powersurge wrote:I've been trying to follow all the posts from the last few pages and am confused because the posts are going in all different directions. I agree that We all will have our own L2 chargers in our homes if we want. WE CANNOT ASK that L2 charging stations be placed all over the country for the convenience of those who don't have home L2 charging.
What we truly need in this country is a network of L3 charging stations to quickly get us on our way when traveling long distance. Yes having a network of L2, like chargepoint, is a great step in the right direction, but it is no way practical when traveling. I cannot afford to wait 1 hour per 30 miles of driving to charge between my destination. On a 200 mile trip, that is 7 hours of waiting in one day.... NO GOOD
SO, I think the first step is for Nissan, and the other car dealerships who sell EVS install (WORKING) L3 chargers in every car dealership the country. This would be cost efficient, because It would show their commitment to the future of EVs and increase the potential for new buyers of their cars. This way, wherever you go, you will easily be able to find a place to charge.
I mostly agree with your post, except the bolded part. This is a rookie mistake in your thought process, and I'm surprised to read it from an EV driver. In a 2017 Leaf, 200 miles is only about 3 hours of L2 charging, not 7. 107 miles is "free" (charged before you leave). Granted, 3 hours is still unacceptable. I agree 100% with your conclusion that L2 doesn't cut it.
When you look at DCFC (
not the same as "L3", which the Leaf does not support yet), let's say the Leaf charges 90 miles in 30 minutes. That 200-mile road trip requires about 30 minutes of charging, and not 1.25 hours. 1.25 hours would be intolerable for most non-enthusiasts. 30 minutes can be absorbed with a coffee/bathroom break.
http://www.sae.org/smartgrid/chargingspeeds.pdfNotice that DC level 3 is up to 240kW. The Leaf only supports DC level 2, up to 90kW. We have hints that will change in 2019.