your car that long if it generally only takes 30-40mins to hit 80% SoC.

 

[timbop]

When the car is charging at a DCFC there is definitely a lock that engages to prevent the connector from being unplugged while electricity is flowing. Thus you have to stop the charge session before you can unplug, which can be done from the charger screen or the car. While the car could certainly require you to have a FOB or PaaK to stop the charging session, the charging station itself has no way to do that.

 

[CHeil402]

the charging station itself has no way to do that.

^ This is the key part to all of this.

Even if any EV has a lock from the plug into the vehicle (Ford or not). There is still nothing preventing someone that wants to inconvenience you from walking up to the EA charger and stopping the charge session, even if they couldn't physically unplug your car. The end result is the same... you stop charging.

That being said, I haven't had any issues like this.

 

[SnBGC]

^ This is the key part to all of this.

Even if any EV has a lock from the plug into the vehicle (Ford or not). There is still nothing preventing someone that wants to inconvenience you from walking up to the EA charger and stopping the charge session, even if they couldn't physically unplug your car. The end result is the same... you stop charging.

That being said, I haven't had any issues like this.

Same here. Nobody has unplugged my car or let out the air in the tires etc. Not saying it won't ever happen but so far most people are hesitant to grab a hold of big electrical cables so we have that going for us.

 

[HuntingPudel]

Same here. Nobody has unplugged my car or let out the air in the tires etc. Not saying it won't ever happen but so far most people are hesitant to grab a hold of big electrical cables so we have that going for us.

This begs for a joke in poor taste…??

 

[AZBill]

Well that’s disappointing. seems like a big oversight on Ford’s part.

Not really an oversight, all EVs except Tesla work this way. My workplace, for example, has many chargers and users will switch plugs when one car has completed charging, usually indicated by a light on the car. Ford does have the flashing light on the charge port, just for indicating that it is still charging. My Bolt has a flashing light on the dash when it is charging.

Are there people out there who are rude or will not follow proper etiquette, yes, but most are not that way.

 

[ChasingCoral]

Not really an oversight, all EVs except Tesla work this way. My workplace, for example, has many chargers and users will switch plugs when one car has completed charging, usually indicated by a light on the car. Ford does have the flashing light on the charge port, just for indicating that it is still charging. My Bolt has a flashing light on the dash when it is charging.

Are there people out there who are rude or will not follow proper etiquette, yes, but most are not that way.

The Nissan Leaf has a lock you can engage when charging, even on J-1772.

Having someone disconnect your car is rare on DCFC. It’s more common on J-1772.

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