NC Leaf Owners

[martel]

So I put down my $99 to get the ball rolling.

Can anyone in the progress energy area tell me how long it takes to get the assessment done?
It's been a week and I haven't heard anything.

Anyone in the RTP area mind telling how their purchase process went?

 

[NuclearLeaf]

So I put down my $99 to get the ball rolling.

Can anyone in the progress energy area tell me how long it takes to get the assessment done?
It's been a week and I haven't heard anything.

Anyone in the RTP area mind telling how their purchase process went?

If you are a Progress Energy customer check out this link, they have a program that will provide a free charging station. That is the way I went, and it worked out great! Here is the link https://www.progress-energy.com/commitment/environment/what-you-can-do/plugmein.page" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;? Click "Customer Program" tab.

 

[coqui]

So I put down my $99 to get the ball rolling.

Can anyone in the progress energy area tell me how long it takes to get the assessment done?
It's been a week and I haven't heard anything.

Anyone in the RTP area mind telling how their purchase process went?

If you are a Progress Energy customer check out this link, they have a program that will provide a free charging station. That is the way I went, and it worked out great! Here is the link https://www.progress-energy.com/commitment/environment/what-you-can-do/plugmein.page" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;? Click "Customer Program" tab.

Duke Energy has a similar program.

 

[lpickup]

BTW: The college building is Gold LEED Certified. Could be platinum if a charging station were out front (hint, hint).

Yeah, even some 120V outlets would be pretty good!

What does the signage where the LEAFs are parked say? Are they "perk" spots for "low emissions" vehicles (which is standard LEED-type wording)?

 

[martel]

So I put down my $99 to get the ball rolling.

Can anyone in the progress energy area tell me how long it takes to get the assessment done?
It's been a week and I haven't heard anything.

Anyone in the RTP area mind telling how their purchase process went?

If you are a Progress Energy customer check out this link, they have a program that will provide a free charging station. That is the way I went, and it worked out great! Here is the link https://www.progress-energy.com/commitment/environment/what-you-can-do/plugmein.page" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;? Click "Customer Program" tab.

I signed up through Progress Energy's site (linked from your link above) as well as through the Nissan web site.
Haven't heard anything in about a week.

 

[pclifton]

Yeah, even some 120V outlets would be pretty good!

What does the signage where the LEAFs are parked say? Are they "perk" spots for "low emissions" vehicles (which is standard LEED-type wording)?
_________________
...Lance

There are 10 spaces right at the front with signage: "Low-Emissions Vehicle Parking Only."

It was a very good turnout with two folks from Duke Energy, one from the Plugin Electric Vehicle Program. I think he has a really nice job, setting folks up with almost free charging stations. He has also helped me a lot by getting me to the right person to answer questions about how to bill / recover cost from charging stations, since you are not allowed to bill by the kWh in NC.

Best Regards,
Ken Clifton

 

[coqui]

Charlotte gets 26 public L2 chargers:
http://www.power2charlotte.com/energy-initiatives/catalyst-projects/electric-vehicle-charging-stations.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[altego]

2 At Bistro La Bon (Charlotte NC) last night for Habitat For Humanity Women's build 2012.
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5TFaSHbwsluSEN3Z211dzJUejYxOHlSNlU3OU5HQQ

 

[CarZin]

Just wanted to let you that Chapel Hill will have a few stations installed by May. when i have the formal announcement, I'll let everyone know precisely where.

 

[muleferg]

West Wilkes High School EV Team.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000012365914" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mule

 

[Atebit]

Lance
Thanks for following up on this, good to see it being taken seriously. Here are some pics from the Morgan Street garage last Sunday Morning at 7:15

http://pbckt.com/pK.NITdsw

http://pbckt.com/pK.NITMGU

He was back again yesterday morning:

http://pbckt.com/pK.NSOM8b" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://pbckt.com/pK.NSOMAz" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Don't know if he's trying to make a point, or just feels like it's "his" space. I did notice he has firefighter tags, so maybe he's trying to park close to the exit for quick egress. But there are other open spaces on the other side of the ramp here he could park & be in just a good of a spot.

The Ciry manages pretty clear signage for ~their~ PEHV, though...

http://pbckt.com/pK.NSOMmz" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[lpickup]

The Ciry manages pretty clear signage for ~their~ PEHV, though...

http://pbckt.com/pK.NSOMmz" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Except that I guess you can't plug a LEAF in there because it's not a hybrid :x :x :x

Where was that last picture taken?

 

[Atebit]

That's around the corner from the EVSEs, on the way out of the garage onto Dawson.

 

[tjenkens]

Revenge of the Electric Car screening @ UNC Chapel Hill, take 2:

April 18, 2012 at 6:30pm in Bingham Hall 103

http://uncsustainability.blogspot.com/2012/03/revenge-of-electric-car-film-screening.html

Will this one be better than the last attempt? Well this one seems to be hosted by a group with more of a vested interest in the film, and features a guest speaker. I've been in contact with her and she's definitely going! The UNC Sustainability office was also on copy...have not heard back from them yet.

But I would say this one has a good chance of working out, so I'm going to give it another shot. I have let them know that I am willing to have my LEAF available for display if they would like (parking will probably be an issue though).

I do realize that it's a weeknight and there is a general lack of charging stations in the area, but this could be a fun opportunity to get together. Let me know if this sounds like something you'd be interested in doing.

That sounds like a good time to meet other Leaf owners, I will try to make it. Also, I cannot find the RTP Leaf fan page on Facebook, what should I search for?

Thanks

Tony

 

[muleferg]

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

 

[kao]

Okay, that was quick. I got a response already.

It basically says this:

The ordinance IS still coming. There were some last minute changes to the draft that required delaying, but it should be on the next agenda. He will also be asking Public Affairs to prepare a press release about the new ordinance to give it additional exposure (my optimistic, but possibly naive opinion is that the public simply doesn't know and is not used to looking for these new types of spots). There will be a $50 fine for parking in these spots.

He did say he was surprised to see ICE's parking in the EV spaces because he does keep an eye on things (particularly the on-street spots) and has not seen the problem himself, but did say that he appreciates the photos as it clearly shows that there is a problem.

http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/10940769/
Haven't seen anyone post this yet:
Raleigh, N.C. — If you can't plug in your car, stay out of the nearly two dozen electric charging stations around the capital city.

The Raleigh City Council on Tuesday approved a measure that would impose $50 fines on anyone who uses a public parking space that is designated for electric and hybrid vehicles but doesn't drive one.

 

[Atebit]

http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/10940769/
Haven't seen anyone post this yet:
Raleigh, N.C. — If you can't plug in your car, stay out of the nearly two dozen electric charging stations around the capital city.

The Raleigh City Council on Tuesday approved a measure that would impose $50 fines on anyone who uses a public parking space that is designated for electric and hybrid vehicles but doesn't drive one.

That's great news! I hope the ordinance includes posting signage to that effect, too. I don't know how often the police cruise the ramps of the crowded downtown garages, for example.

Also, I guess someone could be vindictave & unplug the car while you're away, so you end up getting fined just like an ICE.

Maybe we should keep copies of the article in the car to leave on the windshields of ICERs?

 

[lpickup]

That's great news! I hope the ordinance includes posting signage to that effect, too. I don't know how often the police cruise the ramps of the crowded downtown garages, for example.

Yes, proper signage will be important. I also think they need to do a better job of really highlighting the spots too (like painting them green). One of the positives is that most of the spots I've seen in parking decks are close to the attendant booth, so hopefully they are trained to look out for this kind of thing (yeah, I know I'm being naive here). I/we have the ear of the city parking administrator, so please continue to forward your ICE reports (with pictures if possible) if this continues to be a problem and we can make sure this gets properly enforced.

Also, I guess someone could be vindictave & unplug the car while you're away, so you end up getting fined just like an ICE.

.
Yes, definitely a possibility, but honestly I don't think many will think that one through. However, as I posted on the RTP LEAF Facebook page, I would strongly encourage everyone to do 2 things:

1) Invest in a "TSA-approved" luggage padlock (ideally combination lock) so you can lock the charging nozzle to your car. I got one for about $5 at the grocery store. This will definitely deter unplugs.
2) Make sure you have CARWINGS set up to send you a Charging Stopped text/e-mail. Not only will you get notified if someone does this (and you can possibly go plug back in), but if you do get a ticket, I'm sure the text message/e-mail will be very helpful in an appeal.

Maybe we should keep copies of the article in the car to leave on the windshields of ICERs?

Yeah, not a bad idea. I still haven't done this yet myself, but here is another option (to be reworded as appropriate):
EV Parking Only

 

[NuclearLeaf]

This is for anyone familiar with the Charging Stations at the Durham Tobacco campus. We are going to the Bulls game on Sunday evening, and I would love to drive the Leaf, but I have to be able to charge while at the game to make the round trip. What are the chances of charging spots being available on a Sunday afternoon with a game going on?

 

[lpickup]

This is for anyone familiar with the Charging Stations at the Durham Tobacco campus. We are going to the Bulls game on Sunday evening, and I would love to drive the Leaf, but I have to be able to charge while at the game to make the round trip. What are the chances of charging spots being available on a Sunday afternoon with a game going on?

No idea, but would love to know myself. And since none of us had LEAFs the last time the Bulls played, I'd be surprised if anyone had any first hand experience. But maybe people have parked there during a DPAC show as that may be a bit similar?

Also, these are Chargepoint stations, so make sure you have your Chargepoint card. You'll need it to activate the station.

I will say those charging stations have the following going for them:

1) The signage and layout is superb. There are 3 stations (IIRC) that will easily reach 6 or more spots.
2) The spots are a little out of the way of the usual ballpark parking venues.

Still, on the downside:

1) There probably is not an ordinance in Durham that allows vehicles to be towed or even legally reserves the spots for EVs.
2) It is during a ballgame and if there is any time it would be ICEd it would probably be then.

My advice would be the following:

1) Arrive REALLY early. Not only will this give you the best chance of getting a spot, but it will also enable backup plans.
2) Have a backup plan worked out. Libraries in Durham now have charging stations so that would make a good backup plan. Plan out a bus route if you need to to get to the DBAP (Durham bus schedule and maps). Take a look at this site: City of Durham Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations. Notes about charging stations on plugshare: the Goldenbelt station is inaccurately shown on Plugshare but is shown on the Durham web site (807 E. Main St). It looks real as there is a picture on the Durham web site. Those look like GE units so you shouldn't need a card. I wouldn't count on the Neal's garage charging stations. I have heard that these are either (a) not available during non-business hours or basically require an 240V upgraded EVSE unit. It's farther away, but I'd also call ahead to Michael Jordan Nissan to see if you'd be able to access their charging stations on a Sunday if you go that route. The Duke chargers are not publicly available.
3) If that all sounds like too much of a hassle, take the ICE and do a reconnaissance run for the next visit.
4) Report back here what you see!