4 HN users recommended this commentary4 months2023–2026score 4.5
Years with an HN recommendation, 2007–2026
HN cites it as a clear side-by-side showing the papercuts of non-Tesla fast charging in EV debates.
Aging Wheels compares a road trip in a Polestar 2 with an identical drive in a Tesla, showing the charging problems of non-Tesla EVs. It argues that outside Tesla's network, EV road trips have become frustrating.
“Aging Wheels did an excellent video[1] on how frustrating the experience can be.” (HN, 2024)
Finding working-as-advertised chargers appears to be hard if not downright impossible. The situation does appear to be a little better if you own a Tesla, but if you own most any other make of EV you're going to have a bad time. From a hard requirement of a third-party app to pay, chargers using cables that do not meet spec, outright broken charging stations, issues with the apps themselves, and so on. Aging Wheels did an excellent video[1] on how frustrating the experience can be. [1] Aging Wheels - EV Road Trips Suck Now (Except in a Tesla) [this video]
Shows how frustrating non-Tesla EV charging can be.
This video basically sums it up: [this video] TLDR, the guy does an identical drive in both Polestar 2 and a Tesla, the Tesla just works at every supercharger, he plugs in and that's it, no app no nothing, the car charges at maximum available speed every time. With the Polestar every charger requires a different app, the chargers themselves are not built properly(advertising higher charging rates than the cables they have been installed with can support), broken stalls, and the car almost never charged anywhere close to its maximum charging speed. I love EVs(I own one!) but the state of public infrastructure is absolutely dire, unless you own a tesla and can use superchargers.
Identical drive in Polestar 2 and Tesla contrasts charging experiences.
On Tue, Oct 3, 2023, 1:18 PM, I wrote: How many apps must people put on their phones, or payment cards people must carry, to pay to charge their vehicles with the convenience of a petrol station? * [link] "Charging fees can be paid through the Honk Mobile App or using a web browser with internet access." * [link] "You can use the BC Hydro EV app to activate stations on other networks across North America." * [link] "Download the FLO app for free. Access thousands of chargers on-the-go in our network and start your session with a tap." * [link] "Get the ChargePoint App. The easiest way to find available stations, start charging and get updates when your EV is fully charged." * [link] "Download the AmpUp our mobile app from the Apple or Google Play store to." * [link] "Use the Electrify Canada mobile app to schedule your home charging and find a public charging station. Sign up for an account to enjoy exclusive, members-only public charging features and pricing." * [link] "iPhone & Android app. No download required via SWTCH’s in-browser app. Tap-and-go charging with our complimentary RFID card." I could not charge my Kona at multiple public charging stations around Vancouver: * "Free" FLO Level 2 charger at New Westminster High School (requires sign up). * BC Hydro Level 3 charger near a Real Canadian Superstore (requires sign up). * AddEnergie Level 2 charger at Tsawwassen Mills (requires sign up). * Honk Level 2 charger at a University of British Columbia parkade (requires s
Illustrates charging app fragmentation for EV drivers.
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