[cjm_2013]

The nightmare scenario is either an i3 without the rapid charge option or a tesla model S hooked up on the AC side.The very thought of it fills me with dread.

I've read on another forum that it's already happened to a Leaf driver (with an i3 hogging the rapid).

Paul recently arrived at the Milton Keynes IKEA rapid, only to find me already charging. He got his wife to crouch down behind me before he pushed me over & stole my keys. Classic.**the push over thing never actually happened.

 

[cjm_2013]

It this guy, http://myrenaultzoe.com/index.php/author/alloam/ have not got time to look for the other video but I'm sure you will find it put his name in to YouTube you will find. Yay found it

That zoe driver deserves a medal for his patience. I'm not sure I would have been so diplomatic about it, especially if I was in a hurry.

 

[cjm_2013]

It's an interesting problem. I doubt someone with a 7kW charger will think too much of a 3kW Leaf blocking a 7kW post either if they are forced off onto a 13amp socket.

Someone planning to use a 7kw charger isn't likely to be in any sort of hurry, so it's not quite the same deal.

Who would disagree with these rules?

1. Rapids are for rapid charging and short stay parking only. If your car doesn't support it, or you don't NEED to rapid charge in order to make it to your destination, use a 7kw station.
2. If your car DOES support it, but you anticipate needing to park for more than 1hr, then why are you hogging a rapid? Come back and move your car.
3. People need to put their mobile numbers on dashboards.
(4. If you've got a REX fitted, go to a petrol station?)

It'll only work if we co-operate.

Personally, I stay with my car whilst rapid charging, leaving it for no more than 10 or so minutes at a time to use the loo or stock up on snacks. If I'm happy with my SOC for the next leg, and someone is queuing behind me, I'll stop charging and move on (this has happened twice already).

The i3 driver appeared to be treating the rapid bay as a normal parking space with the convenience of charging thrown in.... who knows how long they left their car for? It was certainly way longer than necessary and seemed to be down to ignorance, which cost the vlogger quite a bit of time.

 

[cjm_2013]

How does this work when the majority of 'rapid' charging locations have one charger?

I was going purely on the example in the video.

At the Ecotricity locations where there is only one station, and only one EV can charge.... you have to wonder why someone with a non-rapid capable EV would want to carry out a journey with a 2+ hour potential charging stop?

The obvious solution is what you've already suggested - include an additional 7 or 22kw station in the install - and there were three of those available in the video situation, apparently...

 

[cjm_2013]

Very interesting, and I enjoyed the videos - but I took the above photo when I was blocked from charging by the same i3 the following day.

So it's basically a question of the i3 owner grabbing the space nearest the exit door....?

 

[cjm_2013]

(5. If you've got a Leaf, go and hire a real car?)

Very constructive, that.I'm done with this thread