brianchi73 said:
DougWantsALeaf said:
Wow, good to know about Golf Mill. They are not far from me and I use them as an example when citing the growing charging infrastructure. I think as the demand starting to increase with increased sales (over the next couple years), the supply of chargers will re-emerge. I think some of the supply got ahead of demand, given that most of us EV owners only look to use external charging once in a while (unless its free at a store where we frequent...then will certainly take the free power).
I have found that the ChargePoint chargers are pretty reliable if you check the status on their web page. Also please report charges that are down with the link I gave to the Alternative Fuels Data Center. You just look up a charger and then "edit" it. It will not give you much of a confirmation when it saves, but it does seem to work. I just put an update through the other day. I really want them to remove the chargers that are on the Edens Tollway Oasis since they don't work.
I'm just hoping everyone uses the app PlugShare as much as I do. I find it easier to use that on my phone while on the go than to lookup a website beforehand. I make it a point to lookup chargers on PlugShare wherever I'm am at or going to. I always try to stop and scope out a charger nearby if the PlugShare app doesn't have much of a description or pictures. I then upload info and pics myself for others who might be in need of the info sometime down the line. I do the same on Recargo moments later usually as well, but PlugShare is just better IMO.
Here's a comprehensive list of some recent places I've updated on PlugShare, for your use and knowledge:
Arlington Nissan on North side of Dundee Rd. just East of IL-53: 2 Aerovironment L2 Chargers free for use with Qdoba, Caribou Coffee, & Chuck E Cheeses within walking distance.
Crescent & Glenwood Parking Lot in Glen Ellyn just West of Main St and the Train Station: 2 Free Charge Point stations but only 1 dedicated EV spot, other is often ICE'd as it is a normal metered spot (said to be free for EV's but ICE'd by meter feeders) I use the dedicated EV Spot always without issue, especially when I go for a bike ride on the Prairie Path.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont: Free Wall Outlets throughout the parking garage which has a fee. No idea where they are but this is what their representatives told me upon emailing them about EV parking options.
Walgreens on Halsted in Greektown: 2 Aerovironment L2 Chargers free for use with 2 spots likely not to be ICE'd, at least for very long if so. I've checked with management twice before and don't bother asking anymore as I have NO problems. I'm a DJ downtown and I've parked there and cabbed it to a gig for 5 hours, parked there when going out for the night for a few hours, and stopped there after a gig for 20-30 minutes to make sure I make it back home.... all without issue. Just don't be an @$$ and park all day or night.
Walgreens at 1649 W. Belmont: 2 Chargepoint $2/hr stations. Used this when I wouldn't have made it home once after a gig. Stopped to eat at "Late Night Thai" across the street, which was very sub-par even for 3am.
ComEd Parking Garage 3 Lincoln Center in Oakbrook: Free ChargePoint charger and 1 "Voltec" charger. Used the ChargePoint with my RFID card and had dinner at the RedStone within walking distance. They had ZERO parking spaces available and only paid valet so I went for the free space with a free charge just a short short walk away!
Glendale Nissan on North Ave in Glendale Heights: The typical dealer AV stations... just ask and I'm sure they will accommodate. I used after service appointment for clicking sounds upon stopping and going.
Cantigny Park in Wheaton: DJ'd a wedding here and did not charge but noticed the front row of parking and several other rows adjacent to grassy islands had outdoor style wall outlets embedded into ground casings. Not sure if they work but why wouldn't they?
Walgreens at 4748 W. North Ave. in Chicago: 2 free AV L2 stations... They both work but I got asked for $ the second I walked back to my car... GHETTO! This station is in the hood.
McGrath Nissan on 945 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, IL: The typical dealer AV stations... just ask and I'm sure they will accommodate. I used it at 3am after DJ'n a wedding in Algonquin.
Walgreens on Lake St. in Addison IL: Paid ChargePoint station. Card didn't read on one so I used the other without issue. Had I known McGrath in Elgin was even there and available for free, I wouldn't have paid a full hours $2 to use this for 28 minutes on the way to the wedding mentioned above... Hence the reason for THIS POST! Share the info on the apps! Add stations! Add info/descriptions! Check-In! Add Photos!
The ONLY working L3 charger I've ever seen AND been able to use (since it is an Eaton & doesn't need a CharJit Card!: Found at IIT in Parking Lot A, there is a CHAdeMo Eaton L3 charger that is FREE to use and is perfect for heading to Horseshoe Casino. I DJ'd there in the center bar there and made it all the way from Glendale Heights, to the casino, and then back to IIT to charge which ensured I made it home. There are several L2 stations too just in case! All free I think. You have to touch the screen to get the L3 started, then open the door on the right to get the plug out. Beware of spiders, I saw a HUGE web & spider attached to the machine and a post by it... that $h!t freaked me out, I hate spiders! Charged and scratched my body for the next 35 minutes.
There's way more I've posted on there but this should help a bit.