I got unplugged at a Chargepoint station

Unplugging another vehicle is a problem. I realize that the EV community has developed plug sharing protocols but the current generation of batteries and PHEV vehicles use the plug for thermal management and pre-conditioning in addition to simply charging the battery.

The solution is more electrical outlets, and they don't need to be the expensive J1772 variety.

 

#1 Telling folks it was a _________ brand of plugin car does nothing to flesh out the issue of getting unplugged. It's similar to saying, "I just got robbed by a _______ race -nationality person." It only serves to create bad will. Let me describe an ongoing plug issue we frequently experience, without any steriotype. Next to John Wayne airport is Irvine headquarters. They have multiple EVSE's. ALL of 'em get blocked - every day. I left notes saying "hey, you guys ( knowing their battery capacety) are easily done charging by noon - please move when done". NOTHING.
#2. Buy a luggage lock. Stick it thru the hole in the handle. End of drama.

SGH-I717R ? 2

 

actually, the vehicle brand helps because it sets the stage for understanding what might be a innocent point of confusion. If EV owners are confused about what the various flashing lights mean on different brands, awareness is raised and solutions formulated.

I have not been unplugged at a charging station, yet, but I regularily get ICE'd. I have started placing Volt brochures under their windshield wiper as a suggested way to relieve their Plug Envy.

 

A few weeks ago I was unplugged a ChargePoint station at the local mall, though not by another PEV driver. The plug was laying on the ground when I got back an hour later - it seems the car probably charged for a few minutes before it was unplugged. Seems someone had PEV envy. There are two spots to charge at the mall and at least one of the two spots is usually unused. I realized after the incident that I could lock the connector the same as with the standard PIP plug.

 

Did you report the incident to the police and the mall's security officer? What was their reaction?

 

No, there was no damage to the car and I suspect this would not have gone anywhere if I reported it. Hopefully this is an uncommon thing. I can only speculate why it happened, guessing that it was someone with PEV rage. Like many PEV spots, this was in a prime location, essentially with the sort of proximity disabled parking spots get. I understand the electrical logistics/economics necessitating placing these spots so close to entrances, but would be happy to plug-in further out to draw less attention if it were possible.

 

The plug in spots are where they are. I would encourage reporting such incidents. If it was PEV rage, the next incident could be keying a vehicle or vadalizing the charge station. If it was a pay station, you would have been charged for a full hour even if someone unplugged you within a couple minutes of you walking away.

 

Not an EV owner, but curious: is there not a mechanism that allows you to securely lock the charger to the vehicle so nobody could unplug you prematurely? Seems like a relatively simple feature to add - you could even make the lock-release time-sensitive or remotely controlled by any variety of technologies once the desired charge was reached.

 

some connectors support a lock, some don't. I don't think it was specified in the J1772 connector standard and the EV community was more interested in sharing the few plugs available than securing them.

 

Yes, its a little more inconspicuous on the ChargePoint connector than our included J1772 plug/charging cord, but a place to lock the connector is there. I keep a small lock in my car that I use on the ChargePoint plug now.

 

Prius Plug-in just need an ordinary 110V outlet. But if one at the charge point,it will be abuse.
Headache. Those people seems not considerate and selfish although a note has put. No good.

 

Flashing lights don't mean squat. By default, the Volt's alarm goes off when you unplug it. Couple that bit of 'friendliness ' with the fact that in Calif GM had its lacky politicians rewrite our motor vehicle code to make it a misdemeanor to unplug someone - regardless of full charge - regardless of weather they leave the old fashion courtesy protocol placard stating it's OK to unplug 'em. So goes my love for companies that play such shenanigans.

SGH-I717R ? 2

 

Hi! Which "small shopping mall in Valencia" are you talking about? I live here and know of only 2 or 3 spots that have chargers. 1 being the Nissan dealer. 2. Being Westfield (but they only have wall outlets and is by no means a small shopping mall". The Kohls you reference on Valencia I don't think has a charger and the Panera on McBean doesn't either? Was the charger free? Please elaborate thanks!

Nevermind...just checked chargepoint and the one you must have gone to was the Kohls in "santa clarita" way over in the middle of the valley. Good thing is that it appears to be free, bad thing is that it's not in Valencia. I was just in Bev Hills btw and the charger there on Canon and Santa Monica appeared to be free according to the parking attendant, didn't have a chargepoint card yet so couldn't unlock the hose.