[ausev] Some additional thoughts regarding opportunity charging - Plug In America, get their support and assistance?

[Claire Sorenson]

I have not followed this whole thread, so it may have been suggested already
- someone might want to check in with the City of Austin's involvement in
the "Plug In American" program.  I think one of their projects is to install
charging stations around Austin.  So, they might have funds, plans,
suggestions, etc.  I think many of us are already familiar with the program.
I think we had a link on our website, although I don't see it right now.
See links below:

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/2005/plugin_austin.htm 

http://www.austinenergy.com/About%20Us/Environmental%20Initiatives/Plug-in%2
0Hybrid%20Vehicles/index.htm
	
	CS Unlimited
	Claire Sorenson
	Ph: 512-689-5911
	Fax: 512-282-9942

 

-----Original Message-----
From: ausev-bounces at austinev.org [mailto:ausev-bounces at austinev.org] On
Behalf Of KensCircus at aol.com
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 9:46 AM
To: ausev at austinev.org
Subject: [ausev] Some additional thoughts regarding opportunity charging

Regarding shopping center charging...

Before specific charging installations are implemented, we should all
understand that only one vehicle can charge at a time.  If there are several
outlets available at one store, assume they are all on one breaker.  It
should not be hard to determine if an outlet is already in use.  The cord
should be an easy clue.  It is just a matter of “look before you plug”.  The
primary benefit to using existing 120VAC outlets is to help create a
positive familiarity with EV ’s to the general business population.  Sort of
getting their feet wet, comfortably, before they are confronted with
installation requests.

When we do proceed to promote charging “station” installations.  I would
recommend one outlet per breaker, even if that means only one charging
outlet per shopping center.  That means no duplex outlets even for 120 VAC.
That eliminates the concern of an uncontrolled number of vehicles charging
on one circuit.  A tripped breaker will create a negative concern for the
business management.  

I don’t expect the EV population to be large enough that mass charging will
be an issue for quite some time.  When EV charging becomes popular enough
that more outlets are needed, the businesses will be eager to install them
because the ordeal of installing the first one was not very painful and
demonstrated a positive result.  A business would be disappointed if they
install an elaborate multiple EV charging section, then only see one EV per
week use the facility.

Regarding payment, I think a coin-operated outlet would be easy to
implement, manage and use.  Much like the coin operated control of a car
wash.  The “box”
 could have a number of outlet formats.  Just turn the knob to select the
desired outlet, plug in, and inset the number of coins for the amount of
time you expect to charge.  Only the outlet you select would be active.

Again, even an installation such as this would be a hard sell to any
business, unless they are already accustomed to EV charging and can see the
benefit from direct experience.  Once they have gained some painless
experience of EV charging, we will then be “preaching to the choir”.  That
is why I advocate a progression of small steps.  

Ken




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