Totally agree about keeping snacks handy—been there, done that. I'd also suggest carrying a portable power bank or at least scoping out backup charging spots ahead of your trip. Chargers do go down more often than you'd expect, and relying on just one spot is a gamble. Checking recent station reviews on charging apps can save you some headaches...and maybe help avoid those hour-long waits next time.
Good advice on checking reviews ahead of time. Learned that the hard way on a road trip last month—station listed as 'available' had two chargers offline. Ended up waiting almost an hour... definitely doing my homework next time.
"station listed as 'available' had two chargers offline. Ended up waiting almost an hour..."
Yeah, I've been there—super frustrating when the app says one thing and reality says another. Learned a few tricks after dealing with similar headaches on longer trips:
- **Cross-check multiple apps**: Don't rely solely on one charging network's app. PlugShare is usually pretty reliable since it has user-submitted updates in real-time. Saved me more than once when the official app was lagging behind.
- **Look at recent check-ins**: Always glance at the latest user comments or check-ins on charging stations. People often leave quick notes like "charger #2 offline" or "slow charging speeds today." Takes just a minute but can save you from a nasty surprise.
- **Plan backups**: I know this sounds obvious, but having a secondary station planned along your route can be a lifesaver. Even if it's slightly off-route, it's way better than sitting around for an hour waiting for someone else to finish charging.
- **Charge strategically**: If you have the option, try to charge at less popular times or locations. For example, hotel chargers overnight or restaurant chargers during meal breaks tend to be less crowded and more predictable.
- **Consider premium networks**: Not sure what EV you're driving, but some luxury brands offer exclusive charging networks or partnerships that are generally better maintained. I've found these to be more reliable overall, even if they cost slightly more per session.
Also, quick anecdote—last summer I pulled into a station marked as "fully operational," only to find it completely powered down due to construction nearby. Luckily, a local coffee shop had installed two Level 2 chargers just down the road... took longer, sure, but at least I wasn't stuck doing nothing.
Anyway, good luck on your next trip—hope these tips help avoid another hour-long wait!
"PlugShare is usually pretty reliable since it has user-submitted updates in real-time."
Agree with this—PlugShare saved me big time last month. Pulled into a station that showed available, but half the chargers were blocked by construction gear... luckily someone had left a heads-up comment there earlier.
PlugShare's great, but I'd caution against relying solely on user-submitted info. I've seen cases where comments were outdated or vague, leading to confusion. A good backup is checking the charging network's official app directly—those usually update charger statuses automatically and can sometimes give more accurate real-time info. Saved me once when PlugShare showed a charger as working fine, but the official app flagged it as offline due to maintenance...
