7 Confusing Things About Electrify America Stations That Should be Changed NOW!

[@FrancisDeGuzman-f5t]

I agree that there should be a WAITING LINE Parking Space for BEV CARS. Here in Silicon Valley I personally had to argue with other BEV CAR owners WHO SHOULD BE NEXT INLINE. I parked across from the BEV PARKING SPACE and waited 30 minutes for the current customer to finish charging ad as soon as he backs up in front of me a BEV CAR drives into his spot just coming in from the driveway to the parking area. This could have easily resulted to a fist fight if not of other customers present in the charging stations who joined me in letting the person who jumped the line without checking the area for waiting customers since there is no designated wait line or parking.

[@goneelectric]

Just ridiculous. I’ve heard similar accounts from several others.

[@beardenbob6567]

It's absolutely astonishing that so-called industrial designers can miss the simplest things that are easy to implement and totally under their control - like signage and labeling. I suggest we let Ruby take over the design engineering.

[@goneelectric]

That's a suggestion I think we can all get behind!

[@Visualhead_Spacer]

Waitint etiquette is probably the most confusing... especially how most current stations aren't drive thru layouts like all gas stations or bigger EA or Tesla stations. Parking lot stations are badly designed... hopefully they'll figure out a good way to solve this issue. It's such a huge oversight... they pretty much rushed the idea of waiting in line.

[@john9663]

Make it like a gas station....trash can, window washer, obvious signs for 'low test' or 'high test', pump number, etc. All good points you made. Just because it is pumping electrons, it's really just pumping fuel. I think EA is overthinking it. Good video, excellent point.

[@goneelectric]

Thanks! And yeah, I absolutely agree.

[@vb7guy]

thanks for starting this topic. with regards to waiting in line. people who are parked and waiting should be able to indicate in the app that they're waiting. but as soon as they drive away or start charging their waiting status would disappear. this will let drivers know how many people are waiting and who's next inline.

[@goneelectric]

You’re welcome! I agree; that would be very helpful!

[@Tom-kw6km]

Here's and idea about the dispenser numbering. You can go ahead and place 3" vinyl numbers on them yourself even though the company should. So, next time you visit you can see which one is which. As for trash and windshield cleaning, which is a good idea, those will incur the extra expense of being maintained. I propose to anyone that wants to start a small business that can benefit from charging stations is to setup a mobile coffee/snacks truck near by. Provide chairs, tables, trash containers, Wifi hot spots, shelter, etc. Catering trucks are doing this in cities right now from the street.

[@goneelectric]

Good point about the trash cans/windshield cleaning- neither the host or EA would want to foot the bill. I for one would take advantage of the mobile truck idea. Good ideas!

[@usa-ev]

@@goneelectric Local EV clubs might. (Some Tesla clubs do.)

[@steveurbach3093]

Since the dispensers are NUMBERED, The handles should be LETTERED

[@goneelectric]

Agreed!

[@randyrice1429]

Good one!

[@dacripe]

The thing about the numbering is that they didn't add all 4 of those stations at once. As you can tell just by looking at the pump setup, they added 1 and 2 first. Then later came back and to add the additional 2. True, they should be numbered in order. Not sure how hard it would have been to then reassign numbers in a logical order, so that just seems like someone got lazy at EA.

[@DblOSmith]

They can't do app waiting list because you can use it without the app. Best way is for them to start making ev charging stations like gas stations, pull through, space... That way lines are intuitive. I can't wait until gas stations start converting.

[@goneelectric]

Good point. I agree about gas station adoption.

[@Rippleman1]

Why not use google maps the map on your web site does not show labeling for some of the major interstate HWY's it would be a big help to us if you up date this. also make it so we can put the starting and ending address in on the map and then get a print out of all the stations along the way, This would make a lot of us fell a lot more comfortable. New EV car owner here.

[@newscoulomb3705]

1:19 I don't fully agree with you here. I recently had to get gas for the first time in a while, and it was actually far more complicated than I remembered it being. Part of it is simply being out of practice, but coming in with fresh eyes, pumping gas is at least as difficult as charging at an EA charger. It's a slightly different process, which is why many people might struggle when coming from a different type of fueling system that they grew up with and were likely using for most of their lives, but realistically, the complexity is about the same.

[@goneelectric]

Experience with charging does make the process easier. I am curious which gas station you were at though- can’t remember getting gas ever being as troublesome as charging at EA!

[@Chris_In_Texas]

The order shouldn't matter, they "should" all be the same so you don't have to worry about it. I know they have a huge mis-mash of chargers from slow speed to high speed. I think that most of the charging companies are getting grants to put them in, but actually maintaining them is the issue. If they can't keep the chargers working, who would empty the trash and fill the washer fluid? Some gas stations have a hard enough time with that. 😁 Keep up the good work sir.

[@goneelectric]

Appreciate that, and I agree! It’s amazing how poorly imagined these stations are. Maintenance is a whole other issue. Unfortunately, I think the site hosts play a role in that- at least garbage/window washing. Thanks for sharing!

[@newscoulomb3705]

A number of these issues have actually been addressed with EA's newer charger units. The LEDs do show activity status, and they are now using only a single cable, which makes things less confusing for new EV drivers. Of course, the issue with a single cable, the charger is more likely to go down due to abuse, vandalism, or failed thermistors.

[@goneelectric]

I went through an EA today with those newer units, but didn’t notice the LEDs. I’ll have to check it out closer next time. I agree about the single cables- the length is a positive, but the lack of redundancy may pose issues.

[@Vinrx7]

You're lucky. Most of the ones I go to don't even have a legitimate number label on the charging station itself. It's just a little sticker and sometimes there are several different stickers on each station which makes it even more confusing. Imagine if gas station pumps were like that. 🤦‍♂️ I came across a charging station once that had the charging station number scratched into the machine by someone. 😆

[@goneelectric]

That is just ridiculous!

[@davidtrobisch2173]

When you plug in, the charger should recognize you and your car and your credit card. You should not have to choose the stall to begin with. ENBW in Europe and other providers do it like this.

[@goneelectric]

Agree! That felt antiquated right from the start.

[@Visualhead_Spacer]

EVGo does it.. not sure why cant EA do it too even though some cars doesn't have plug n charge capability. They can figure out a way around it like Autocharge+

[@CharlesJKuski]

I like some of your suggestions (trash can + window washing station). The other item that I think should be addressed: Trying to see the dispenser display in the bright sunlight. They need a better display or a sun shade installed.

[@goneelectric]

Thanks, and I agree!

[@randyrice1429]

Covers seem like a no-brainer. Who wants to charge in the rain or intense sun? NO BRAINER.

[@milesfong3901]

Maybe solar panels for shade.

[@DR-zk2do]

Also EV makers should label the car charge port with the max charge speed like 150, so you don’t take up a 350 space if you can’t benefit from faster charging. Most EV owners I meet at EA have no clue as to max charge speed of their car.

[@goneelectric]

Agreed! I regularly see E-GMP and other faster charging cars charging at our 150s, instead of 350s. Yes, they largely don’t understand how charging speed relates to their car.

[@allenmorseiii295]

Charging is one of the largest issues with people converting from gas to electric vehicles. Electrify America has a severe ergonomics issue. First, the app HAS to be better than it is and I agree that dispensers should be in order from left to right. I also think that if the dispenser has two handles, that should be "A" and "B". It SHOULD NOT be difficult for the app to display dispenser KWH, to indicate what max charging speed you get, (for instance if two cars are connected to the same source point, the speed shown should be 1/2 of what max speed would be). Also, I agree that a large display indicating "Available" or "Offline" should be on the dispenser as well as the app. Driving an EV is a different experience people need to get used to and making charging more complicated because of current issues complicates thisexperience immensely andin fact can turn the experience into a tortuous affair when it doesn't need to be!

[@goneelectric]

Totally agree! All of these small issues with public charging add up to big complication, and this is magnified for folks brand new to EVs. And it’s magnified even more when the station is full/faulty, EVs are circling around, and the nearest alternative DCFC is miles away. Just had this experience today!

[@randyrice1429]

Excellent ideas. It's amazing to me that charger companies are not just jumping on ALL the things they need to do and DOING them. Their future depends on satisfying the customer. I'm still scared to travel cross-country. Love the reliability of my home charger. But seriously want to travel in my new, comfortable Ioniq 5.

[@goneelectric]

Thanks! I’m afraid it a mixture of greed and incompetence. I can understand your fear- it’s a real shame too because the Ioniq 5 would be such a great road-tripper. It charges so fast! I’m hoping that things change.

[@bobbysteger6937]

I have found so far that Electrify America chargers are the most confusing and sometimes frustrating. Their competitors are much easier. I tend to avoid them if possible.

[@goneelectric]

Agreed. I often avoid them, even if it means I have to pay for energy.

[@philipkoenig9197]

Excellent thank you

[@lizburgess4398]

We got our Bolt EUV in December. We had to depend on Electrify America to charge while our level two charger was installed. (Permit! Inspections! It took a couple months.) Our area (Lansing, MI) is not well equipped for EVs. How do you think Ford's decision to go with Tesla-style chargeports will affect CCS going forward? We're a bit concerned, although it makes sense.

[@limburgercheese1234]

I realize it takes a bit more real estate, but how about aligning it like a gas station instead of parking spots. This way you know who is in line and who is next. An app that shows who is next is a great idea as well. Big picture is that charging stations will eventually replace gas stations. Perhaps a convenience store or restaurant connected to same lease as the charging stations could work. I am an early EV adopter. The lack of etiquette at charging stations is often frustrating. This rarely occurs at a gas station. Folks fill their cars and make way for the next one.

[@goneelectric]

Agree with all of this!

[@usa-ev]

Nice video! I'd add making sure there is parking for each plug. See 7:30.

[@goneelectric]

Thanks! Great point- the parking at many of the stations requires far too much effort.

[@chendilkumar1137]

They should hire you to run their user experience division!

[@troywilson363]

At a couple of the new station installs I have seen, EA is painting the spots to show the speed of each station. So at least they seem to be taking that feedback, even if they aren't listening about anything else.

[@goneelectric]

True. It’s minimal, but I suppose it’s something.

[@tomcez]

Great ideas. How about charging cables that swing and hang from above the vehicle to avoid tripping hazards? And displays that are not hard to get to because of the short distance between the vehicle bumper and the display with bollards in the way! Restrooms, trash & recycle cans, air for tires, and windshield cleaning liquid & squeegee should all be required. I wonder when gas stations will start replacing half the fuel pumps with chargers? Maybe even require overhead solar panels that provide shade and protection from elements? I bet an extra penney per kW-hr would cover the costs: $0.50/50kW-hrs/vehicle x 10 vehicles/hr x 24 hrs/day = $120/day x 365 days = $43,800 !

[@goneelectric]

Thanks! These are all great ideas! I’m thinking I need a second video with all these awesome recs from commenters. Solar panels are absolutely a long term solution.

[@davejones1959]

Unless you can charge at home, owning an EV is an exercise in frustration. If EVs are going to become mainstream something as to change. There should be several EA stations at every gas gas station.

[@DR-zk2do]

Great ideas. Especially the larger 150 and 350 numbers. Does anyone really know the difference between hyper and ultra?

[@goneelectric]

Thanks! Hyper is supposed to mean 350 and ultra, 150. Naming the speeds is superfluous. We just need a better way to see the dispenser speed!

[@Rippleman1]

I just looked at the tesla web site and they have everything i asked for a map that shows everything like all major hwy labeling and to and from address to plan your trip.

[@mmayo1320]

I wish Ruby could convince them ❤️

[@goneelectric]

If she can’t, no one can!

[@robsquared2]

It would have been funny if you put the point about numbered order out of order.

[@mikecarter2737]

You have not yet figured out that EA simply doesn't care? They answer to regulators, not drivers. Same with some other companies. I am waiting for the oil companies to step in and create compelling charging experiences at their stations. Charging at a convenience store or gas station solves issues of security, restrooms, food and drink, pull-through access, awnings, air for tires and windshield cleaning.

[@iMenysi]

I wish we got 380 kwh charges this 50 to 20 kw is really bad it takes 4 hours to get full charge on 244 miles for my chevy volt euv this socks i wish the 80% charge only lasted 5 minutes not 1 n half hour jut to get to 80% 😢☹️😖

[@limburgercheese1234]

My apologies for making your brain hurt. Help me with a math quiz. (We might need an algebra equation). Take the number of gas pumps at all the gas stations in America then multiply by the average time an ICE (internal combustion engine) car spends there fueling up. (Average is 5 minutes, unless you are in line at Costco). Now let's suppose most of the vehicles on the road are now EV's. It takes about 15 minutes to gain 200 miles at a Tesla supercharger. More like 30 to 50 minutes at level 3 for most other electric vehicles. Taking into account many people can charge at home, how many public fast chargers do we need in the next 5 to 10 years to satisfy demand?

[@goneelectric]

Demand will steadily increase, undoubtedly; doing a better job maintaining existing chargers would go a long way in satisfying demand. Tesla opening their superchargers will also help. Thinking about the rest hurts my head.

[@ramonaboston3161]

I don't go to a charger unless I'm taking a road trip so slow chargers, unless destination, are a loss on me and it's unbelievable how many places I simply can't go. I have seen too many chargers out of service to rely on one in a location. When was the last time you pulled into a gas station with one pump and it was out of service?

[@Rippleman1]

It would be nice if we could plan a trip lets say from New York to South Carolina on your web site that would show all the closest charging stations to HWY i95 before making the trip. I know some of this can be done on the mobile app but thats done as your driving. I remember going in to AAA back in the day and mapping out my trip to Orlando FL from NY and high lighting all the rest stops along the way before starting my trip. it would be nice if your web site could do this for your stations. This way we can figure out the next station based on how empty you are. I think a lot more people would do the EV thing if this was available, or maybe i am just old fashion. if i was using the AAA map trip you know how old i am. 🙂🙂🙂🙂😄😄😄😄😄😄

[@ronaldfish1569]

No, Tesla has the largest charging stations across America