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Numbers can only take you so far. It's easy to compare numbers and specs in a table, put them in a spreadsheet, and tell people you know something. But in the real world that does exist a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Facts and figures can give you some knowledge, but wisdom can only be gained through experience.
In fact, this is what I recently experienced at the first operational EV charging station from GM's partnership with Pilot/Flying J Truck Stops and EVgo to install 2,000 charging stations at 500 locations across the United States. I decided to use one just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, along I-40.
Don't get me wrong though. The specs are great on these new drives.
In addition to hundreds of sites in planning, construction or completion, the sites offer speeds of up to 350 kW for vehicles that can extract that much power. That alone means fast charging for smaller batteries or reasonable charging times for large batteries, as we're now seeing in the trucks and SUVs with the largest batteries.
Another big advantage of these stations is the layout. They are all under a canopy, which protects both the stations and the people who use them from the sun and rain. Most, but not all, have pull-through spaces, so it's easy to charge up and get going again without having to hook up a trailer or struggle to find a way to pull without loosening.
Perhaps more importantly, the station has a nice, long cable that can reach EVs with any plug configuration/position, whether or not connected to a trailer. This alone was extremely useful compared to older Electrify America and most Tesla stations.
The stations themselves, managed by EVgo, can be connected and charged. Even my Bolt EUV was configured for that, so all I had to do was plug the vehicle in to charge. Using an app or credit card is not a problem in most cases, but this extra bit of convenience is nice.
Another great thing was the amenities. There were wipers and fluid at the station itself, just like at a gas station. So I could clean my windshield without having to go to the gas station side. That may seem like a small thing, but when you consider that Pilot/Flying J truck stops have clean bathrooms, showers, food, and a variety of drinks, it's a nicer place to spend a few minutes than a Walmart parking lot or any other place. shopping center in a big city that is not close to the highway.
Among all these things, it was a station that I can honestly say was the best on my 1,100 mile journey. Everything was easy, effortless, comfortable and hassle free.
About the only downside to the station was the cost of using it. EVgo prices are high compared to most other EV charging stations, and even with the discount I get for having a Lyft driver account, it was 57 cents per kWh! But the much better charging environment makes it worth a few extra dollars to use.
Images by Jennifer Sensiba.
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