[JefferyAlmoney]

I thought this article to the point and a good discussion starter for this group:

An open letter to anyone installing EV charging stations

Some thoughts for consideration as various companies move forward installing EV charging stations throughout the U.S.

pickuptrucktalk.com

 

[Dark-Fx]

Walmarts generally were open 24 hours a day pre-covid, so the bathroom argument for those stations is kind of a new problem. I don't disagree with it being a problem at all though.

I'd love for the rest area type stops to all predictably have chargers available. One of the big inconveniences is having to travel quite a bit of a distance out of the way to get to existing stations.

Our preferred stop in the Hummer tended to be somewhere with a sit-down restaurant close to the station, provided the chargers weren't busy. With the Rivian we've been doing more tailgating type stops for food.

If the charge time ended up closer to 15 minutes to get another 3 hours of driving, it'd be a hassle to do anything but a quick pee break and grab food. I think it would be great to always have options with regard to charge speed in these situations (unless there are legitimately so many stations hogging one would never be an issue)

 

[Carac]

State run rest areas would be another prime candidate. Esp. if you can get 100+ miles in 10 minutes with some cars. The perfect amount of time to get out, stretch your legs, and use the restroom. Just make a row of chargers on the back row facing the interstate, where barely anyone parks anyway. It's a preexisting location, they're usually available 24/7, including the restrooms, they're heavily trafficked for safety, sometimes with a trooper after hours. Just an idea.

 

[azbill]

State run rest areas would be another prime candidate. Esp. if you can get 100+ miles in 10 minutes with some cars. The perfect amount of time to get out, stretch your legs, and use the restroom. Just make a row of chargers on the back row facing the interstate, where barely anyone parks anyway. It's a preexisting location, they're usually available 24/7, including the restrooms, they're heavily trafficked for safety, sometimes with a trooper after hours. Just an idea.

Res tar

State run rest areas would be another prime candidate. Esp. if you can get 100+ miles in 10 minutes with some cars. The perfect amount of time to get out, stretch your legs, and use the restroom. Just make a row of chargers on the back row facing the interstate, where barely anyone parks anyway. It's a preexisting location, they're usually available 24/7, including the restrooms, they're heavily trafficked for safety, sometimes with a trooper after hours. Just an idea.

Rest areas typically do not have the electrical service needed for fast chargers. That is why truck stops are better.

 

[Carac]

Those equipped to do so or easily adapted, obviously.

I also think planning out charging areas based around current tech is also a good way to be behind when the next couple of generations of charging and battery tech roll around. An electric version of a "gas station" is where we eventually need to get to, where you pull up to the "pump" and sit for 10-15 minutes. Places where you can reliably get the max charging rate for your vehicle. Again, getting people used to the idea of charging enough for 2ish hours of driving instead of conditioning themselves to think they need to fully recharge before moving on, which a lot of potential EV owners think you do at charging stations.

Also, make sure they are weather proofed within reason: