1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Solving the charging problem on the road

Discussion in 'EV (Electric Vehicle) Discussion' started by bwilson4web, May 13, 2016.

  1. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2005
    27,132
    15,392
    0
    Location:
    Huntsville AL
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    Prime Plus


    As my BMW i3-Rex purchase approaches, I'm looking at driving from Houston TX to Huntsville AL via the casinos. The range extender might not be great but at least we'll be able to drive the car. However, we plan to stay over night at Casinos in:
    • Lake Charles LA
    • Baton Rouge MS
    • Vicksburg MS
    So I'd like to charge the car over night and think I've found "ChargePoint" stations in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge. Nothing in Vicksburg except the Nissan dealer and I suspect it is not 'open to the public.' So these are the options I'm thinking I have:
    1. Long, heavy duty, 110 VAC, 15A extension cord - coordinate with owner to see if I can plug-in somewhere. Risk, it might trip a circuit breaker on the circuit.
    2. Camp overnight at an RV park and snatch a charge. Little or no risk.
    3. Beg a charge at a BMW dealer?
    Google is not being terribly helpful. The BMW i3 forums are OK but the information seems sparse. So I'm wondering if you' all have any recommended sources about 'how to get a charge' on the road?

    Bob Wilson
     
    #1 bwilson4web, May 13, 2016
  2. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
    3,318
    1,103
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    #2 dorunron, May 14, 2016
    cwerdna and bwilson4web like this.
  3. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2006
    7,028
    1,116
    0
    Location:
    South Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Using the J1772 connectors at various dealers "shouldn't" be a problem. 24/7 access shouldn't be taken as a given as the lot may have gates or the spaces may be ICEd. Be polite, call ahead & ask permission.

    Some free stations need a card for activation. Open accounts with every network in your travel area.

    At the EEVC meetings at the high school we can charge a LEAF with the 6.6kwh charger without blowing a fuse. Trying to charge two will trip a circuit breaker in the classroom.

    When possible let the business know you chose to patronize them because of he charging station.

    Enjoy the trip.
     
    #3 JimN, May 15, 2016
  4. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2005
    27,132
    15,392
    0
    Location:
    Huntsville AL
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    So far, it looks like one casino in Lake Charles has charging stations. A second one has RV hookups. But Biloxi, no luck, yet. I'll give the Tourist office a call on Monday.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #4 bwilson4web, May 15, 2016
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)