Why You Might Need a Smart Phone App
Charging an electric vehicle (EV) in most cases involves an intermediary – a smart phone app. Needless to say an app failure when in need of a charge is a massive problem, and all too often it will be left to the driver to come up with a fix! This makes EV driving an App driving life.
So, this is at once a call to app makers to get it right for the sake and safety of their users, and to app users to be on guard.
No App Needed
First, for those with less familiarity we’ll note the charging opportunities that do not require an app:
- Plugging directly into a 120v or 240 v AC home outlet
- Tesla drivers at a Tesla supercharges
- Mercedes-Benz drivers at an Electrify America charge station – a program that may eventually be extended to other manufacturers.
App Needed
And charging that does require an app:
- Any DC Level 3 fast charging network that does not belong to Tesla
- Any Tesla driver using one of those networks
- Any non-Tesla driver using Tesla’s Level 3 Magic Docks
Level 2 AC chargers installed at a residence- Shared Level 2 network chargers
Level 2 AC chargers installed at a residenceBad example #1. I have access to a shared Level 2 network where I live. What is supposed to happen is illustrated by the image to the right. The app opens the camera which is used to scan a QR code on the charger, which can be seen coming into focus. Assuming an account has been set up, charging starts automatically.
However, an attempt to use it a few weeks ago resulted in the screen shown in the 
second image. The camera screen flashed on only momentarily, and was then replaced by what is seen on the image.
A call to the company resulted in the maddening suggestion of uninstall and reinstall the software! The user finds himself/herself the technician! We’ve dealt with these kinds of issues before.
Needless to say the process changed nothing, even though an update appeared to take place. The problem resolved itself a few days without any further input!
Bad example #2. My lease came with 24 months of free charging with Electrify America. This ran out a bit ago, so I have not used them in some time.
However, I follow them on X, and recently saw the post shown in the screen grab to the right. Their app was experiencing a service interruption. Now, one can only imagine the time wasted by drivers attempting to charge their vehicles. And unless they themselves followed Electrify America on social media, and thought to check for a post, they would oblivious to the fact that a session could actually be started regardless! Its a bit hard to read, but the text says this.
Service interruptions, software – read app – failures, this is the world of EV charging. For those who are faint of heart or hate technology, this world is not – yet – for you!
I added yet because everyone who claims to hate and/or be “bad” at technology likely as not already owns and makes great use of a smart phone. It merely an adjustment.
But be ready for help calls that will require you to be in the “driver’s seat” while finding a solution.
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Remember that 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.
These posts are 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.
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.
This is a One Pedal Driving Dashboard Indicator 
This is a Transport Mode Indicator 
These are EV Charging Indicator 
Minor variations include color (
Finally, some hybrid vehicles include a SAVE mode indicator. When in Save mode, the vehicle drives in a way that maintains the charge level of the high voltage battery. The indicator will likely be shown in black and white in the information display.
EV Charging Etiquette
Charging EVs While Being Considerate
We’re not the only ones to speak on this, but we’ve seen too many electric vehicles (EVs) sitting at Level 3 fast charge stations either done charging and blocking a station or charging above 80%, meaning very, very slowly. So it we will add our voice to the chorus of EV charging etiquette posts, and we’ll take that last one first.
1) Stop charging at 80%
We’ve seen more confusion about this than anything else related to Level 3 charging, and it all comes down to charge curves. Regardless of how fast an EV charges, each and every one of them slows down dramatically at 80% charge (see the image below from P3). So whatever time it takes to get to 80%, it will take up to three times that time to get to 100%. This is the least efficient way to charge on long trips. You can get half way to the next charge station in the time wasted getting to 100%!
The result is a charger that is not available to another driver, a waste of your time, and its really hard on the battery. Meaning it will shorten its life!
We understand the desire to “fill the tank” angst associated with leaving a battery 20% empty. But trust us when we say that the angst will pass with time and you’ll get along just fine at 80% and less.
2) Use the proper plug
This is essentially for non-Tesla owners. Your car determines the rate at which electricity is transferred to the battery. So parking a Chevy Bolt, which charges at 50 kW, at 350 kW charger does a huge disservice to owners of vehicles that can make use of the faster charger. Your car will not charge any faster than its rated speed, regardless of what charger you’ve plugged into.
Please leave the faster chargers for vehicles that can use them.
3) Move your EV when its done charging, not when you’re done shopping!
This is a primarily time awareness issue, and of course moving your car is again about opening a charge spot for another driver. Most EV’s get to 80% charge in 20 to 30 minutes and your owner’s manual will give you a solid heads up. Also, your car’s app may be able to tell you when charging is finished or close to finished.
So if you’ve wandered off to lunch or shopping, for the sake of everyone else, please come back to your car on time to open a slot for someone else.
4) Know your vehicle’s charge port location
Nearly all gasoline fill locations on on one side or the other in the rear of the vehicle. EVs can charge from similar locations but some are in the front! In any case, knowing which par of the car that needs to be closest to the charge cable will save some embarrassment.
Of course, all Tesla models charge from the left rear.
5) Don’t leave trash behind
One would think all EV drivers are environmentally conscious, but this turns out not to be the case. And unfortunately, charge stations don’t have trash receptacles around, since no attendant is needed! So, if you generate some trash, please be prepared to take it away with you.
6) Never unplug someone else’s vehicle
Unless its an absolute emergency, never, ever touch another driver’s car. You wouldn’t want someone to do that to you (unless you left a note allowing it!) so don’t ever do it to someone else.
7) Level 2 charger time limits
Finally, if you happen upon a slower Level 2 public charger, be aware of any posted time limits. You won’t get as much charge, but others may want a little boost too. Leave when its your time to leave.
In all cases, be considerate of other EV drivers!
——————————————————————-
Remember that 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.
These posts are 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.
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.