EngravEER
Well-known member
Snowed-in today in the foothills just west of the Blue Ridge (12"+ and still coming), so figured I'd make one of my rare MNL posts.
Here in what's known as West Virginia's "Eastern Panhandle", we have a fairly robust public L2 infrastructure -- as rural areas go -- thanks to an area solar company that's done a good job partnering with local businesses and two area colleges/universities. Unfortunately, such is not the case with our supposedly more-progressive neighbors just north of the Potomac in Maryland and Pennsylvania as well as immediately to the south in Virginia. Hagerstown, MD boasts one of the country's newest Tesla Superchargers, but if you're driving something with a J1772 port, fugetaboutit. Yeah, there's the local Nissan dealership, but as far as depending on them for unfettered, 24/7/365 access... you're pretty-much SOL. Similar situation (minus the Tesla Supercharger) just to the south of us in Winchester, VA, although I've found the local Nissan dealership there to be fairly "EV friendly" (unfortunately they're situated in an out-of-the-way location).
Consequently, I'm always looking for "charging in the wild" options with my EVSE Upgrade when venturing beyond the borders of Almost Heaven. Recently discovered a 240v outlet at the rear of our nearest Costco in Winchester. Costco is a comfortable round-trip from home in mild temps, but winter shopping excursions can be somewhat more "interesting". So... introduced myself to the Assistant Manager, explained our driving situation and the benefits (to them) of what we spend on our monthly Costco run relative to their costs in electricity (think he had that figured-out from the get-go) and voila! Permission granted Winter Costco runs can now be made with the heat pump running both ways and plenty of range to hit other shopping and dining while in town, all thanks to keeping a vigil for available 240v outlets and making friends with their owners.
Most of us know about 240v charging at campgrounds, but I'd love to hear from other forum members about their experiences locating 240v charging opportunities "in the wild". Anyone ever successfully charge on a 240v outlet at a truck stop or travel plaza like Flying J or Pilot? Anyone discover chain restaurants or retailers that regularly install 240v outlets and may make them available for charging?
Here in what's known as West Virginia's "Eastern Panhandle", we have a fairly robust public L2 infrastructure -- as rural areas go -- thanks to an area solar company that's done a good job partnering with local businesses and two area colleges/universities. Unfortunately, such is not the case with our supposedly more-progressive neighbors just north of the Potomac in Maryland and Pennsylvania as well as immediately to the south in Virginia. Hagerstown, MD boasts one of the country's newest Tesla Superchargers, but if you're driving something with a J1772 port, fugetaboutit. Yeah, there's the local Nissan dealership, but as far as depending on them for unfettered, 24/7/365 access... you're pretty-much SOL. Similar situation (minus the Tesla Supercharger) just to the south of us in Winchester, VA, although I've found the local Nissan dealership there to be fairly "EV friendly" (unfortunately they're situated in an out-of-the-way location).
Consequently, I'm always looking for "charging in the wild" options with my EVSE Upgrade when venturing beyond the borders of Almost Heaven. Recently discovered a 240v outlet at the rear of our nearest Costco in Winchester. Costco is a comfortable round-trip from home in mild temps, but winter shopping excursions can be somewhat more "interesting". So... introduced myself to the Assistant Manager, explained our driving situation and the benefits (to them) of what we spend on our monthly Costco run relative to their costs in electricity (think he had that figured-out from the get-go) and voila! Permission granted Winter Costco runs can now be made with the heat pump running both ways and plenty of range to hit other shopping and dining while in town, all thanks to keeping a vigil for available 240v outlets and making friends with their owners.
Most of us know about 240v charging at campgrounds, but I'd love to hear from other forum members about their experiences locating 240v charging opportunities "in the wild". Anyone ever successfully charge on a 240v outlet at a truck stop or travel plaza like Flying J or Pilot? Anyone discover chain restaurants or retailers that regularly install 240v outlets and may make them available for charging?