Just back from a 1,000+ mile road trip from Bellingham Washington through southern BC. We have a 2025 Kia EV9 Wind with a range of about 300 or so miles. Our first charger stop in Merritt BC and it was our only wait. We spent the time chatting with all the other people there because it was everyone’s first EV road trip and we got to see the VW Buzz up close.
The charging system in that region is excellent. Flo, BC Hydro, Electrify Canada, and a convenience store system - we used them all. Several required a different app, which was the only hassle. A few of the chargers are a bit slow but the timing generally worked out for us to have lunch or dinner near the charger for an hour. There was never anyone waiting for us. There are even chargers (albeit slow ones) at some of the rest stops.
My husband LOVES road trips and I have a touchy back so I never wanted to go very far in our old ICE cars. But this was a really pleasant trip in a super comfortable car. We had some anxiety before we left about range/charging but we found plenty of chargers, even in more remote areas such as Arrow Lakes and south of Golden.
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The charging system in that region is excellent. … - we used them all. Several required a different app, which was the only hassle
That. That is my main hangup with EVs (though that’s not an EV problem in and of itself). I no longer carry a smartphone, and even when I did, I didn’t “app”.
I do not want to be required to have my phone on me, have it be charged, or have a stupid app installed to be able to refuel my vehicle. And chances are, those apps already do or eventually will refuse to work on custom ROMs (I’m a big fan of LineageOS).
We solved this problem ages ago with debit card terminals on gas pumps (or an attendant you can hand cash to). Why are we app-ifying the same experience with EVs?
That’s not an issue specific to EVs, though. The requirement for apps is pervasive and everywhere.
Sadly, true. Though I remain able to get by with only minor inconveniences without a smartphone; requiring an app to charge my EV when away from home would be a bit more than a minor inconvenience, though.