[derekb]

I've tried to use the post at new P&R in Portsmouth before now and found a Portsmouth Council Van parked in both spaces sideways! Apparently its the security van and is a semi permanent fixture so not a good start. I managed to park near enough to get my cable to reach but couldn't get the post to work (no card required the sign said just press the button). It was also a single type 2 outlet serving 2 parking spaces!

Anyway the good news is I've been in dialogue with the man from the council and he says he's told them off and the van won't be parked there again and also that it will be changed to a double outlet shortly (not sure if thats done yet) and then today he e mailed "Hello, good news, the EV unit is working and is free to use, no swipe card required"

 

[derekb]

Edit: Cancel the above - tried it again on Sunday but still couldn't get it to work (and it was ICE'd by another council van!)

 

[derekb]

could it be my Ampera is not compatible in some way? The post is from ChargingSolutions and says "mode3 charging station" on it see photo///

 

[hopbackguy]

Afaik that should work, using a Type 2 to J1772 cable.

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

The post is from ChargingSolutions and says "mode3 charging station" on it see photo///

"Mode" and "Type" are not the same thing... however, a Mode 3, Type 2 Charging Station will charge the Ampera if you have a suitable Type 2 to Type 1 cable.

Note: if you are buying a new cable make sure it's a 32A version... some Charging Stations have a bug that stops them working with 16A cables

 

[Grant Thomas]

I'll go and check at this weekend when I'm back from London

 

[Michael Gill]

I think I've seen this sort of post before. It may need to be programmed with your card details.

This happened in Dundee a few months ago when I was trying to charge. Chargers are at Gellatly Street car park and it's manned 24 hours if you want to phone for advice.

 

[Michael Gill]

I've found that politely worded notices have absolutely no effect on behaviour. Best to be direct (not rude, but direct). Something like "This car is parked in an electric car only space. It has been reported to the local council".

Some councils in Scotland have begun processing traffic restriction orders to allow fines to be given to those ignoring the signs.

 

[derekb]

"Note: if you are buying a new cable make sure it's a 32A version... some Charging Stations have a bug that stops them working with 16A cables

Hmm that may be worth checking - my cable was bought by the previous owner, I think its the Vauxhall one (orange) - anyone know if this is likely to be 16 / 32A?

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

anyone know if this is likely to be 16 / 32A?

Best way to tell is measure the resistance between the Proximity and Earth pins of the Type 2 EVSE connector. If the resistor is 680R then the cable is 16A/20A and if it's 220R it's 32A.

Make sure the cable is disconnected from the car and EVSE when measuring the resistor

If you don't have access to the relevant meter then I'm sure @dpeilow or @RickMGoldie can help locally

 

[dpeilow]

I'll check that location later. I'm about 1 mile from it as a write.

 

[derekb]

I'll check that location later. I'm about 1 mile from it as a write.

any luck?

 

[dpeilow]

Didn't manage last night but will try lunch time

 

[dpeilow]

Ok just popped over there, the unit is switched off. Also one point and two spaces is bloody genius...

 

[Paul]

Sad thumbs down guy could make a career out of that.

Maybe another post coming soon?!

 

[derekb]

OK great - its not just me or my cable then thanks for checking.

They said to me via e mail they are getting it changed for a dual outlet one "soon"

 

[Nigel Hunt]

I'd really like to use this post tomorrow when I travel to Portsmouth, if anyone can advise? Lakeside North Harbour is only a couple of miles away, but a long walk to Tipner for the P+R bus!

 

[Nigel Hunt]

Alas, it didn't work at all earlier, but fortunately the helpful guy at WKB Nissan at Waterlooville obliged with their rapid charger. I did tweet to Charging Solutions, but not expecting a reply on a Sunday!

 

[derekb]

was that your Leaf parked there (but not charging) yesterday? I was a couple of spaces along - funny how we're still drawn to the EV spaces even though the charger's not working!

 

[Nigel Hunt]

Yes that was my white Leaf there on Sunday Derek. I left it there to make the point that EV's do exist! I didn't leave my cable plugged in as I didn't want it to go missing. I was hoping I would be ticketed and then I could have made a real fuss!