Magic Dock is now live at some US Tesla Supercharger Stations

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Autocharge uses the MAC address of the vehicle's CCS module, not the VIN. But the VIN, if available,
could serve as a secondary verifier I suppose.

If the support people at a charging network I have an existing relationship with were willing to listen to
me, it would be trivial to enroll my Kona for autocharge. I know its MAC address -- I just crawled under
the dash with a light, and the CCS module's MAC is right there, printed on a white sticker. EVGo has
apparently started supporting that at some locations, maybe the newer units that are starting to replace
the old 50 kW ones. But I am *not* going to install their junkware app just to enroll, they need to make
that possible on the website where I'm already signed up.

Tesla could provide a similar facility, but apparently the problem then is unlocking the charge plug. No
other network locks the heads into the charger, because the customer needs to plug in first to initiate.

_H*
 
hobbit said:
Tesla could provide a similar facility, but apparently the problem then is unlocking the charge plug. No
other network locks the heads into the charger, because the customer needs to plug in first to initiate.
Click to expand...

Actually ChargePoint locks the handle to the dispenser - you need to use something (phone, nfc tag) to get it to unlock the handle. But then you are authenticated, and you can just plug in to start charging.
 
ericy said:
Actually ChargePoint locks the handle to the dispenser - you need to use something (phone, nfc tag) to get it to unlock the handle. But then you are authenticated, and you can just plug in to start charging.
Click to expand...
That led to this creative anti-vandalism:
upload_2023-3-4_2-6-6.webp

Someone had broken the locking latch which also meant the presence switch being open. So I used JB Weld to epoxy a small spring to return the latch to the closed position, normally up. It has held up for nearly a year.

Bob Wilson
 
The last three SuperCharger stations look like this:

upload_2023-3-7_12-32-23.webp

I have no problem with these becoming Tesla/CCS-1 combo because there is no reason for blocking multiple charging lanes. The cables remain efficiently short. Center, front, Leaf sockets might have a problem. But I suspect parking front bumper at charging station won’t block other lanes.

Bob Wilson
 
The Ioniq 5 has the port on the right rear with a door that flips open. Makes me wonder if Hyundai had a crystal ball knowing the superchargers would eventually open up or had no better idea and copied Tesla since that worked.
 
marshall said:
I thought that was just California, since California included payment requirements at the station. However, other states may follow California's lead with their federal grant money.
Click to expand...
Yes, it's just in California, so far. I imagine they'll follow the same pattern if other states demand payment systems that would require changes to the Supercharger system.
 
Domenick said:
This all day long.
Nissan got it right with the LEAF and then a dozen years later when they release Ariya, the charge port is behind the wheel of the passenger side's front fender with a chare door that opens toward the front of the car. Boggles my mind how they can get it so wrong.
Click to expand...

Photo of my first charging session last night of my Ariya:
upload_2023-3-15_19-24-45.webp

I've had 3 Leafs prior to it. The couple of extra steps to plug the cable into the Ariya isn't a big deal for me. I suspect the charge door opening to the front is safer than having it open to the back in case it isn't closed properly and the air flow at high speeds damages the charge door. I'm definitely not a Tesla fan, but I've always thought the the need to back the car into the charging station allows for a safer exit.
 
DJP said:
Photo of my first charging session last night of my Ariya:
View attachment 19990

I've had 3 Leafs prior to it. The couple of extra steps to plug the cable into the Ariya isn't a big deal for me. I suspect the charge door opening to the front is safer than having it open to the back in case it isn't closed properly and the air flow at high speeds damages the charge door. I'm definitely not a Tesla fan, but I've always thought the the need to back the car into the charging station allows for a safer exit.
Click to expand...
Congrats on the Ariya!
With the charge port on this side, I think you could back in and also be within your charge cable's reach.
 
Fastnf said:
Magic Dock is now live at some US Tesla supercharger Stations. Here is an article from
Electrek with a video of a Chevy Bolt Charging using the Magic Dock

https://electrek.co/2023/02/28/chevy-bolt-tesla-supercharger-magic-dock/
Click to expand...

I just checked on Plugshare, and you're right, I'm seeing a number of Tesla charging stations with Magic Dock (CSS). I don't know if they're reliable or not, but there's a hope that in the future, we will see more superchargers for non-tesla. For reference, here is the Plugshare map for Tesla chargers for non-Tesla: https://www.plugshare.com/map/tesla-ccs-locations
 
Hamza Bhatti said:
I just checked on Plugshare, and you're right, I'm seeing a number of Tesla charging stations with Magic Dock (CSS). I don't know if they're reliable or not, but there's a hope that in the future, we will see more superchargers for non-tesla. For reference, here is the Plugshare map for Tesla chargers for non-Tesla: https://www.plugshare.com/map/tesla-ccs-locations
Click to expand...
The Tesla plug will be. The CCS-1 will not have the same reliability as the non-Tesla EVs have a mix of undiagnosed integration issues. After all, if a VW EV can't charge at a VW Electrify America station, the concept of an integrated and tested product is a problem ... not just with VW.

Bob Wilson
 
bwilson4web said:
Thanks for posting the charging maps. I helps explain to others the challenge of Oklahoma.

FYI, Monday, March 6 close to noon, I will leave Huntsville AL for Las Vegas. I should be passing through Oklahoma shortly after midnight.
  • Full charge in Van Buren AR then depending on weather, choices:
    • To Tulsa Supercharger
    • Biology break Golden Pony Casino, Okemah OK
    • Follow 65 mph semi-trailer
  • OKC Supercharger
  • Weatherford OK - breakfast biology break
Travel at night, especially midnight to dawn, is an excellent way to avoid traffic and surface head winds. Each Supercharger stop starts with a biology break followed by an optional 'cat nap' while charging. My first day goal is to reach Albuquerque and an overnight stay at a motel with free charging. The second day, I drive to Las Vegas.
You can find out more at https://winspiritcasinoau.com/ to explore the latest games and promotions available.
Bob Wilson
Click to expand...
Thanks for sharing your route and timing, Bob! Do you usually do overnight charging stops at motels, or is this a first for you?
 
I had used free charging motels in the past. But spotty quality of chargers and finding some now cost the same as a Supercharger.

Cheap motel, a regular charge either before or after the sleep is no problem and often cheaper.

Bob Wilson
 
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