The "ChargePoint" Network

Anyone else create an account yet?

I was at the Mall Of America today. So, I used their Android app to look up the charging stations available there, then drove to the parking level it listed. That was nice to see. Of course, living so close and seeing the $3/hour rate, I'll likely only use it for the sake of the experience.

For work parking, that's an entirely different matter. ChargePoint is there too. Currently there isn't a fee to use it either. Later, it will probably go to $3/session. I'm looking forward to help promote the charging-stations there. So far, no ramp customer has used them yet.

You may find these interesting, info from online and an up-close photo:







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I've had a ChargePoint account for almost a year since they are the most common charging station in the SF Bay Area. I've actually charged at their company offices in Silicon Valley which are conveniently located next to a paved bike path along a river. Many people don't notice it, but there is also an 800 number located on the ChargePoint box that you can call in order to gain access to use it without having an account.

Almost all of the public chargers I see around here are still free.

I also have a Blink Network account & card. Their charging stations are more common in Oregon and Washington.

 

I just clicked, and was amazed 78 chargers within 10 miles. Most are $2/hr but plenty are free. Unfortunately not many yet on the corridors to dallas or houston, but they have Austin/San Antonio covered, but just one free charger in between.

 

Yep. I use the one at Whole Foods here in Houston and would LOVE to see some coverage along the 290 stretch between Houston and Austin. I am thinking 3 would do the trick for us. Ensuring of course at least one at Buc-ee's. You know....with "Bathrooms so clean you have to pee to believe".

 

Caveat:

ChargePoint is great in PRINCIPAL ... but some times in reality you will look at the map ... see a charger is up and running - drive there to charge while you do business near by ...

BAM - it's not working
you call 'em up to complain the App shows the station working
(heavy accent) "we are promising to be fixing the charger"
a week later - repeat the line above
2 weeks later - tepeat the line above

The Blink network has shown to be a bit more reliable, imo, for all of it's own set of warts. but what can you say . . . . baby steps.