Sorry if this is a dumb question. I currently drive a hybrid and am looking to upgrade in the next 1- 2 years to either PHEV or full EV. In either scenario, I envision most of my charging will be done at home. However, if I go full EV, I will eventually need to charge in public.
I’ve read it varies from charging network to charging network, so I figure I’d ask EV owners what their experiences are like. I really don’t like the idea of relying on an app or monthly subscription or anything like that.
So, is a debit card more or less guaranteed to be accepted, and if so, are the rates significantly higher than some kind of membership option?
Edit: In the US if it matters.
Generally speaking, no.
You have to create a dozen fucking accounts and install their ad-ridden proprietary fucking spyware on your phone to use them. Then you have to pray you have cellular reception when you get there so your stupid app can connect to the piece of shit you’re standing next to.
This is the appropriate amount of annoyed. There isn’t enough competition yet for these charging companies to care about user experience.
I don’t think competition is the issue. These companies are just following the roadmaps of their predecessors. It’s a paradigm shift.
Like if anyone told you you couldn’t install x software on MacOS because they haven’t approved of it and want 30% of every dollar you spend on it, you would be outraged. But they create a new OS/market in iOS that does exactly that and people are tripping over themselves to buy the new one.
Similarly if you told anyone you needed to sign up for an account at the gas station, you’d just go across the street to the other one and fill up there. But EV chargers? Well this is a new opportunity to fuck consumers and all the corporations who can afford to actually create this sort of infrastructure all want that kind of shit more than they want to be competitive.