Pipcecil said:
As for the main issue discused: public chargers - PHEV vs BEV its a hard issue with current limited infrastructure. And while we all play nice now with cards, there is going to be some a-hole who won't and keep their PiP plugged in for 9 hours straight on the only EVSE there. And saying NOT to rely on public charging on e BEV defeats some of the purpose with that. The arguement always favors PHEV unfortuately:
BEV - public charge as an opportunity (because its there) if free, or will pay in an emergency (too costly to pay if you don't need the charge)
PHEV - public charging is always cheaper (either free or paid) than gas, never need as an emergency.
So when a BEV needs it, PHEVs are using chargers to save money (or environment if you want to look at it from a non-selfish point). There is no reason ever for a PHEV to skip a charger, but their need will never be as great as a BEV that absolutely needs it to get home. How do you balance that?
Honestly I wish there was an "interface" on the public charging (or via mobile app!). Instead of leaving cards or numbers, because X person is registered through that system (like blink) you can use the app or screen interface to email/text (however signed up they are) and send a message to person charging asked if they could move. This way it could hide contact information, but you could still contact said person. While it won't solve all issues, its a step in the right direct I think.
Honestly, I think the greater issue isn't a PiP taking 9 hours in a slot, but chargers being ICEd which is more common than them being taken by plug-ins, at least, here in Dallas.
Getting back on topic would be great.
The bottom line is for now there are a limited number of chargers available - but there is no need to act like a petulant child running around saying "the stations are
MINE you can only use them if I don't want to!" (I'm not speaking to you Pipecil) I'm sorry, but that's not going to be how things work out. At least not with the Fed subsidized stations. The stations are there for all cars that can use them. They are first come, first served and then get out.
How do I balance a BEV owners desire (not need) to charge their BEV over my desire to remain EV? Pretty simply. I don't want to burn gas anymore than anyone else here, but I planned ahead. The infrastructure isn't there - yet. I bought a car that has a backup generator, but that doesn't mean I should be forced to buy gasoline - does it? Will there be discounted gas for Volt's paid for because BEV need to charge? And I know I'm not alone here when it comes to having a back-up as most BEV owners own/rent/lease or borrow an ICE when they "need" it.
Folks shouldn't dream up punishments for people who bought vehicles equipped with a back-up plan. They should just develop their own back-up plan (besides Nissan towing) and work on the developing the infrastructure. So far I've made about 50 phone calls and emails - and I've had no successes. But, at least I'm trying instead of whining and calling for entitlements (again, Pipecil I'm not speaking to you).