this post was submitted on 16 Jan 2024
1 points (100.0% liked)
random
1 readers
1 users here now
everything else from other places
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
This evening I'll make a quick little Connextras video about this, I think. What exactly the issue is with the Tesla chargers is unclear, though I'm seeing reports that charge handles are plugging with ice - which seems reasonable. The worst aspect of Tesla's charger design is how poorly they retain the handle - it falls out easily and can end up face-down in snow. That needs improvement, and perhaps a heated connector makes sense in this climate.
Growing pains are real, but this is mostly FUD*
*I apologize for using that term but it's true.
More AC charging everywhere is what we need - relying on DC chargers for your daily needs is just not good for lots of reasons.
That said, they need to be designed better so that this isn't an issue.
@[email protected] this perplexed me too and initially I thought these people stuck at chargers had their battery unexpectedly depleted while at work or something. But apparently owning an EV without a place to charge at home is a thing some people are doing?
@[email protected] Yes, a surprising number of folks are doing this. I frankly don't understand it but at the same time, it's a way to make demand happen for more charging in more places I guess.
I essentially don't use public charging at all unless I have a surprise need to make a longer trip. That has happened three times in two years for me - otherwise I'm only ever plugging in at home.
@[email protected] @[email protected]
Think about it from the standpoint of someone coming from exclusively ICE cars. Needing to refuel away from home is what they're used to, so not being able to charge at home is normal for them. They may find the wider range of places that offer chargers- many employers have dedicated EV charging spaces now, for instance- to be nice, even if they don't have the full convenience of charging at home.
@[email protected] I’m going EV in March and yeah, the “full tank every day” is like…a huge draw to making the switch. If I couldn’t charge at home I wouldn’t even consider it
@[email protected] I'm still firmly in the camp of "more basic L2 AC charging in more places" but it's also true that for folks like myself, I just... never need that.
It's mainly renters and folks who use street parking who need it, which presents quite the chicken-and-egg problem. So honestly, good on the folks making it work without at-home charging. I just hope they understood the experience they're signing up for and don't become loudly upset.
@[email protected] @[email protected] A very large segment of Tesla drivers are Rideshare, who probably don't have the means to install a Level 2 charger where they live.
I don't own an EV yet, but it seems likely I will in the near future. My ability to use it for trips depends on charging infrastructure.