We made a 600 mile trip over the New Year holiday offering up a first Level 3 charging opportunity for the Niro, which we’ll discuss separately. But we found a new charging company who dropped the signage ball.
The new company, Autel, set up a single charge station — already a problem — on either side of the Massachusetts Turnpike with a charge cable on either side. The pavement was marked with the standard EV charging only writing. But in the ~40 minutes or so that I was there, I watched as six or seven gas powered vehicles parked in the spot.
The problems
There are three problems with Autel’s set up.
1) The first, as is obvious in the first image above, is there is no eye level sign. like the one seen with the Chargepoint station I visited later (despite the odd marking — LELWD — it is Chargepoint).
The sign can’t be read here, but is quite clear when pulling in.
2) The second is the single station. It “feels” as though the general public has become used to seeing multiple stations strung in a row, making for a more obvious arrangement and something to avoid.
3) The third is their placement, which is nearly directly in front of the main facility for rest rooms, food and other purchases, as can be seen below. Anyone would assume its a proper place to park and would want to park there!
The station’s placement and standalone status are difficult if not impossible to change. But an eye-level sign is simple fix.
Another EV, which just happened to catch the second spot empty, pulled in just before I left. But it was truly a catch as catch can situation.
The snow, which had been cleared, was not much help, as it was dirty and messy all around. But a sign is a must.
Autel
PS We called them “new”, but Autel Energy was established in 2004. The parent company, Autel Intelligent Technology, is found in Shenzhen, China. Its not immediately clear, but we’re guessing they are primarily an overseas player only now making their way into the states. Aside from DC charging units, they produce other EV charging and automotive products.
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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY
New charge player drops the signage ball
On This Page
The signage ball
The new company, Autel, set up a single charge station — already a problem — on either side of the Massachusetts Turnpike with a charge cable on either side. The pavement was marked with the standard EV charging only writing. But in the ~40 minutes or so that I was there, I watched as six or seven gas powered vehicles parked in the spot.
The problems
There are three problems with Autel’s set up.
The sign can’t be read here, but is quite clear when pulling in.
2) The second is the single station. It “feels” as though the general public has become used to seeing multiple stations strung in a row, making for a more obvious arrangement and something to avoid.
3) The third is their placement, which is nearly directly in front of the main facility for rest rooms, food and other purchases, as can be seen below. Anyone would assume its a proper place to park and would want to park there!
Another EV, which just happened to catch the second spot empty, pulled in just before I left. But it was truly a catch as catch can situation.
The snow, which had been cleared, was not much help, as it was dirty and messy all around. But a sign is a must.
Autel
PS We called them “new”, but Autel Energy was established in 2004. The parent company, Autel Intelligent Technology, is found in Shenzhen, China. Its not immediately clear, but we’re guessing they are primarily an overseas player only now making their way into the states. Aside from DC charging units, they produce other EV charging and automotive products.
——————————————————————-
The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
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The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY