Does it annoy anyone else when you’re waiting at a charger and people take over an hour to hit 100%? And worse, what do you do when someone tries to cut in after you’ve been waiting?
Why don’t they build a queue system into the apps for charging?
Caden said:
Why don’t they build a queue system into the apps for charging?
Good idea, but they’d need a way to deal with people who don’t show up.
Caden said:
Why don’t they build a queue system into the apps for charging?
Good idea, but they’d need a way to deal with people who don’t show up.
Yeah, it would need some tweaks, but the current ‘honour system’ is a nightmare. A proper queue or more chargers would help, but the apps could at least try.
Caden said:
Why don’t they build a queue system into the apps for charging?
Around here, we’ve come up with a system that works:
- Turn on your hazard lights when you arrive.
- Turn them off when it’s your turn to charge.
- Optional: Use your turn signal to show you’re done and leaving.
I don’t mind someone charging to 100% because they got there first. Cutting in line, though, is another issue. Luckily, people around here seem pretty good about queuing and asking who’s next.
If they’re paying to charge, they should be able to charge as long as they need. The real issue is the lack of chargers, especially in rural areas. Some cars need to charge to 100% to make it to the next station.
At busy chargers, it’s polite to stop at 80% unless you’ve got a reason to go further. Some chargers encourage this because it’s faster and better for everyone waiting. Personally, I charge at home, so I’ve never had to queue.
@Quince
I’ve never seen chargers enforce an 80% limit. I usually charge to 90% to save a stop on long trips, but I’ll stop at 80% if it’s busy.
Merrick said:
@Quince
I’ve never seen chargers enforce an 80% limit. I usually charge to 90% to save a stop on long trips, but I’ll stop at 80% if it’s busy.
Some chargers do enforce an 85% limit in high-traffic areas. It’s part of a pilot programme that’s rolling out slowly.
@Keegan
Interesting. I haven’t noticed that yet, but I don’t live in a busy area. Maybe that’s why I haven’t seen it.
Merrick said:
@Keegan
Interesting. I haven’t noticed that yet, but I don’t live in a busy area. Maybe that’s why I haven’t seen it.
In Southern California, it’s common now. Honestly, 80% is a better cut-off because charging from 80-85% takes way too long. They should just add more chargers like Tesla does.
I’m new to EVs and don’t really get how queuing is supposed to work. What do you do if there’s no clear place to line up?
Ainsley said:
I’m new to EVs and don’t really get how queuing is supposed to work. What do you do if there’s no clear place to line up?
It’s mostly an honour system. There’s one station near me with a proper queue line, but that’s rare.
Ainsley said:
I’m new to EVs and don’t really get how queuing is supposed to work. What do you do if there’s no clear place to line up?
Some stations have good layouts where it’s obvious how to line up. Others are a mess. One station I use has diagonal spots, and it’s chaos when it’s busy. Last time, I had to wait ages even though there were 10 chargers.
The real issue is people leaving petrol cars in charging spots. That’s the worst.
I’m lucky to live in an area with loads of chargers. Plus, I work early, so there’s rarely a queue. But seriously, is waiting 20 minutes for the last 8% really worth it? Just leave and move on.
What if chargers charged a minimum fee for, say, 50kW, even if you’re charging slower? It might encourage people to move on.
Bryn said:
What if chargers charged a minimum fee for, say, 50kW, even if you’re charging slower? It might encourage people to move on.
That’s actually a solid idea.
I don’t think it’s fair to get upset. If someone gets there first, they can charge as much as they want. Cutting in line is a different story, but I’ve never seen it happen intentionally.