I don’t own an EV yet so have a pretty basic question. Do all charging stations need smartphone (app) to use? Can I just drive up to a station and pay to charge? (If yes which network)
USA specific (of others r interested just add international info as well)
Some let you use credit cards. I think Electrify America does.
Either way, just about every network offers an offline RFID card you get in the mail. This is necessary at the ChargePoint L2 station near me because it’s in a basement parking garage that gets no cell service.
If you’re curious about specific stations near you, PlugShare usually has info.
So the RFID cards r like identity or r they payment cards? plugshare is just a webpage so that’s good, I’ll spend some time on it.
Identity cards that link to your account where you load in payment information.
Surely the charge station could install a microcell thing in the basement?
Some stations allow you to setup an account online so all you have to do is plug and charge. Depends on the charger company and car model. Check the charger’s website for more info.
For example: EV Go.
I see so charger can identify car attached to account? Uses payment method associated with account, is that it?
Yes. You set it up based on some serialization of the car and the next time you plug in it just charges and bills your account.
Electrify America is setting up something similar but so far it doesn’t work with the Bolt or some other older cars. Something about what they are using to serialize the car isn’t compatible with older models. So be sure to check the website of the charger for more info. It will probably become more standard with time.
If you’re worried about privacy, they can already tell who you are by your car’s data. Avoiding using a smart phone for charging will just make charging more difficult for no personal privacy gain.
Modern cars are massive data collection devices nowadays. Volkswagen just suffered a data breach including customer contact info and the gps history of their vehicle.
Privacy is one part, but I’ve accepted that if I’m getting new car I can’t just expect privacy.
However I’m using pinephone these days I don’t have access to apps
