gm energy - Pilot / Flying J Update #15 (Electric Vehicle Charging)

[@newscoulomb3705]

Thanks, Walter! I definitely hope they are pivoting to six-stall being the standard, which hopefully leaves room for eight-stall locations along busier corridors.

[@dalin8er]

The standard will be 2 units that have 2 Chargers each. NC from what I understand dictates the 3rd charger is required, it is not the same as the 2 under the canopy it is a different type for some of the older ev types from what I understand.

[@newscoulomb3705]

@@dalin8er Interesting. I didn't realize NC was requiring six stalls. However, we have seen other indications from EVgo and Pilot that these initial sites aren't necessarily representative of future sites. The original release mentioned an average of six stalls per location (I'm hoping they weren't also counting stalls without corresponding plugs), and EVgo's prefab unit that they initially showed off had three split-power 350 kW dispensers. My assumption for the California locations and other areas where they anticipate extremely high traffic is that we will see multiple of the existing site layouts at the same location. E.g., a single Pilot-Flying J location on I-5 in California might have both the six-stall, pull-through canopy and a four-stall, pull-in bank. We'll have to see what they end up doing.

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

I hope so too. EVgo has no such limit as you pointed out for their native builds so let's hope Pilot too decides to venture into larger stall count territory on the heavy corridors. Thx 4 watching

[@dalin8er]

Pilot puts in what the states tell them to. So far NC has been the only state to have more then the 2 unit dual 350kW and they specify having the 100kW charger that has a CHAdeMO and a CSS connector.

[@dalin8er]

Thanks to Steve Birkett for educating me on what the 3rd charger was

[@melvinholland9656]

As a Tesla and Rivian owner I'm pleased to see the charging network expand especially with the amenities mentioned. The price per kWh is high (never paid more than .36/kWh) but I submit convenience and charging experience is far more important for the occasional road trip than the cost of charging.

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

Tesla has been doing a much better job of location selection on SC as of late in this respect. It use to be focused on expediency, but now they seem to be angling more for amenities which too is nice. I think the future is quite bright for all EV owners. Thx for watching.

[@SteveBirkett]

Comprehensive, thanks Walter! Not that I want to see a slowdown in construction, but at least it gives you time to catch breath and cross-reference with the NEVI announcements. Thanks again and congrats on passing 1K! 🎉

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@newscoulomb3705]

Hehe... I kept forgetting to mention the SAE 15118. 🙂

[@NickElrod]

I received a Plugshare notification for construction of a DCFC location in Sonora KY a while back. It looks like it's going to be an EvGO Extend location at a ONE9 travel center and it looks like they're a sub-brand of Pilot/Flying J. Not sure if this one will be a GM branded location but more charging is always welcome!

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

I just looked on PlugShare. Thx for pointing out! It sure looks like it will be one of the ones under the program. Same chargers and everything. I'll add to my next update and cite you as the src.

[@justinjones6810]

I personally have a always said that gas stations are the future of charging for everyday users not Walmart parking lots I'm glad it's finally catching up

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

Me too. Exciting times in which we live. Thx for watching.

[@YeOldeTraveller]

That Beaverdam, OH location is right in the middle between Toledo and Dayton, and plugs the largest gap on I-75 when travelling from Detroit to Atlanta.

[@mattferguson9109]

Went by the New Caney site under construction today on my way home. It looks pretty much done, but it looks to me that they have changed the layout so that it can easily serve vehicles towing boats, etc. from a typical layout. Just a theory, but maybe some are going to change to this type of layout. Could be way off though!

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

Hope for soon then. Thx for letting me know & Thx for watching.

[@BillB33525]

If we get a few more big oil companes in the EV charging game road trips will be so much easier. Will try to stop by the San Antonio Fl site this week for a review of the progress.

[@AutoReport1]

Expect gasoline retailers rather than oil companies per se. They don't actually make much margin if any on gas so places like Pilot and Buccees are keen to add chargers, especially as EV customers are more likely to spend in their stores, where they do make money. Plus places like Wawa, Sheets and 7 Eleven don't consider themselves gas stations, but food markets and convenience stores. Chargers like fuel bowsers are just an amenity to get people to stop and spend.

[@0e-michigan]

Thanks for the update! If I can help check out the Michigan stations, let me know. I'll keep an eye out as I live near Holland, MI.

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

NEVI awards in MI were really interesting. I had never heard of Red E before reading the awards. I guess they are a big player in your state?

[@BillPotter-bb6hh]

EVGO just opened a new site in Tucson AZ, which is not a Pilot/Flying J site. Phoenix got several new EVGO sites in the last two years as well.

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

Blowing up all over. Exciting times to be an EV enthusiast

[@lewiscross7603]

2024 is shaping up to be infrastructure focused for sure. It’ll be interesting to see how many public chargers get added in the US as a whole.

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

me too. Exciting times in which we live.

[@TheLobo91]

Shouldnt these sites have to have a large sign to show their kwh rate like gas stations do? We should be able to see the rates before pulling up. I would think the same rules apply but is there a carve out ?

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

I agree, we should have clear indication of costs b4 arriving to the location. That is a prob needing to be address. There is also nothing in NEVI funding which regulates prices charged to customers.

[@godofdun]

Seeing these at stops across the routes people travel is going to do a lot of work in easing adoption. Show, don't tell is always the way.

[@scottb5733]

Used a Pilot Center EVgo charger at Barstow, FL. Convenient location, not so convenient price per KWh.

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

I’m hearing that a lot. :-) Thx 4 watching

[@johnmccauley1035]

I suspect that the station opening rate is based on NEVI funding. When states award money then more stations will build and open.

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

I don't think so. Currently, only two of the 27 open sites are NEVI funded. They seem to be forging their own course and using NEVI allocations when able. For instance, in TX, there are 2 Pilot locations awarded NEVI funds, but about 10 spotted under construction and about 15 in total on the build list.

[@DblOSmith]

EX type is how it should be. Or just start pulling out gas pumps and replacing with DCFC.

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

I agree. Although I understand EX is an option used for tight spaces, I like it the best since it makes the walk to the facility as short as a gas customer. Plus it is always fun to pop the frunk to blow the ICE folks minds that I am driving round w/o an engine under the hood. ;-) Thx 4 watching.

[@SteveBirkett]

The main downside I see with EX is that it drops EVs in with all the exhaust fumes and combustion traffic. Not a major case against using it, as you're still at a truck stop when it comes down to it, but a separate EV section serves to elevate the facility and make a distinction.

[@DblOSmith]

@@SteveBirkett definitely a fair point.

[@kevinhickman50]

Why would someone want to pay .60+ /kwH when they can pay less? You're merely speculating that the reliability will be better, but zero track record. I'm hoping that the rates fall when the underutilization demonstrates that drivers of EVs are just as cost-conscious at ICE.

[@thenetworkarchitectchannel]

Good points. When ubiquity occurs, prices will come down. No one regulates gas prices. It is just if you want cars at your store or not.