There’s a new charging technology that allows to charge 50km of range in ten minutes already being rolled out by either Renault or Stellantis. Next step will be full charge. I like your idea but: is it necessary?
IMO, there’s a lot of things EV charging stations should have that they do not. Free WiFi for one. It doesn’t need to be fast, just enough that you can use the stations app or whatever to buy the electricity. There’s a nontrivial number of stations in places with poor or no 3G/4G connectivity. But it’s obvious that the station has internet somehow, so it can process transactions.
Then, for any locations that don’t have nearby amenities, maybe a covered area, or small indoor area with vending machines? Like the ones that dispense “fresh brewed coffee” which never seems very fresh. Even if it sucks, it’s something, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Toilets. I think this is obvious, so I’ll leave it at that.
Maybe some picnic tables or benches to rest on so you’re not glued to your driver’s seat.
Make charging stations actual rest stops.
For the TV thing, that’s not bad, but I wonder how it would work to pick a movie or something. Alternatively, you could tune it to the local over-the-air channels, then turn the TV on or off based on the presence of a vehicle in the bay.
The couple I went to when I rented a polestar didn’t even have like a coffee shop or anything nearby. It seemed like such a wasted opportunity for capitalism to squeeze more money out of the traveling public. Oops I meant provide valuable services.
I like this idea just for bringing back drive-in theaters. They’re pretty non-existent around me. Used to be several and it was always more fun than a regular theatre.
A better idea is a vacuum nearby the charger. Meanwhile you pay for the charge you could also pay to vacuum the car. Maybe pay for that water less car wash
At home, my car plus in over the weekend once a week
On long trips, it charges at a fast charger in less time than it takes to get the children toileted and fed. You need to set an alarm on your phone to avoid getting idle fees
On long trips without kids the in car entertainment is great, but even without it you don’t have much time for YouTube, especially if you need to pee
(Tesla with premium connectivity)
With your external screen idea, wouldn’t you prefer one you can cast your own content to?
Or we should improve rail and bus transit. Wi-Fi on board and you can stream whatever you want. Plus no stressful, bad for the earth, driving. #fuckcars
It only takes twenty minutes to fast charge an EV these days. Better to install them at places like Starbucks and McDonalds so travelers can stop, get a drink, and use the bathroom.
Teslas do this already with the center screen. And a charging stop usually isn’t long enough to make that much meaningful progress on a show. You’re there for like 15 mins a lot of time tops. Going to the bathroom/getting a sandwich/etc substantially eats into that time.
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