[Kevin Sharpe]

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 really wish the network providers understood that providing an independent 22kW Type 2 Charging Station would cost almost nothing, keep all the pesky 'fast' AC cars away from the rapid chargers, and provide redundancy (as was used today by the intrepid ZOE driver).

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

One of the problems going forward is that many drivers won't know the charging rate and I have no doubt that many i3 and Tesla drivers will end up using the AC 'rapid' connector because they think it's faster. Certainly many of my friends buying these cars are non-technical.

IMO the only answer is more charging hardware

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

1. Rapids are for rapid charging and short stay parking only. If your car doesn't support it, or you din't NEED to rappid charge, use a 7kw station.

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

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

ok I get that with the i3 what about the tesla, its limited to 11 or 22kw depending on 1 or 2 chargers fitted so why would it be slower on the rapid than a 22kw post ?

If its' a 22kW Model S then it can charge at 22kW regardless of whether it's the AC cable on a 'rapid' charger or a AC Charging Station.

My comment was more an observation about the new breed of non-geek EV owners many of whom will just plug in to the rapid charger blissfully unaware that they are charging at 7kW, 10kW or 22kW. Obviously, at locations with no other charging resources they have no choice but it's going to get ugly IMO when you're driving a Leaf or ZOE and end up waiting a couple of hours.

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

Their creative commons license says no commercial and, more restrictively, no derivatives.

If someone would like to get permission to use the design and modify as required then ZCW will sponsor the first 100. This overcomes the commercial challenge at least