file a compliant together-Free to Charge does not work

[TimLee]

...
I just want an official answer or acknowledgement from Nissan/EZ charge that there is a problem with this program. ...

Your irritation is understandable.

Part of it is reckless irresponsible marketing by Nissan.
Calling their program "Free to Charge" is a gross misrepresentation, and you may have been told inaccurate statements by the dealer based on the irresponsible inaccurate marketing.
Even if you find a charging location that is participating in "Free to Charge", it is at best only "FREE" for one hour on L2, and 30 minutes for DCQC.

But if you used a station that the ez-charge website claimed was "Free to Charge" and you were charged while you used L2 for <60 minutes or DCQC for <30 minutes it is clearly a challenge to get proper resolution of that.
I agree Nissan should take more responsibility.
But your likely best recourse is with the company running ez-charge.

I would try calling the ez-charge support #.
(844)392-4274
Or email their [email protected].
Complaining to Nissan or Chargepoint is likely to be unsuccessful.

 

[TimLee]

Sounds like the DCQC is a poorly designed POS...
If a Leaf 2 has a substantially bigger pack this will become a commonplace issue for all. I guess I am more surprised that a Tesla is welcome to just drop by and hog the thing in the first place.

Other threads on the Nissan DCQC have made it clear that the units do require regular air filter cleaning.
Some of the filters are easy do it yourself cleaning, some of the others require people properly trained to open the unit.
I doubt this installation is being maintained adequately.
But the installation also required a step up transformer.
That could be part of the problem too.

This dealer has taken the enlightened approach that anyone is welcome to use their L2 EVSEs or DCQC

 

[TimLee]

No, http://shop.teslamotors.com/collections/model-s/products/chademo-adapter" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is NOT $5K. It's still listed as "coming soon" for $450. It used to be $1K, coming soon (https://web.archive.org/web/20131009055824/http://shop.teslamotors.com/collections/model-s/products/chademo-adapter" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false.
...

Thank you for the correction.
I haven't followed Tesla that closely.
Several years away from affording a used Tesla Model S
I appreciate your excellent references and links.
You are better at that than anyone on MNL.

I haven't met the Tesla driver.
Don't know where they live.
Are a few in Chattanooga.
One gracious owner had his at 2013 plugin event.
Marvelous car.
But with no superchargers in Chattanooga yet, only fast charging is DCQC.
And the Nissan dealer is the only free one.
Who wouldn't use free

 

[alanlarson]

The "one card" feature is a joke. Who cares if you carry one card or 3 (or even 5). The carrying capacity of a Leaf is more than adequate to carry those, and there are plenty of convenient places to put them in the car.

It's not so much a matter of space but there can be issues for those who have no idea what charging networks there are in their area and having to go thru multiple signup processes just to get on. I'm serious. I live in the Bay Area, work at a tech company and have spoken to numerous new to EV/PHEV drivers (including some at my work) who aren't enthusiasts and don't know.

Even with the one card to charge approach, you still have to sign up with each of the networks. So the multiple signup problem still exists. All that you save is the extra physical cards.

Some guy from WA state (haven't followed it) has made a roadtrip in his Leaf down to CA but mentioned that it was big pain to use the NRG eVgo stations because he didn't have a card. Sounded like he wasted a lot of time making phone calls each time, since he didn't have their card. Why should he? I don't believe they even have a presence up there.

With the one card to charge, he would have had to sign up with nrg evgo to use it on their network. Without the one card to charge, he would have had to sign up with nrg evgo to use a card on their network - but they would have sent him a card with their logos clearly printed on it. Either way, to use the card, he had to do the signup.

If one card to charge had been a single signup, it would have been a benefit. As it is it provides no such benefit - it just reduces the weight on the vehicle by a fraction of an ounce.

The real annoyance was that when I bought my Leaf, it was because the dealer told us that we would get a card that would let us charge for free for 2 years at any location around the area. As it is, the charges are limited in time so one cannot plug in while shopping without watching the clock to get back; and, more seriously, are available only at a small fraction of the charge stations in the area. Those appear to change over time, so it is more difficult to guess if one will be billed for it or not.

 

[gatonekomao]

...
I just want an official answer or acknowledgement from Nissan/EZ charge that there is a problem with this program. ...

Your irritation is understandable.

Part of it is reckless irresponsible marketing by Nissan.
Calling their program "Free to Charge" is a gross misrepresentation, and you may have been told inaccurate statements by the dealer based on the irresponsible inaccurate marketing.
Even if you find a charging location that is participating in "Free to Charge", it is at best only "FREE" for one hour on L2, and 30 minutes for DCQC.

But if you used a station that the ez-charge website claimed was "Free to Charge" and you were charged while you used L2 for <60 minutes or DCQC for <30 minutes it is clearly a challenge to get proper resolution of that.
I agree Nissan should take more responsibility.
But your likely best recourse is with the company running ez-charge.

I would try calling the ez-charge support #.
(844)392-4274
Or email their [email protected].
Complaining to Nissan or Chargepoint is likely to be unsuccessful.

Hi Tim, actually ez charge is as bad as Nissan. I started with them, same thing. "If your card does not work, we can help you, other than that you would need to contact the network that charged you". I end up called charge point and they basically just told Ms. ez charge and Nissan are lying about the program.

Who is telling the troth and who is lying matters to me quite a lot. I did get my 1st charged "free to charge session" refund but I had to send 3 emails and called like 5 times. So the 2nd time I don't even bother to dispute anymore. I can't really understand why people are letting this issue bygone and not really doing anything about it. As a single consumer, I am powerless and will lose for sure, but if all the leaf owners who are having this issue take this issue publicly at Nissan, then there might be a chance all the companies involved in this program will do something. Especially Nissan since negative image will cost them more than the charging networks.

BTW, I wonder if any party involved in the part of "free to charge" actually got any government funds, if they did it's even worse.

 

[Zythryn]

...
But with no superchargers in Chattanooga yet, only fast charging is DCQC.
And the Nissan dealer is the only free one.
Who wouldn't use free

There is a Tesla supercharger at the Chattanooga airport. Model S owners using the supercharger get free parking for 2 hours, so I see no reason a Model S owner would be using the slower CHAdeMO, unless it was prior to the charger being in place?

 

[EVDRIVER]

It's not really about getting a refund.

I just want an official answer or acknowledgement from Nissan/EZ charge that there is a problem with this program. They can tell me they are trying to fix it and will let me know it will be fine

they can even say "This free to charge program is no longer available at your area" I would be fine.

It's just a simple principle that businesses should disclose information when something is not working right and the willingness to help customers.

we manufacture cars and it has nothing to do with us is not an acceptable answer. Nissan logo is clearly on the front of the card.

I'm not sure it was clear when I said they read a script. You can try to get a different answer like "your range will vary". If you really want to beat yourself up you can try to get a supervisor, did you try that? Disputing the charge usually gets action and a person of higher intelligence. After dealing with a multitude of lying script readers at Sprint I shifted to a formal complaint with the FCC, this got me a call from Sprint corporate executive offices and out of my contract with no penalty. If you want action you need to talk to a decision maker not a script reader that has no power, interest, skill, or ability to give you what you want.

 

[EVDRIVER]

...
I just want an official answer or acknowledgement from Nissan/EZ charge that there is a problem with this program. ...

Your irritation is understandable.

Part of it is reckless irresponsible marketing by Nissan.
Calling their program "Free to Charge" is a gross misrepresentation, and you may have been told inaccurate statements by the dealer based on the irresponsible inaccurate marketing.
Even if you find a charging location that is participating in "Free to Charge", it is at best only "FREE" for one hour on L2, and 30 minutes for DCQC.

But if you used a station that the ez-charge website claimed was "Free to Charge" and you were charged while you used L2 for <60 minutes or DCQC for <30 minutes it is clearly a challenge to get proper resolution of that.
I agree Nissan should take more responsibility.
But your likely best recourse is with the company running ez-charge.

I would try calling the ez-charge support #.
(844)392-4274
Or email their [email protected].
Complaining to Nissan or Chargepoint is likely to be unsuccessful.

Hi Tim, actually ez charge is as bad as Nissan. I started with them, same thing. "If your card does not work, we can help you, other than that you would need to contact the network that charged you". I end up called charge point and they basically just told Ms. ez charge and Nissan are lying about the program.

Who is telling the troth and who is lying matters to me quite a lot. I did get my 1st charged "free to charge session" refund but I had to send 3 emails and called like 5 times. So the 2nd time I don't even bother to dispute anymore. I can't really understand why people are letting this issue bygone and not really doing anything about it. As a single consumer, I am powerless and will lose for sure, but if all the leaf owners who are having this issue take this issue publicly at Nissan, then there might be a chance all the companies involved in this program will do something. Especially Nissan since negative image will cost them more than the charging networks.

BTW, I wonder if any party involved in the part of "free to charge" actually got any government funds, if they did it's even worse.

You are not powerless, you can file a complaint with the BBB, dispute your CC charge which if enough people do the management will take serious notice and discussions will begin within the organizations. You can post this on the Nissan Facebook page, etc. Anyone calling Nissan CC is wasting time, call Nissan corporate or their marketing people and let them know you won't buy an another car.....

 

[gatonekomao]

It's not really about getting a refund.

I just want an official answer or acknowledgement from Nissan/EZ charge that there is a problem with this program. They can tell me they are trying to fix it and will let me know it will be fine

they can even say "This free to charge program is no longer available at your area" I would be fine.

It's just a simple principle that businesses should disclose information when something is not working right and the willingness to help customers.

we manufacture cars and it has nothing to do with us is not an acceptable answer. Nissan logo is clearly on the front of the card.

I'm not sure it was clear when I said they read a script. You can try to get a different answer like "your range will vary". If you really want to beat yourself up you can try to get a supervisor, did you try that? Disputing the charge usually gets action and a person of higher intelligence. After dealing with a multitude of lying script readers at Sprint I shifted to a formal complaint with the FCC, this got me a call from Sprint corporate executive offices and out of my contract with no penalty. If you want action you need to talk to a decision maker not a script reader that has no power, interest, skill, or ability to give you what you want.

I understand what you meant, considering filing a formal complain, that's the reason the topic name is called file a complaint together. One reason I started this topic is to see how many leaf owners are experiencing the same problem and if they want to resolve this issue together. So far it seems that people either simply stopped using the card or dispute each time they get charged instead of getting this resolved once and for all

 

[EVDRIVER]

It's not really about getting a refund.

I just want an official answer or acknowledgement from Nissan/EZ charge that there is a problem with this program. They can tell me they are trying to fix it and will let me know it will be fine

they can even say "This free to charge program is no longer available at your area" I would be fine.

It's just a simple principle that businesses should disclose information when something is not working right and the willingness to help customers.

we manufacture cars and it has nothing to do with us is not an acceptable answer. Nissan logo is clearly on the front of the card.

I'm not sure it was clear when I said they read a script. You can try to get a different answer like "your range will vary". If you really want to beat yourself up you can try to get a supervisor, did you try that? Disputing the charge usually gets action and a person of higher intelligence. After dealing with a multitude of lying script readers at Sprint I shifted to a formal complaint with the FCC, this got me a call from Sprint corporate executive offices and out of my contract with no penalty. If you want action you need to talk to a decision maker not a script reader that has no power, interest, skill, or ability to give you what you want.

I understand what you meant, considering filing a formal complain, that's the reason the topic name is called file a complaint together. One reason I started this topic is to see how many leaf owners are experiencing the same problem and if they want to resolve this issue together. So far it seems that people either simply stopped using the card or dispute each time they get charged instead of getting this resolved once and for all

Most people won't put the energy forward or waste it on calls or email, using more effective tools renders results in most cases. It is also very likely the terms of the promotion have clear language that states a partner(s) in the program may drop out at any time. Resolution has a different definition for each person, money an apology, etc. I'm sure they get many calls and complaints and if you really want to force a change you need to escalate it personally. Unless you have a bone to pick it is likely a waste of energy.

 

[gatonekomao]

I'm not sure it was clear when I said they read a script. You can try to get a different answer like "your range will vary". If you really want to beat yourself up you can try to get a supervisor, did you try that? Disputing the charge usually gets action and a person of higher intelligence. After dealing with a multitude of lying script readers at Sprint I shifted to a formal complaint with the FCC, this got me a call from Sprint corporate executive offices and out of my contract with no penalty. If you want action you need to talk to a decision maker not a script reader that has no power, interest, skill, or ability to give you what you want.[/quote]


I understand what you meant, considering filing a formal complain, that's the reason the topic name is called file a complaint together. One reason I started this topic is to see how many leaf owners are experiencing the same problem and if they want to resolve this issue together. So far it seems that people either simply stopped using the card or dispute each time they get charged instead of getting this resolved once and for all[/quote]


Most people won't put the energy forward or waste it on calls or email, using more effective tools renders results in most cases. It is also very likely the terms of the promotion have clear language that states a partner(s) in the program may drop out at any time. Resolution has a different definition for each person, money an apology, etc. I'm sure they get many calls and complaints and if you really want to force a change you need to escalate it personally. Unless you have a bone to pick it is likely a waste of energy.[/quote]

You are right, I think for most people resolution is to get the money back and ends there. Will take a look at filing a small claim, not sure how to do this and not sure can you demand something like " sending a letter to the leaf owners acknowledging that there is an issue with this program and "Nissan" is working with the other partners in this program to resolve this issue. Ex, an update EZ charge website that will for sure filter the right station for free to charge station. I guess it's my personal fight when most of people look at things differently

 

[TimLee]

There is a Tesla supercharger at the Chattanooga airport. Model S owners using the supercharger get free parking for 2 hours, so I see no reason a Model S owner would be using the slower CHAdeMO, unless it was prior to the charger being in place?

Supercharger opened September 9.
Info I got from the Nissan LEAF sales specialist was a couple months back.
Prior to the supercharger opening.

 

[EVDRIVER]

I'm not sure it was clear when I said they read a script. You can try to get a different answer like "your range will vary". If you really want to beat yourself up you can try to get a supervisor, did you try that? Disputing the charge usually gets action and a person of higher intelligence. After dealing with a multitude of lying script readers at Sprint I shifted to a formal complaint with the FCC, this got me a call from Sprint corporate executive offices and out of my contract with no penalty. If you want action you need to talk to a decision maker not a script reader that has no power, interest, skill, or ability to give you what you want.

I understand what you meant, considering filing a formal complain, that's the reason the topic name is called file a complaint together. One reason I started this topic is to see how many leaf owners are experiencing the same problem and if they want to resolve this issue together. So far it seems that people either simply stopped using the card or dispute each time they get charged instead of getting this resolved once and for all[/quote]


Most people won't put the energy forward or waste it on calls or email, using more effective tools renders results in most cases. It is also very likely the terms of the promotion have clear language that states a partner(s) in the program may drop out at any time. Resolution has a different definition for each person, money an apology, etc. I'm sure they get many calls and complaints and if you really want to force a change you need to escalate it personally. Unless you have a bone to pick it is likely a waste of energy.[/quote]

You are right, I think for most people resolution is to get the money back and ends there. Will take a look at filing a small claim, not sure how to do this and not sure can you demand something like " sending a letter to the leaf owners acknowledging that there is an issue with this program and "Nissan" is working with the other partners in this program to resolve this issue. Ex, an update EZ charge website that will for sure filter the right station for free to charge station. I guess it's my personal fight when most of people look at things differently[/quote]


I think they key is most people handle it differently like repeatedly wasting time calling. I have no idea what you mean by filing a claim but If you did not get something you actually are due then you can dispute the charge and get management level attention. If one partner is out of the program it's tough luck and unless you have lots of time to burn it seem like a waste. Using public forums like the Nissan facebook page, etc is the most effective way to YOUR goal. Seem like more than a small effort is really a waste for such a small issue. With all your posts here I see none here where Nissan would be on the spot:

https://www.facebook.com/nissanleaf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[gatonekomao]

Maybe they deleted my post. That's how I got the second rep from Nissan to call and tell me the same answer. Will resume it again on Monday.

I think we have very different thinking process and I will stop here