The EV Charging Safety Issue Nobody Is Talking About
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- Опубликовано: 19 апр 2022
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I experienced this issue on the first day I picked up my Model 3. I was loving everything about the car, I had taken my parents out for a drive and needed to charge by late afternoon. I don’t have the ability to charge at home as I live in an apartment and it was the weekend so I couldn’t charge at work.
The local charger nearest to me wouldn’t work, so had to I re-route to one about 10 miles away, and by the time I got there it was just getting dark. I sat in the car at the back of a retail car park with only a McDonald’s open nearby. It had lights and cameras watching, but I did not even think about how much of a target I was.
As I was charging, playing with the car’s entertainment features for the first time, a group of yobs strolled on past and were whistling at me and my car, I thought they were just appreciating the car, but they started to throw stuff at my car and were surrounding me, I felt beyond vulnerable and there was nothing I could do. I couldn’t drive and I didn’t want to get out and say something otherwise they may have thrown worse or done more damage.
I wish there was something I could’ve done to get out of the situation quickly, but I had to just sit and watch. I won’t ever be charging at night in a public car park now, it’s just too risky. Some kind of quick release mechanism would be a great safety feature, though I also think chargers should be placed in much better places. I think we need more electric charging forecourts with 24 hour staff, just like what Gridserve is doing.
Horrific! Yes, a release inside the car that can unplug you from the charger so you can drive away without getting out of the vehicle should be mandatory. Waiting at night, especially over winter when it's dark early makes you a sitting duck for criminals and not just the ones walking past but increasingly other EV drivers too.
Bc of the typically remote location of charger my wife will only charge during the day and prefers to charge only at home.
She loves her model Y but would never take it on a trip where she would have to charge.
Btw, you are not giving bad guys any ideas. They look for situations like this. Thanks for putting this video up. Please keep the conversation going and sutions will follow!
When I was on a trip once in a Bolt and the EA chargers were broke, I had to get to a level 2. It was in a town that was decaying with lots of closed businesses and it was a weekend behind a library and city offices that felt like a back street alley. I felt like I had a bullseye on me, but I was so glad it was daytime...yet still felt like a ghost town.
Which town was this?
@@devoidbmx1 Herkimer, NY
This concern is legit. I've thought about it often as well. Have had some semi-panicky situations in the middle of the night. There needs to be a way to disengage the charger for emergencies from within the vehicle.
There's not one for the gas
@@lastpoetleft actually there is just drive off the pumps have safety disconnects that will shut the fuel off granted its meant for the idiots that forget to take it out before driving off but it still would work
Zac and Jessie from Now you know have already gotten some of their viewers to make prototype designs that quickly disconnect the cable quite successfully. Unfortunately it seems to just work well for Tesla‘s right now because of the smaller connector and better integration to the car to unlock the charge port.
My exact first thought before he even started talking. But great to bring more audiences together on this issue.
Why not do away with the cable entirely?
Prototype inductive charger pads are tested in Norway with great success as we speak: ruclips.net/video/AE1gaNO9nj0/видео.html
Yea go watch the now you know, many great ideas.
Soooo, probably a better idea is to now take down this video to not give anyone ideas, NYK
Yes I came to make the same comment
Thank you for finally bringing this up. It is the primary reason my wife will not get an EV. Sitting alone in a dark alley or wall mart parking lot for an hour is scary enough without being tethered and trapped. In Los angels and other big cities most crime goes unanswered. What good is safety while driving if you get hurt charging up
You are far more likely to die in an accident driving an EV than you are charging it.
When it comes to charging, just use common sense and adopt good habits, like not letting your car drain down to nothing, or avoiding charging in the bad part of town.
@@AkioWasRight Um, what about traveling? You usually have no idea what that next supercharger may have lurking around it.
@@aussie2uGA I think you're still more likely to die in an accident than be killed while charging your EV on road trips.
But regardless, common sense will still apply. Map your route, pick locations, avoiding charging at odd ours. I mean, I if I were traveling in an ICE car, I also have to make stops to fuel, to eat, to rest, etc., often for extended periods of time, so I use commons sense to maximize the safety of my trip.
As a last resort, have yourself armed and ready to defend. But Sadly, that's a political issue.
Prototype inductive charger pads are tested in Norway with great success as we speak: ruclips.net/video/AE1gaNO9nj0/видео.html
That reason for not getting an ev makes zero sense. FYI you DON'T have to charge in dark alleys and parking lots. You charge where it's safe it's common sense. Plan your driving so you're not stranded
When on long trips, in unfamiliar areas, I've always made a point to leave the car. Go into the store or public place. Leave the car locked up. Then it's just another car in the parking lot.
I've thought about this a lot, but only felt personally concerned one time when charging at a lonely parking lot at night when a guy in a kind of beat up ICE vehicle pulled into the parking lot and proceeded to drive around the parking lot in circles over and over again. I felt a little safer when somebody in an EV pulled up next to me to charge. But the ICE guy continued to drive around in circles over and over again. He had been doing this for about half an hour when the other EV driver stopped charging and left. I unplugged and left immediately after that because I felt really uncomfortable.
Why not do away with the cable entirely?
Prototype inductive charger pads are tested in Norway with great success as we speak: ruclips.net/video/AE1gaNO9nj0/видео.html
If and when this happens again just pretend you're on your cell talking to someone and make it obvious.
Very smart to leave. Hopefully others learn it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Your discriminatory against ICE driver's!
@@Anthony-dj4ndice driver's what?
I have thought about this very issue, and I'm so thankful you're bringing awareness to the issue! I've been on roadtrips a handful of times where I had no choice but to stop in a not so great part of town, and felt like I had to constantly scan the area while charging. I've thought about some sort of breakaway cord, that's easily reattachable? But I like your eject option, just not sure how that could be retrofitted to current cars on the market?
The "unlock chargeport" is a software initiated action, it could be added OTA. If the car would allow you to shift into drive and drive away, albeit with possible damage to your vehicle's charge port, it would be available in an emergency. The "possible" or "probable" damage should dissuade jerks from using this as their normal, lazy, course of action. I would certainly want there to be loud audible and bright visual signals to prevent you from doing it inadvertently. And since it is only to be used in a safety emergency, there's no reason the person using it would mind if the headlights flashed and horn honked for half a minute or so after you drove away. These would serve to call needed attention to the scene and would be nice to provide others charging at the same station to realize that there is a threat nearby.
@@danoberste8146 you know there are other EVs than Tesla?
This thought has occurred to me several times. The only solution I see is not to locate chargers in secluded areas - they have to be in a busy area / at an open store. Probably not workable though.
Right, this will decrease crimes near a station greatly. Having an eject-button to drop the cable is undesired, as cars can drive over them and rain can get inside the plug.
Then we'll get ICEd more, I see it in Burbank we're charging is too convenient. Wish everyone would put a roof over the open air chargers
@@HelloSwiftful You're worried more about the plug than your own safety?
two solutions, and they both need to be implemented:
1. if they have guns and they're trying to steal the car and drive away.. let them, then have precise location tracking system in the teslas (they could have this now, i'm not sure) so that as soon as they drive away you can alert cops of the exact location and street of your car (or maybe send the car's exact location to the officers someway conveniently so that they can track it in real time, with consent tho) so they can corner them before they even drive 2 miles away.
2. if they don't have guns and they're demanding you step out of the vehicle so that they just take your belongings and go, that would be avoidable by just driving away. but as he pointed out that would break the charger and possibly damage the car's charging port. so I suggest tesla put the charging port in the back of the car so that when you drive away (which is forward) it would just unplug without damaging anything and you escape.
@@a-don13 I see what you are saying, but no car is worth your life. Someone comes up on you with a weapon, let them have it. Like you said, there are options for afterwards, but first try to make sure there is an afterwards!
I think a great idea would be including an “eject adaptor” with the car when you purchase it. You can use it when you feel like you’re in a sketchy place or by yourself and it’ll attach to the Supercharger/DCFC, maybe designed to be small and simple like the J1772 to Tesla adaptor owners currently receive. Then when you’re in your car and are in a real situation where you need to use it, you can eject and drive away. The benefit of this solution though, vs having the charger build in the ejection system, is that people wouldn’t be doing this all willy nilly and leaving chargers on the ground. Since its your adaptor, you’d have incentive to not be ejecting it and leaving it behind every time you charge.
I think this is the way. Even a will lit and public area isn't enough to stop some bad people. Something like this would even be good for gas pumps as it can be a problem there as well. I've been to my fair share of shady gas stations when having to travel late at night. Wasn't so much a deal in my smaller 15 gallon cars, but my 36 gallon truck could take a while...
I should add, obviously with gas pump handles they would have to have a way to shut off the flow. Can't just eject it with it still pumping!
i think this issue as a occupancy situation. if stranger unplugs while charging, its law suit problem in u.s. charging car is not only paying for the electricity , it also includes occupancy fee. in korea, fine will be charged for more than 60 min occupancy after charge is over. its the same as old coin parking essentially. one minute over the time, get fined. it applys on all chargers including apartment complex (partally personal charger) so you have to wake up in middle of night if you dont want to get fined(max 100$). it basically forces people to think ahead of charging time and total battery left.
I like this idea!
The Now You Know guys had a challenge and reviewed multiple different solutions that people made and sent in. "Trapped in your Tesla | In Depth" v=S-HXnI5AmWc
I really like this idea. This feels patentable. I hope someone makes this.
This is something many have had concerns, including myself. They install some of them, especially the EA stations, in Walmart parking lots, sometimes in very shady areas. Driving into these, in a nice car like a Taycan, Audi, BMW, Lucid and it tends to draw folks attention anyway. Now at night, when the stores are closed or about to close, it can make people feel unsafe. I’m not saying ANYTHING that people who go to Walmarts or anything are bad people at all! It just definitely feels unsafe. I’m a 200+ pound black man from Brooklyn and when I pull up to those EA stations sometimes in my Taycan at night, my head is totally on a swivel and I’m on my guard. Better lighting, being put closer to the store entrance instead of way over on the side or the back of the lots might help. I never liked going to shady gas stations either, so it would be nice if I could have more choice where I charge. If the place looks or feels unsafe, i should be able to go somewhere else to charge, but often on a road trip, you get what you get or try the next charger 50-100 miles away if you can make it. You are a sitting duck out there and cant get away quickly and can be where there are just not a lot of people around. It makes for a bad scenario. Stay safe folks!
Nothing against walmart, but walmart parking lots are factual high crime locations. New locations need to be in better locations. Even if it costs more. I would not let my wife sit in walmart parking lot for 30 mins
Yeah this is one of the reasons my sister won't get one. Having to charge in some sketchy locations where she will be tethered to infrastructure for long periods of time is just nerve racking to her. It won't be until they put more charging stations in nice areas out in the open by a main street that women like my sister will feel safe charging one away from home.
Why not do away with the cable entirely?
Prototype inductive charger pads are tested in Norway with great success as we speak: ruclips.net/video/AE1gaNO9nj0/видео.html
@@anydaynow01 Mind you, it’s not all the stations at sketchy places. Some I’ve been to have been quite nice and safe, day or night. It’s just EA stations, i would say 80% of them I’ve been to on the east coast in the south been at Walmarts and shady areas.
Walmart people are ghetto stop sugar coating it lol
There is not a magic solution, and I might be a bit biased, but I think this is where convenience store / fueling station charging locations shine.
Well I can say from my observations living in front of 3 gas stations that's NOT always the case. BUT it's probably the "better" option. There's gotta be other convenient options to SAFELY charge up your EV.
I like to add that I'm 1,000,000% for EVs. Seeing more everyday here. Looking FORWARD to be a normal event.
I think hotels should be the hub for all public Level 2 and DC fast charging. Always customers and employees around, and open 24-hours. Also most have wi-fi, concessions available, restrooms, and sitting areas inside.
That helps but those still get robbed, other than ICE is only there 5 minutes instead of 45.
I've gotten gas at plenty of stations that were not open and there was no one there. Just pay at the pump. If you are standing by your car and someone comes up with a gun they are going to get your car. Not really different than if you are at a charging station.
Wow! I believe I almost got robbed a few weeks ago charging in the back corner of a Walmart parking lot at 3AM. I am a police officer and I still felt the danger around this. A car was circling the parking lot and was clearly looking at me, the driver got out and started walking towards me. At that moment the only thing I wanted was that "ejecto" button because I realized I would have to get out and unplug it myself. Called the local police where I was and floored it out of the lot. My solution, I feel much safer at DC fast chargers at places like Sheetz or eat in gas stations where there is staff and other people around. So lets build them in places that aren't simply an empty parking lot. Also lets make it so you have to own an EV in order to see what chargers are being used so people cannot target a single car being charged. Also get some "personal protection" as Kyle said...if you're comfortable with that.
That would be nice if I could CCW in Honolulu.
I agree! As a female journalist testing a lot of new electric vehicles I worry about my safety at charging stations all of the time. You're a sitting target! Good video ... see you at another press event soon 😊
just wait for the green-oriented administration to forbid gun owning... then you will be sitting loot. so, say thanks to all greendeal-makers who rised electrical costs tenfold.
Bjorn Nyland recently had an experiment performed to compare wired charging vs sitting on a remote charging pad. In that test, the method which charged without a cable connected to the car wasted less power than using a wired connection. That should warrant more research for a few reasons:
1 - This eliminates power cord/connector cooling and maintenance
2 - This could save a bunch of energy
3 - safety implications, as noted in this video. Just drive away if you sense mischief approaching.
The downsides are added expenses likely for each car to have a receiver attached to the belly somewhere. Same goes for the charger, but cable maintenance disappears, so long term cost should be less.
Yes, I watched this video a few months back & would LOVE to see these types of charging stations become the norm. (still haven't seen any in California yet). I remember that a portion of them were also solar powered, which is awesome!
4. Eliminates cable theft (no cable to steal)
5. Improved ADA accessibility (no requirement for physical ability to get out of the car and plug in the cable).
The catch is that it will always be subject to a chicken and egg problem. It's not worth spending the money to install the wireless chargers without the cars that will use it, nor is wireless charging a selling point for the car without the chargers that can take advantage of it.
ejection handle that is a one time use...has to be refitted at dealer
One step further: it Ejects your charge connector entirely. Basically mimicing a gecko or other lizard that lets it's tail come off when its being attacked. Only do it when youre life is in danger.
I agree on the safety aspect. The Florence SC Supercharger is sketchy at night. I've been approached at night there by less than desirable individuals. Thankfully there were three other people with me, the wife, Jim Smith & Johnny Wesson.
Personal protection is the best failsafe. So many people think a blue call button on a pole will solve all their problems.
Love those two guys, nothing happens when people see Jimmy and Johnny that's for sure 😃
I carry my Austrian friend Gaston Glock with me ;) Sometimes his little buddy Ruger LCP comes along as backup.
I appreciate you coming out and making this video. I have been thinking about this issue as well. I love road trips and it's more convenient to have a gas car even though crime can happen at gas stations (I watch alot of cctv videos on it) it's less likely in the day. Even when I do road trips I plan my stops to make sure I get gas in decent size city with people around and not in the middle of a random small town I no nothing about or seems sketchy.
I plan to go full EV once the mercedes eqe comes out, but I have been a little hesitant due to this issue. Being a sitting duck at a charging station in a mercedes is a bad idea, actually just driving it in a sketchy area will be a bad idea. Just don't know what to do to help the situation. Cameras won't help, I don't need anyone to see me get shot that doesn't help.
Maybe they can add charging stations to gas stations, or we park in a secure building to charge with cops patrolling.
I do see this becoming an issue though especially with gas prices now, criminals will want an EV.
I don’t think you’re crazy Kyle. As a Tesla owner I sometimes feel unsafe with charging up at Superchargers across the US and especially at night. I agree, it’s time that these EV charging stations start looking into the safety of their customers.
you are in charge of your own safety ,,, carry a gun
I live in NC and am familiar with the Burlington charging station. My suggestion is to have your own personal protection on your person, visible by anyone that walks up.
Based on the view from your office you live in Vegas. Nevada is an open carry state.
Sometimes technology can’t solve issues because criminals are unpredictable and don’t follow laws. They adapt. Good luck bro!
I think Clark County has special regulations in place that is different than rest of Nevada.
Funny you mention this. A journalist who works at The Drive brought up how she felt unsafe at public chargers at night because they're usually somewhere in a dark back corner where a gas station is usually lit up and next to a store. I think to make public chargers safe they need to replicate a gas station atmosphere and not just be a plug at the back of a store
I think as EVs become more common we will see ways of monetizing the charging stop much like convenience stores monetize the gas station stop... I think that will help a lot since there's a roof, a well lit area, and a building that has someone always working in it.
I don't think chargespots can ever be like safe gas stations that's a fantasy, gas is 5 minutes so 10 pumps 50 people a hour, a 10 spot charge station at hour is 10 people an hour 5x less not nuff to support a convenience store. . .
@@mostlyguesses8385 Most EVs can charge in a much shorter time so it would be like 20 people an hour for 10 chargers. But at a larger installation I think it could easily support a convenience store like 25 or 30 chargers
@@techied ... I am no expert. But gotta think EV charge spots have fewer customers per day, so randomly will have gaps where 1 car is alone, , , or we could say no EV Charging spots with less than 50 spots no more 4 spots behind a Walmart, ,. , Even gas stations usually have 20 pumps so are designed to be busier the opposite of a 2 ev bay behind a Walmart.... Tesla builds big, so busier, the rest risk safety by building small quiet bays, , , , 50 bay minimum! .. . I admit EV Charging has gotten better EVs have surprised me, but they have flaws and risk of crime seems to be 1.... If someone came to me with a knife as I am pumping gas, ha, my brain would point the nozzle at them and most muggers wouldnt risk getting doused, but a electric nozzle is no risk, which sounds dumb but is true, , , , , would someone fire a gun near a gas pump or unconsciously we know this is dangerous so criminals wouldn't... Hmm. But they do go Rob inside the store, Sooooo I could be wrong....
There are these things that quickly accelerate projectiles...
On a serious note, I recently filled up my wife's SUV and drove away with the pump in. Turns out it pops off at the shoulder like a lizard tail 😂
I did that once. VERY embarrassing.
I'm prepared to kill to protect what I've worked extremely hard for. No guilt, no lost sleep, no night time charging fear
If your car is worth more than someone’s life, you are no better than the criminal.
I definetily saw the location where you charged the R1T on your 2/3 leg. I wouldn't want my wife ti charge there at night
I've had some similar concerns with my PHEV. My apartment doesn't have any EVSE and the owners will unplug you if you dangle an extension cord off your balcony to charge up with.
There's a charging station about 2/3 a mile away on-foot (no sidewalks, I just walk on the side of the road) in a little shopping area. During daylight hours, it's usually pretty great. After dark, though, people don't stop at the stop signs and usually the only people out are either me walking to collect my car from the charger, restaurant employees taking trash to their closest dumpsters, and a few drunk people from the bar wandering around the parking lot.
One time, someone started running at me when I was walking to get my car. I use a flashlight that has a strobe light feature and I turned it on. a 1200 lumen strobe light will disorient anyone, so that got me enough time to put some distance between them and myself, unplug my car, and drive away. Thankfully, that's the worst that's happened, but it still makes me wonder sometimes.
I usually feel safe at other chargers (e.g. at the mall or grocery store during the day, gas station or restaurant chargers during business hours, etc.), and usually feel safe at my charger, but going between a charger and some other location can feel a bit sketch at times.
This is a solid concern. I'm also concerned about lines that will grow at stations as more and more people get EVs and we are still charging slowly 🐌
what will shrink is the patience of those already impatient EV owners.
I personally don't see that as being so much of a problem as, the only time you will usually need a super charger is on longer trips or if you forgot to charge over night. Also charging stations don't need massive tanks with huge pumps and the like so almost every parking lot could have a charging bay or two.
More are being constructed and homes are getting them
Prototype inductive charger pads are tested in Norway with great success as we speak: ruclips.net/video/AE1gaNO9nj0/видео.html
As someone who lives in NYC I have had this thought many times and is a big reason why I'm waiting on buying electric. There is a charging area new my home and it always looks desolate, not well lit and a bit scary actually. Criminals are really brazen here.
Sadly, it's only going to get worse in the near future. This fall and winter looks like a perfect storm of economic unrest.
I literally felt I was about to have this very situation occur just last week…
I pulled into a Supercharger located in a sub level parking structure of a large Mall, around 02:00, with five other Tesla’s already there at various levels of charge.
Thirty minutes later, I was alone, with a handful of random empty cars scattered around the parking lot, though none behind me. There was a mall sweeping vehicle a level up, who’s flashing lights I could see. Seven percent more left to charge. As I began scanning the parking lot, an uneasy feeling came over me, as I quickly realized how vulnerable I was if an unpleasant situation occurred.
Suddenly like the beginning of a horrible movie, a lone figure dressed in all black appeared in the distance, some fifty meters or more away, and seemingly headed directly towards my vehicle at a deliberate pace. Concerned but not panicked. I dialed the Police. Described my situation, and asked if a patrol car was nearby, could they check in on my location. I even described the approaching figure, and noted that he was wearing sunglasses at this unusual hour, and a hat, with something odd in his right hand.
The guy uneventfully passed by as I was still on the call with dispatch. They said they would have an officer swing by, asking how much longer I planned to be there, and we disconnected. Several minutes later I unplugged the charger and drove away. Ten minutes later I received a call from the officer that was in the area, inquiring if assistance was necessary.
My conclusion: If a criminal wanted to do harm, they probably would do so with a level of awareness your average person going about their day would not be in that state of mind to realize at the moment. Generally, technology is developed to transform experience for better living. Security is basically a result of human nature. Life is a balance, mainly of convenience, time, or affordability…
Honestly, most chargers are not really thought out properly, if they were, this would not be an issue at all. The immediate solution is to have chargers be a regular area for police patrol routes…
…
Sadly we can't have cops give more attention to EV Charging areas, you rich guys hire some security guards if gonna sit for hour a high risk activity you choose. Chicago cops needs to focus on solving murders not patrolling charge spots.. jk
The best optimum solution would be wireless charging. That should be the future charging standard. Also, to deter a possible assault or robbery, a quick siren alarm button or voice command "Help Siren" and flash all the lights.
Wireless charging would solve this problem and also the charge port orientation problem. It works forward or backwards.
Prototype inductive charger pads are tested in Norway with great success as we speak: ruclips.net/video/AE1gaNO9nj0/видео.html
@@theschellerstube Only problems are extra hardware on the vehicle, more expensive installation/maintenance, and likely lower efficiency.
@@whattheschmidt it is probably actually cheaper to use wireless. Cars could be retrofitted with the induction charger. Charging sites should be cheaper as the charging pad would be below the road surface and removes the human interaction which leads to damaged cables, plugs, charger buttons/screens, misused emergency stop buttons, weather damage. So ongoing support & maintenance is minimised. Bjorn Nyland tried the system being tested in Oslo and found it efficient, easy to use and even operated covered in snow. ruclips.net/video/AE1gaNO9nj0/видео.html
@@theschellerstube its not a cell phone .. it needs to transfer up to 60kwh of electricity. If it was possible dont you think they would be doing it ? You just cant transfer that throught the air. Its write up there with solar panel's on the car roof. Not going to happen. Do the math.
I appreciate your honesty of all your reviews of these incredible vehicles and the perspective and opinion you have on all of them because as a person who someday wants an opportunity to own an electric vehicle it’s nice to get a full on review of all these different types of vehicles & companies and dealing with issues and also the positive side of things so thank you
Fire trucks and ambulances have had plug kickers for years, When the truck is in the station it is plugged in to shore power to run the HVAC and charge all those wonderful battery-operated life saving devices. The cord drops down from the ceiling and is plugged into a shorter cord around a foot long called a "pig tail". The short cord is there just in case the plug ejector fails and prevents damaging the station drop cord. The pig tail is plugged into the plug ejector. When the operator starts the truck the cord is ejected and swings away from the truck. Noise and mayhem ensues!
He's very right about the mass influx of rude EV owners.
It's not so much rude.
Just an problem with EV cars.
When you force everyone into them , most people couldn't care about the environment or any other useless crap.
They aren't going to care about whatever 3 people's rule sets are.
The trolling possibilities seem like the more likely problem. Very surprised to learn someone can end sessions w/o authentication. It seems like a relatively easy coding fix though.
Perhaps a blue light type system like you see on a lot of campuses would be an effective deterrent on the safety side.
The J1772 it's a shitty standard doesn't have any lock so anyone can interrupt the charging no wonder tesla didn't switch to it. In europe you can unplug only if the car allows it just like Tesla standard
@@StefanoFinocchiaro - J1772 plugs do lock onto the car. I have no idea where you are getting your information from. On my Ioniq 5, It will stay locked on until the charging session is complete or I stop it myself either on the touchscreen in the car or the Ioniq 5 app. Otherwise, it will stay locked on.
The reason Telsa didn't switch to J1772 is that Tesla wanted to keep their chargers proprietary to Tesla only. This allows them to keep their charging stations clear of non-Telsa vehicles for capacity control, to provide complimentary charging for owners, or to require owners to charge only at Tesla chargers so the charging costs could be controlled by Tesla. Much like iPhones use a propriatary charging cable to force users to purchase only their chargers.
Plus, that "shitty" standard you complain about has quickly become the standard in the US and Canada. Seems that it wasn't such a bad design after all.
A pin # to end the session
@@4thdistrict476 Are you sure? The J1772 has a manual lever that physically unlock the connection and also disconnect the PP from the earth pin telling the car that the connector is no longer plugged in
@@4thdistrict476 That's from Wikipedia "The proximity detection pin is connected to a switch in the connector release button. Pressing the release button causes the vehicle to stop drawing current. As the connector is removed, the shorter control pilot pin disconnects first, causing the EVSE to drop power to the plug. This also ensures that the power pins will not be disconnected under load, causing arcs and shortening their life. The ground pin is longer than the other pins, so it breaks last."
Great and timely video Kyle. I had similar safety concerns when I made my first EV road trip overnight earlier the year and had to fast charge at the back of the parking lot of a closed Denny’s in CA’s Central Valley near the Grapevine where a group of folks were hanging out in cars nearby. Fortunately they were just bored Valley kids, and things felt better when a security patrol rolled by and another solo traveler who pulled up to charge her Bolt. Still, I think more thought needs to be put into locating chargers where there are 24 hour services like the old-school truck stops with a restaurant & convenience mart for safety.
It's good you made a video on this topic. There have been a few DC Fast charger stations that were not comfortable to charge at, but criminals have not picked up the location on these yet. We need to start making larger charging hubs near high traffic areas.
They were talking about this on the RUclips channel. Now you know they actually had a challenge of several patent-pending ideas. They showed each vision. like a minor robotic system that would pull the plug out for you in an emergency
Ok, this is the third comment where I paste the link. I promise this is the last time.
ruclips.net/video/S-HXnI5AmWc/видео.html
Totally share this concern with everyone and have avoided traveling late at night to early morning hours because of it. Charging station owners and the establishment it’s in should consider sharing the cost of having security patrol these areas especially during those hours of the day/night.
When we drove to the Keys from SC , we stopped at a Walmart in FL that I did not feel safe in. I stayed with the car and my hubby went in. They had security driving around the lot. Which made me feel somewhat better. This was in broad daylight. I can only imagine what it would have been like at night. I drive to WI by myself every summer. This will be my first time with our EV. This is a huge concern for me. Patrols would be nice along with lots of bright lights and cameras and a fast way to eject the plug.
I remember the Burlington supercharger. I don't live in North Carolina anymore but I was born and raised there. My wife and I used to frequent that supercharger on the way to visit family. Didn't know there was a story around it!
Maybe wireless charging, could be a solution, as it would allow a quick "getaway", as no hard/physical connection would exist.
That would make for a 3 hour session.
@@zoner__ the mcclaren speedtail uses wireless charging but it's level2
There's a efficiency loss from wireless charging
Prototype inductive charger pads are tested in Norway with great success as we speak: ruclips.net/video/AE1gaNO9nj0/видео.html
@@zoner__ Yes, I agree, the technology has to improve there.
I think a good solution would be to implement an inductive charge setup in the parking lane for charging. Leaving could be very simple. If lanes were “pull through” alignment might be fairly easy
I think Volvo are starting to do this, I think it will be the future, Inductive with car that talks to charger(like tesla at supercharger). No need to exit vehicle etc
Prototype inductive charger pads are tested in Norway with great success as we speak: ruclips.net/video/AE1gaNO9nj0/видео.html
That is being implemented in europe but I doubt it will be a thing that makes it over to the US. The sheer amount of red tape and cost, and difficult social acceptance makes new technology adoption hard to do on a wide scale
How could that ever charge fast enough? What’s the fastest induction rate we even currently have? Maybe for level 2 but I don’t ever see that becoming viable for the L3 fast charging he’s talking about here, at least not anytime soon
I came here to suggest the same but not sure what kind of charge rates it can do.
Unfortunately we may have to tether to a cable until we have the infrastructure to add lanes on roads to add these.
I believe it’s coming.
Really valid concern. In my case, where literally 95% of my driving is just around town, I’d just charge at home overnight and not deal with overcrowded charging stations or the safety issues. Then just take the ICE car for road trips. Then down the road, after these issues have possibly worked their way out, use the EV for everything.
Tesla should come out with a pepper spray install on the roof of the car by B pillar. When an intruder comes up, the driver presses the button from the inside to shoot the pepper spray. 😃
"Not a flamethrower" option?
@@aussie2uGA Framethrower would be cooler along with the bullet proof windows and doors like the cyber truck.
2-words - Situational awareness. I see too many distracted and careless ppl, especially younger generation. There are pure evil folks out there that don't care about your well being. Don't put yourself in situations that are clearly shady. It's always a good idea to plan ahead, be it plan charging stops in well populated areas, be on video chat with loved one, be prepared to take defensive action, not be distracted or aware of your surroundings. Just my 2 cents as a former Policeman. 👮♂️🚔
I''m plugged into a charger for 30 minutes. Can't put it in drive, can't do anything without getting out and unplugging. Sitting in car watching around me. - sure. But then stranger in car drives up and blocks my driver door with his car and approaches - Nothing you can do. In other words, I can't charge in that town. Can't do trips through that town because they have some societal issue - like 90% of the US.
Another potential issue is will a Tesla drive forward if you step right up the bumper? Think Portland riots, where a flash mob could suddenly surround your car and start banging on the windows. Would the software "safety" automatically immobilize you from trying to drive?
Ah yes facetiming my family is gonna stop criminals
@@jamesle9851 your funeral...
I had this thought several times while doing cross country in an EV, I agree with your approach of having a Emergency Eject button and have a dollar cost attached may be 100$ fine whenver you hit the button. this would eliminate lazy pushes.
I think five or $10 would do it
Also, the charging station could video record the eject session. If the driver was shown to be negligent, a fine could be applied.
@@rp9674 $5 or $10 is low enough for people to do it just because it's raining. Needs to be higher
High enough that it's a deterrent, but not high enough to penalize someone for using it in a real situation. I do like the idea of them reviewing footage to remove the fee if in an actual situation
@@Matt-Ionman $10.49, final offer
Universities have a system of blue lights for students to call for help by activating the light. Perhaps the aps that manage the charging can include a warning button to activate a blue light that lights up and calls the cops.
I have also been thinking about this as well, glad you brought it up. There needs to be a re-thinking on where/how EV Charing Stations are located and how they can be used/controlled access to them. The idea someone can walk up and turn off the power flow if you step away while the car is charging is a big problem, especially if someone else wants to charge and you're not there and they want to use your charging station. As you pointed out, you are especially vulnerable because it takes some time to charge your vehicle. This safety and security while in an EV Charging station needs to be addressed now.
Yep, press the stop button and then hide behind the charger and then attack the driver when they are fiddling around trying to get the power back on. All far too easy for a criminal.
It is why you need to carry your arm while charging, this is the only way.
Have situation awareness, avoid dangerous time and area.
I had these same exact thoughts while using a Supercharger in LA around midnight in a lonely parking lot away from traffic. It is legitimate and unfortunately we have to consider what we can do in a worst case scenario
On a recent road trip, we had to stop at an Electrify America charger that was located in the back of a Target parking lot far away from anything, around 11pm (so everything was closed and it was dark except for a few parking lot lights.) I didn't feel unsafe, but I did feel the need to stop charging early (at 70% instead of the prescribed 80%) because it did feel sketchy as hell.
I have had a similar issue. Someone came up to my window and started knocking aggressively on my window while I was charging. It was extremely scary. Because I’m not in a state where I can have a firearm, I was extremely scared - I got a pocket knife but it can only do so much
I bet the bad guys love that you are unarmed makes it safer for them
wireless charging would be an answer
That's a great idea.
in theory yes but wireless is also significantly less efficient, thus driving the price up when ev owners already dont like the prices at many locations.
That’s actually not true. Wireless charging, if done correctly, is more efficient and cheaper. You don’t need huge liquid cooled cables and the distance between car and transformer is often shorter, therefore decreasing power loss. Porsche already developed a prototype which is 10% more efficient than the typical CCS 150KW fast charging station.
@@15schmitd Bjorn Nyland tested it and it was actually more efficient so he was confused and wanted to test again. I'd happy use wireless...
I’ve stopped twice at night (10-11 PM) at this one Supercharger that was a bit sketchy. Off the interstate, down a side road, in the back of a shopping center. Dark. Pretty empty. One time, a security guard drove by. That helped.
After those two visits, I simply changed my routine. I now stop there during the day going to my destination, rather than at night, returning home. Not a perfect solution, but in daylight the area was a lot busier and felt safer (I didn’t say safe - safer) than at night.
Not sure what the solution is, and like you, I’m not sure there is a solution.
Line cutters, obnoxious EV drivers (and non-drivers), and predators looking for an easy score…
These behaviors are a part of everyday life. I try to be aware, keep my eyes open, and pay attention to my gut feelings. Those have worked really well for me in my 66 years.
Good luck to us all!
Pretty relevant topic. Good you bring it up. By the way what adpater were you using at the Evgo charger
I have had almost all of what you mentioned happen to me, personally. I've had to stop at not-too-friendly spots in order to charge, I've also had many times when I've been disconnected while I was not at my car. I think there should be more safety implemented into releasing the charging cable (in case of emergency) and also having an RFID chip needed to stop charging & release the charging cable in ALL CHARGING STATIONS when done charging. On the plus side, while charging at public stations I have had many people come up to me and just want to know more about my electric car and how I liked it. So it does have some pluses when out & putting your faith in the public charging systems that we currently have. Let's hope for more safety features in the near future!
Location of the chargers in more visible areas of the lots would help a ton. More eyes watching would at least slow things down a bit. They're usually super hard to find, and far away from everything... (in my use)
I think once we start seeing more charging stations that are essentially the gas station build/model then maybe this will be less of an issue. Perhaps charge stations that have an attendant of some sort, or more charging stations at Wawas and Quickchecks where civilians and law enforcement go to buy things.
Having charge stations buried at the back of a Walmart or next to the dumpster definitely isn't the best way.
Exactly .... premium cars and ethical drivers being shoved onto the back yard
So far I have only done a few late at night. The few were at Walmart EA, and on both of them there was a security guard driving around. Both had lights. And besides I do carry.
Hire a security guard to sit their for 8hrs...like they had in the restrooms back in the day. They can even hand you a warm towel while you wait for your car to charge.
Probably not good for interstate road trips, but if you open carry and stand outside next to your car I don't think anyone is approaching you. But, not really a good solution
For some bad guys, a gun is a desirable object to steal. I wouldn’t be too sure that simply “flashing a piece” is a guarantee that person wouldn’t be targeted. During the initiation and completion at charging stations, the driver has to focus on the kiosk’s interface. That’s a vulnerable time.
@@ezpoppy55 I just think the vast majority of thieves are looking for the quick and easy score. Put anything out there that increases the risk and they probably wait for the next chance. It's why locking your doors and keeping valuables out of view works, they just move along to a better opportunity.
I think the biggest problem with firearms is that the laws around them are vastly different between someone breaking into your house vs being defensive in your car.
I would say it's more an issue with the crime rate in the US, rather than an EV charging station issue. I feel safe charging even on the backroads, but I'm in Europe.
Yes, I think that!s why there are different perceived needs for protection. IMHO in a civilised country some lights and a camera should be deterrence enough…
I thought of this exact same risk recently while charging late at night.
Maybe a panic button that not only ejects the charger but also activates Sentry mode, blares the horn (or yells something), strobes the lights, locks the doors, switches to sport mode, calls 911 hands-free, etc.
We bought a model s at the end of 2016. Back then I interrogated the web and couldn’t find any incidents , but I’m sure that has changed . Here in Arizona we are allowed to carry firearms ,so there’s that. Here is another scheme ONLY WORKS WITH TWO PEOPLE : Driver is seated in the customary position . Passenger is standing with the back door open , and their hand at the ready position to disengage charging plug . Last step is to dive into the backseat “ Mannix style “. Of course this probably would not be employed at lunchtime with lots of fellow drivers . It would be considered for middle of the night , low activity kind of thing.
Wireless charging could be a better solution in long term.
Witha great amount of radiation
One of the solutions that I hope takes off is inductive charging. Pull on to a pad, authenticate, start charging. You never leave the vehicle. Then if something sketchy happens you can just drive away.
I'd love to hear more about this from engineers. I'm not an engineer, but I have a high degree of confidence that Physics will object to such a solution.
@@ericanderson1753 *Technically* it can work but it will be painfully slow, just like it is on our phones and tablets today.
Wireless charging is a growing industry for cars. Bjorn Nyland made a video about it not too long ago. It actually turned out to be faster and more efficient than plugging in.
@@sveticus Not to mention horribly inefficient, you'd be losing something like 1/2 to 2/3rds of the electricity you are trying to put into the battery simply by the space created between the pad and the battery pack.
@@migueljardim8177 this just isn’t true. Check out Bjorn Nyland’s videos from Oslo. Here is an example: ruclips.net/video/aq7SP18sPKw/видео.html
Always packing, that's the Texas mantra. Constitutional carry here is the greatest deterrent.
Great video.
We were needing a charge on a longer trip and the two options we had on the route were badly lit, and in less than ideal locations (near pubs etc.). Whilst I was OK my wife told me she would not have wanted to charge there on her own.
We had a conversation that it would be good to have the chargers in gas stations where there is nearly always someone and its well lit.
I think there will eventually be a need for a security guard at these stations. People get robbed at parking lots all the time, the sitting EV ducks will eventually become targets.
Can you imagine the expense for 24/7 guards? Like most things in life, a high profile "incident" is going to bring major awareness, media then sets their narrative, it gets political, then emergency government money appears with a "solution". Wash, rinse, repeat...
I greatly appreciate this PSA on safety. As a soon to be EV owner, this is a valid concern for all of us. Hopefully ubiquitous charging locations will reduce this opportunity for issues by being able to charge anywhere you go. For now I’m glad I can install a home charger to cover 90% of our needs.
Hello there! It is interesting that you bring up this topic. As I recently went on a road trip I had some similar thoughts and concerns. The great thing about it is that the technology is already out there, it just needs to be adapted. Fire trucks have so much power drain on the system and air brakes that need to be ready to go at a moments notice they have to be plugged in to shore power and an air line when they are in the station. When the truck is started the ignition button hits a special connector that ejects both lines from the apparatus. Which brings me to my next piece of technology. Plymovent is a company that deals with the truck exhaust as it leaves the station. It is designed to stay connected for a period of time, disconnect, and then retract back into the station along a track that is installed. I think that adapting these technologies to have the connector eject and then a plymovent type system retract the connector back to the station and keep it off the ground would be a great option. Let me know your thoughts. Have a great day!
1. develop and improving Magnetic connect charging system which is not physically connect to the car. under emergency, you can drive away without damage your car or connector.
2. connect to cellphone app for your car charging status. you can monitoring and gets alarm if charging conditions has changed in real-time.
Thank God we live in America and can carry a gun.
First off, EV Charging Stations need to be located more like gas stations, on the corners of major roads or right off the freeways, easily assessable, second they need to be well lit and a pull thru style, not this back into or pull into arrangement , and there needs to be amenities at the location, like a Starbucks, or Mc Donalds, and a convenience store just like at gas stations, and finally a waiting room/ lounge, with free wifi and comfortable chairs. I don't think anyone is doing EV charging correct yet, Tesla's superchargers are the best, and even they leave a lot to be desired., Think EV charging in more of a Love's Truckstop model.
Retired police officer (41 yrs, retired from two depts). Your point is well taken. There is no "solution." To prevent such criminal behavior it would be most prudent to place SCs in areas which are around operating businesses. Yes, I understand the economy of setting up a SC in a desirable location, but short of doing that there is little the average person can do to protect themselves from aggressive criminals.
As a woman, my other biggest worry has always been some ice or EV, pulling up and blocking me into my charging spot. The charging cable is so short that you cannot pull up and give yourself a little 3-point turn wiggle room.
Have gun in the car
The cars could have an emergency button. It would sound the car alarm, call 911, report your location to friends and family, and could release the charger and let you drive away. To deter use of this habitually, the charge port would need to be reset by the police or the manufacturer before it would charge again.
My EVs have emergency call buttons that directly call 911. What EVs don't have that?
@@newscoulomb3705 and that button releases the charging cable... ?
@@newscoulomb3705 I thought those only worked if you paid for the extra cost packages from OnStar, etc.?
@@davidmccarthy6061 As far as I know, emergency services always works. Just like systems diagnostics. Navigation, Wi-Fi, etc. are all extra, but the basic safety functions are always on.
@@jonathansage2147 Of course not, but the first point was an "Emergency Button." I'm under the impression that all cars should have that with varying degrees of functionality. Assuming that the charge port would be engaged during an emergency is a big leap, and obviously, no EVs have (or even should have) that ability.
I was literally thinking about this and my idea was also an ejector button thing. However the cable can be retractable like vacuum wires where they can roll back up by them selves. That way the charging cable won't be on the floor and at least hung up in the air.
Prototype inductive charger pads are tested in Norway with great success as we speak: ruclips.net/video/AE1gaNO9nj0/видео.html
If you wanted an ejector option, the nozzles could be connected to a retracting lead that will return the nozzle back to the charge point when released. Like the mechanism some ID card clips use. This wouldn't be especially helpful if you're using your own converter attachment and have to go back there and get it anyway, but it would be good for the situations you described.
More of a reason to get your CCW/CHL and good training.
Agreed!
1000% Agree
Ban all guns except for hunting Bill Gates for president Google for DHS
Definitely, this is a concern. I think they should build charging stations next to police stations. When wireless charging becomes more mature, that may also be an option.
in Oslo, Norway they started with a wireless charging pad which can deliver 50kW+, momentum dynamics is the manufacturer. see the channel of Teslabjorn.
This is one of the reasons I would like Colorado locals to encourage the new Buc-ee’s coming to Johnstown to install charging. A clean location with lots of traffic and great services is what future charging needs to be.
"Claw Socket"
You know how a lobster can lose its claw in a fight. Just provide a safe way to eject the socket with the plug still attached so you can drive away. You'll have the inconvenience of going to a dealership to get a replacement. But you'll still have your life and car
My concern has more been about how the charging spots are all at the front of the building, which I understand as it is cheaper to install a charger by the building than on the far side of the lot. However, I've seen so much vandalism because non-EV owners feel like EV owners are entitled and therefore they get to park closer to the building.
Although a little late for current generation, I think induction charging is the answer; albeit more lossy
I heard Induction charging is more efficient. no more proprietary cables
It's very slow so only useful when the car is parked while the owner is away doing other things.
It is good that you brought up this topic because now I will pay more attention to my surroundings before and during a charge. I may also choose to spend my time instead a nearby business, if possible.
The closest charger to me is in the alley of a shopping center where all the tweakers hang out. My wife won’t even charge there during the day. Super sketchy
Carry a gun?🤷🏼♂️
I choose personal defense. While charging I keep my doors locked and my gun close. 😁😁. That's not just at an ev charger. No one is coming to save you. You are responsible for your own defense. That's why I refuse to vacation in libtard states that either don't allow or severely limit my ability to protect me and my family.
If you are that scared for your safety, you should see a therapist. Something is wrong with you.
@@ouch1011Scared? Nah, aware of my surroundings and prepared. Rather have it and not need it. Hopefully never need it. keep your head in the sand. Call 911. I'm sure they can help you in time. But I'm not willing to bet me and my families life on it.
@@bad50 Bravo for your civil response 😉. Some people just are just walking sheep.
@@aussie2uGA Thanks bud. I find it funny when libtards keep drinking the Kool aid. Just wish we could keep em all in one place, like California, so they can tax their selves to death. They love freedom of speech as long as you only say something they agree with. 🤣🤣🤣. I'm a conservative that just happens to drive a Tesla.
You're not crazy to point this out.
What I welcome are those big charging parks in Germany where you have like 10 or more HPC covered by solarpanels, lights and often a commerce (restaurant/snac/shop) along side with it.
But these are few and far between
With the latest update to the Renault Zoe you can double click the unlock button on the car's key and it'll unlock the cable and stop charging. If you needed to rush off you can reverse (the charger is on the badge on the nose) and leave. Is there a way to make the ports safer to drive from when they're not at the direct front? (I.e. most other EVs)
Every human deserves the right to protect themselves. Every human deserves a handgun for example. Imagine how polite society would be if everyone was packing.
Amen.
The side benefit to being armed is the level of awareness one acquires ("head on a swivel") and avoiding situations that could end badly for both parties.
"Know You Know" youtube channel did a video a year or two ago with various ejection devices for the plug on a Tesla that could be activated from inside the car. They talked about trying to pick one and produce it but I don't know what became of that as I don't watch them regularly.
I personally have been using Superchargers for the last 3+ years and the only times I have been approached by people is when they were curious about EV's, or Tesla's. Normally there are other Tesla's there charging, but in some rural places I have been the only one charging. However a lot of chargers seem to be in busy spots either in a large grocery store lot, or near some fast food places, so people are around.
I often am not in the car while it is charging until it is nearly finished. I usually am going to the bathroom, getting coffee or food, or just walking around.
If crime is a problem then having wireless charging would be a solution. I am sure if the CEO of one manufacturer was asked on Twitter he might put in a panic button since there are already loudspeakers on the cars.
Since I do 99% of my charging at home in my driveway the robber would have to be very sneaky because my dogs have good hearing
Prototype inductive charger pads are tested in Norway with great success as we speak: ruclips.net/video/AE1gaNO9nj0/видео.html
Hi, I have seen contactless chargers in Europe and America being used where you just drive over a plate on the ground and your car links to this just like your cell phone contactless charging, you can then drive off at anytime without unhooking a charging cable.
I am not that comfortable in any box store parking lot at night down here in Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle
I get nervous because there is very little security and to supplement that they have solar powered alert cameras in more secluded areas that shout out warnings
I am a firm believer that YOU are responsible for your own safety. Be armed, be aware, be capable.
If EV drivers would carry a handgun themselves, this wouldn’t be a problem. Most criminals would run away if they saw an equal or greater threat than they had.
how about nobody carry guns. they cant rob you with a knife if you're locked in your car.
@@a-don13 so just cower in your car? No thanks. I’ll keep my man card and defend myself and my property.
@@jrcase7511 if you're smart you give them the car and have an apple airtag underneath your seat so as soon as they drive away you pinpoint the exact location of your car to the cops so that they can corner them and save your vehicle.
guns fix nothing. plus having a gun is being a coward not the other way around
@@a-don13 Criminal aren't that dumb. They can break windows with any solid object. And if they see you with no other defense other than a closed window, it would actually embolden criminals to use physical force, rather than just make demands.
@@a-don13 Criminals don't just take cars, they also take wallets, bags, electronics, PEOPLE... You name it.
Also, guns solve lots of things. Imagine how far HitIer and lmperial Japan would've taken things if not for allies having more guns than them.
Literally watching this video is a charging station behind a mall that leads to a forest lol
This is why you should be able to conceal carry your gun in any state. You are in charge of your own safety. Your other ideas are good but ultimately you need to be able to defend yourself and if criminals think they might encounter armed resistance they will be less likely to try anything.