Public charging station first impression

[BarryB]

Day one of lightning ownership. Five stars. Perfect in every way. Exceeded all expectations. Now Ford needs to seriously work on public chargers. I just assumed it would be super easy like my Tesla was. Broken machines, convoluted process, way too many apps, 800 #’s manned by call centers in the Philippines, won’t accept debit Visa, just to name a very few. Thank God my home charger will be done in a few days. I can’t imagine doing a road trip in my beautiful new truck until Ford fixes this infrastructure shitshow.

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[Oafy44]

Can somebody with knowledge or a Tesla shed light on what it would look like if/when Tesla opens the magic dock? Will it be a few stations only for non Tesla’s so the non Tesla people don’t crowd the Tesla owners chargers? Would we download the Tesla app and be billed off a credit card in their app?

seems like the magic dock is getting close and Tesla could really make some revenue off this but if I was a Tesla owner not sure I would want non Tesla people clogging up my convenience if all the chargers can accept the new adapters.

 

[Pioneer74]

You seriously need a new flag.

 

[GDN]

Can somebody with knowledge or a Tesla shed light on what it would look like if/when Tesla opens the magic dock? Will it be a few stations only for non Tesla’s so the non Tesla people don’t crowd the Tesla owners chargers? Would we download the Tesla app and be billed off a credit card in their app?

seems like the magic dock is getting close and Tesla could really make some revenue off this but if I was a Tesla owner not sure I would want non Tesla people clogging up my convenience if all the chargers can accept the new adapters.

I think you've got the questions of the day. Not a clue what they will do for retrofitting existing chargers. Would they only do one or two pedestals at a location? Or would it be all pedestals at the locations they choose. Will they only add this as they build new chargers or retrofit existing? My guess is all new will have it and they would start to retrofit locations where there is extra capacity and on major travel routes.

As far as charging I believe they'll require the Tesla app. This is so simple and perfect if you are a Tesla owner. You keep a cc on your account, when it comes time to charge, you simply plug in. Nothing else. The car and infrastructure communication handle everything else - handshake, negotiation, billing. There are no screens and no user interaction at the charge pedestals.

I'm guessing a non Tesla will be required to confirm location through GPS / app and you'll enter the pedestal number you are at - it will do some cross checking with what the charger sees once you actually plug in. Then it'll charge and bill.

I don't think Tesla will ever let anyone else just bundle the charging and billing parts into their apps. They've watched enough to see the disaster that other manufactures apps and infrastructure are. They don't measure up.

 

[meow]

Can somebody with knowledge or a Tesla shed light on what it would look like if/when Tesla opens the magic dock?

“By the end of the year” …2022. It’ll happen when it happens and not a moment before. Don’t hold your breath.

Just like in the EU, roll up, plug in, scan the QR code or tap the charger number and you’re charging. Basically identical to other networks because Tesla’s infrastructure and signaling are identical to the standard everyone else uses. Only the plug and socket are different.

Will it be a few stations only for non Tesla’s so the non Tesla people don’t crowd the Tesla owners chargers?

Initially I’d expect it’ll be limited to a few, because of the “magic dock” adapter solution needing physical installation.

Would we download the Tesla app and be billed off a credit card in their app?

Yes. Parts of that are already live. Think EA, down to the charger number and the monthly fee to reduce the cost.

Their documentation for the pilot says same cost as Tesla owners, who knows if that’ll happen because it is Tesla.

seems like the magic dock is getting close and Tesla could really make some revenue off this but if I was a Tesla owner not sure I would want non Tesla people clogging up my convenience if all the chargers can accept the new adapters.

On the note of “non Tesla people“ crowding chargers… people go to gas stations based on location and price. Why would this be any different?

Do you get angry when a Tesla charges at an EA or EVgo station?

I get that Tesla owners might need to keep figuring out a way to feel like they’re in an exclusive club but the “I drive a Tesla so I’m better than you” attitude needs to take a long walk off a short pier.

 

[Oafy44]

“By the end of the year” …2022. It’ll happen when it happens and not a moment before. Don’t hold your breath.

Just like in the EU, roll up, plug in, scan the QR code or tap the charger number and you’re charging. Basically identical to other networks because Tesla’s infrastructure and signaling are identical to the standard everyone else uses. Only the plug and socket are different.


Initially I’d expect it’ll be limited to a few, because of the “magic dock” adapter solution needing physical installation.


Yes. Parts of that are already live. Think EA, down to the charger number and the monthly fee to reduce the cost.

Their documentation for the pilot says same cost as Tesla owners, who knows if that’ll happen because it is Tesla.


On the note of “non Tesla people“ crowding chargers… people go to gas stations based on location and price. Why would this be any different?

Do you get angry when a Tesla charges at an EA or EVgo station?

I get that Tesla owners might need to keep figuring out a way to feel like they’re in an exclusive club but the “I drive a Tesla so I’m better than you” attitude needs to take a long walk off a short pier.

my observation is that if I was a Tesla owner and all the sudden a bunch of EVs came into charge and I had to wait a long time because there isn’t an abundance of competent charging networks outside of Tesla I would be inconvenienced. The argument about gas stations is a bit different IMO as you described

1) gas stations aren’t owned by car companies. Tesla owns its charging network. If Ford owned QT / Racetrac or say their own “blue Oval” gas stations they as well could make their own decision.
2) gas stations take 5 minutes to fill up a car. Chargers take 40 minutes plus so the timeframe is different as well.

 

[RickLightning]

There is no timetable nor actual factual statement that they'll open it at all. Widespread belief is that they won't until they get access to some of the $7.5B, and they won't get that until the government has some guarantees. Elan just met with senior officials this week, I'm sure this was a topic. There is no way they'll not get ironclad agreements before releasing any funds, especially given past behavior.

In some areas of the country, chargers are always busy. In other areas, not so much. We just got a 10 station SC at our grocery store, I've seen 4 vehicles at most, yesterday there were 2.

 

[GDN]

I figure this will first come to some of the bigger stations - those with 40 to 50 pedestals. Yes Tesla has them that big.

Also I wish the govt would stay out of it, but they won't. The sad part, Tesla is likely the last company to get any of the money and they would be the first to truly delivery any value from the money. They can retrofit chargers overnight and their infrastructure is in place.

They may choose to make it a standard with the magic dock, but this isn't their first rodeo. This was done in other countries several years back. They can retrofit their pedestals with dual cables to add CCS as well. They may chose to only retrofit one or two pedestals per station. I figure something like that would help keep the Tesla crowd a bit happier.

I don't know their pricing, but I'd be happy to pay 3 to 4 times the Tesla rate to be able to have access to the network for my truck. It's invaluable if I want to head across the country to know that I have enough chargers that will work where I need them.

 

[RickLightning]

I figure this will first come to some of the bigger stations - those with 40 to 50 pedestals. Yes Tesla has them that big.

Also I wish the govt would stay out of it, but they won't. The sad part, Tesla is likely the last company to get any of the money and they would be the first to truly delivery any value from the money. They can retrofit chargers overnight and their infrastructure is in place.

They may choose to make it a standard with the magic dock, but this isn't their first rodeo. This was done in other countries several years back. They can retrofit their pedestals with dual cables to add CCS as well. They may chose to only retrofit one or two pedestals per station. I figure something like that would help keep the Tesla crowd a bit happier.

I don't know their pricing, but I'd be happy to pay 3 to 4 times the Tesla rate to be able to have access to the network for my truck. It's invaluable if I want to head across the country to know that I have enough chargers that will work where I need them.

There is nothing to stop Tesla from doing whatever they want without accepting a dime of the $7.5B. Of course, it's not in Tesla's nature to not accept government funds, they've been doing it from the beginning.

 

[GDN]

There is nothing to stop Tesla from doing whatever they want without accepting a dime of the $7.5B. Of course, it's not in Tesla's nature to not accept government funds, they've been doing it from the beginning.

And doing quite well for the industry with what they were given.

 

[Amps]

When will Tesla open up SuC to CCS?

"Next quarter's earnings call"

Which next quarter? ?‍

Tesla Investor's Day is March 1, 2023. It would be a great time to announce that Tesla is going to become the Exxon/Mobil of New Energy fast charging.

 

[meow]

my observation is that if I was a Tesla owner and all the sudden a bunch of EVs came into charge and I had to wait a long time because there isn’t an abundance of competent charging networks outside of Tesla I would be inconvenienced.

So what? If anyone's buying a Tesla for the perceived exclusivity of the charging network they haven't been paying attention to a likely opening of their charging network. I'm specifically singling out those people who believe they're joining this exclusive club, not everyone. Those who will complain all over the internet about how hurt their feelings are because Daddy Elon ruined their club.

The argument about gas stations is a bit different IMO as you described

1) gas stations aren’t owned by car companies. Tesla owns its charging network. If Ford owned QT / Racetrac or say their own “blue Oval” gas stations they as well could make their own decision.
2) gas stations take 5 minutes to fill up a car. Chargers take 40 minutes plus so the timeframe is different as well.

Tesla's Supercharger network is a supply service business similar to not only Electrify America and EVgo, but Chevron, Shell, BP and others too. It just happens that this one is owned by a vehicle manufacturer. The price of not "inconveniencing" some of their vehicle customers is irrelevance and major revenue: not opening up and supporting charging all vehicles would end up with them losing market share. Interoperability and access ultimately benefits all EV owners as adoption skyrockets.

 

[rdr854]

You seriously need a new flag.

Thank you

 

[BarryB]

“By the end of the year” …2022. It’ll happen when it happens and not a moment before. Don’t hold your breath.

Just like in the EU, roll up, plug in, scan the QR code or tap the charger number and you’re charging. Basically identical to other networks because Tesla’s infrastructure and signaling are identical to the standard everyone else uses. Only the plug and socket are different.


Initially I’d expect it’ll be limited to a few, because of the “magic dock” adapter solution needing physical installation.


Yes. Parts of that are already live. Think EA, down to the charger number and the monthly fee to reduce the cost.

Their documentation for the pilot says same cost as Tesla owners, who knows if that’ll happen because it is Tesla.


On the note of “non Tesla people“ crowding chargers… people go to gas stations based on location and price. Why would this be any different?

Do you get angry when a Tesla charges at an EA or EVgo station?

I get that Tesla owners might need to keep figuring out a way to feel like they’re in an exclusive club but the “I drive a Tesla so I’m better than you” attitude needs to take a long walk off a short pier.

I found a place that has better chargers and several people have been super helpful. I’m less anxious now lol.

 

[Joneii]

I think they will open up to other vehicles soon. It wouldn’t surprise me to see it happen before this summer. Perhaps it would just be in their lower through-put stations initially. That would increase revenue and prevent overcrowding at the busier locations. I can’t wait as there are several trips I take with my RV that would be much less stressful if I could include Superchargers in my mission planning. They are also starting to lay them out for pull through (probably in anticipation of the Cybertruck).

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