Electrify america pilot limiting charge in SoCal

[Toby]

I just learned about Electrify America’s new congestion reduction pilot. At 10 stations in Southern California, they capped EV charging to 85%. The goal is to reduce wait times and improve availability during busy hours. It’s an interesting move, has anyone seen this in action or been affected by it?

 

[Riry]

I’ve read about Electrify America’s plan to cap charging at 85% for congestion reduction. While I haven’t tried it, I think it’s a smart move to improve availability. Personally, I’d prefer a 90% cap since speeds are still decent.

 

[cic]

I agree 90% is optimum for EV6. It is my normal setting when charging on a long drive. Mind you, 85% is pretty close to that and better than 80%. And not everyone has an 800V system so 85% sort of makes sense. If they were clever about it they would only impose it if all the stalls in a charging station were full. Bit annoying if in non-peak times.

 

[alfonsoruiz]

At the pilot stations, charging is limited to 85%. Once you reach that point, the charger will cut off, and you'll have 10 minutes to move your car. If you don't move it within that time, you'll be charged an idle fee. Basically, they're trying to stop people from hogging the chargers.

 

[Toby]

I’ve read about Electrify America’s plan to cap charging at 85% for congestion reduction. While I haven’t tried it, I think it’s a smart move to improve availability. Personally, I’d prefer a 90% cap since speeds are still decent.

Yeah, I get that, 90% could be a good balance. I’m curious how strict they’ll be and if exceptions exist. Have you noticed long wait times at EA stations lately?

 

[Toby]

I agree 90% is optimum for EV6. It is my normal setting when charging on a long drive. Mind you, 85% is pretty close to that and better than 80%. And not everyone has an 800V system so 85% sort of makes sense. If they were clever about it they would only impose it if all the stalls in a charging station were full. Bit annoying if in non-peak times.

Yeah, that makes sense...85% isn’t too far off. A dynamic cap based on station usage would be ideal.

 

[Toby]

At the pilot stations, charging is limited to 85%. Once you reach that point, the charger will cut off, and you'll have 10 minutes to move your car. If you don't move it within that time, you'll be charged an idle fee. Basically, they're trying to stop people from hogging the chargers.

The idle fee makes sense to keep things moving. Have you seen how well it’s working, or if people are actually following the rule?