Update on CEC DCFC Stations in Tehachapi, Mojave, and Inyokern, Calfornia

[danrjones]

Thanks Dan for driving out and confirming it's there. I saw that Rivian check in. So it's real, that is Rivian is real.
Paul

I emailed Linda, no response yet. I dug through the CA CEC site and couldn't find any new addendums or documents relating to this project since Ver 5, and that was awhile back.

I did find a state park study and it looked good - as in, they were very happy with the usage of Lvl 2 chargers in a select few state parks. I'd love to see that expanded! Including forest service trail heads, though obviously that isn't state controlled. Logistics on that would be difficult though. Actually that's an interesting dilemma - do you add a bunch of tech and 1st world devices (solar, battery, chargers) at forest service parking lots, or do you leave them pristine and more like wilderness? I can understand both sides of that.

[paulgipe]

Rivian and the NPS are adding two Level 2 stations in Toulumne Meadows according to Electrek. I assume one would be at the cafe and the other at the Lodge. Of course two could end up at the lodge. Here's hoping that the lodge opens this year.

Paul

[paulgipe]

https://adoptacharger.org/adopt-a-charg ... ion-areas/

[danrjones]

Paul

I never did get a reply from Linda. Bummer.

I had to take my leaf down for service last Friday, and super thankful for the Charge Point chargers along the route. It was cold and windy and I needed a lot of charge in my Leaf to get back from Palmdale.

I used the Charge point in Palmdale near the Best Buy/Panda Express, and had to stop again and use the charge point chargers at Denny's in Mojave. My Leaf started to thermally throttle so it took a bit longer, but otherwise, those are great. Hard to believe it but even though I started the day with an ice cold battery, w/o any thermal management, by the time I was ending the day the battery in my Leaf was too hot and throttled. But that's a different issue for a different discussion. (I've been trying to sell my wife on trading in for the Ioniq 5, but she doesn't like it.... )

There are also EA chargers in Mojave, but I went with the charge point so I could get something to eat, and I have been having great luck with Charge point. With their app I haven't had a single issue; I plug in, open the App and hit start. Recently Charge point has been the most reliable, for me, and is my go-to.

Now the one issue I did have is in Palmdale, there are only two DC fast chargers at that location. Need more, as I had to wait a few minutes. Eventually need a LOT more.

I was hoping Linda would tell me great news that Charge point chargers were on their way in more areas, like Kernville. No response. I know its outside Kern but I'd love to see stations in Olancha, Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine and Mammoth. The EAs work OK if you have a longer range vehicle on a road trip, but what if you want to explore the Eastern Sierra? A few 62.5 or 100 kW chargers in each city along the East side would go a long way to help. I love driving the canyons.

[danrjones]

Rumor has it that FINALLY the fast charger here in Ridgecrest is under construction. It will be at Desert Valley Credit Union. Not exactly the best location in town for a charger, but the credit union is doing it in conjunction with a solar project. It was supposed to be installed last year but red tape & ADA issues caused delays.

If memory serves me right, it will be a charge point charger capable of about 62 kW.

[danrjones]

Went back through my email and it was a Chargepoint CPE250. Double headed, so I'm not sure if he meant a CCS and Chademo or if he meant two charging kiosks. I think those are indeed about 62 kW. I'll have to drive by their parking lot and take a look, plus drop a coming soon on Plugshare.

[paulgipe]

Thanks Dan. Long needed and finally coming. Yeah team!

BTW. Libby Vincent at Maturango Museum is pushing to install a Level 2 in their parking lot. She may send you a message. Of course another CP or similar DCFC would be better at this stage.

Paul

[paulgipe]

Dan,
What's wrong with that location of the Desert Valleys FCU? It's right on Bus 395 and just up from the Clarion where we stay.
Paul

[danrjones]

Dan,
What's wrong with that location of the Desert Valleys FCU? It's right on Bus 395 and just up from the Clarion where we stay.
Paul

Sorry, it isn't horrible, it just isn't the most convenient. I would think the museums (per your other post) would be better for visitors, or at a shopping center with food, bathrooms, etc, or even at one of the hotels. I'm happy to have it, glad they are doing it. It has Taco bell across the street, but it isn't the location in town that has a lot of food or things to do. Our town is stretched along one long axis (China Lake Blvd) so I think the ideal locations for Fast Chargers would be Walmart, the Park/Museums, and the Stater Bros shopping center.

But, it will be good for future employees of the credit union, especially if they are doing some level 2s. One of the big keys (I think, YMMV) to reach the 95% is to provide charging at work. Even those who live in apartments usually drive somewhere to work? So that could be some keen forward thinking on the credit union's part.

I also heard the hospital might have a level 2 but I've never seen it.

[danrjones]

Thanks Dan. Long needed and finally coming. Yeah team!

BTW. Libby Vincent at Maturango Museum is pushing to install a Level 2 in their parking lot. She may send you a message. Of course another CP or similar DCFC would be better at this stage.

Paul

You probably know more than I, but I'm happy to help if I can, so no problem if she wants to contact me.
I think you have my email.

I'm still driving my leaf, was looking at the Ionic 5 or ID4, but now am waiting until October - turns out the Kern County Air district rebate ran out of funds until October. That's 4k, so I plan to wait. I checked back in early march and they had run out. And you can't buy until approved for the rebate.

I went by desert valley this AM, snapped two quick photos. Besides a huge solar install, right now it just looks like one charger being installed. I didn't see any signs of Lvl 2s but I'll keep watching. One thing it does have is a huge shade cover. In the photos you can see a couple of the back metal poles and they are BEEFY. Someone realized a breeze here is gale winds everywhere else.

I added it to plugshare. Besides Taco Bell, I forgot, you also have a Starbucks across the street. Not sure either of those has a bathroom 24/7 though? Still, many folks love their coffee.