My reply email to Scot, just for reference.
Hi Scot,
As far as I know you can't charge by the kWh in MA, but that is soon to change. I've emailed my contact in the MA DOE to see where that policy is at. Per kWh fees are the simplest and fairest method as EVs can vary in the speed they charge, with hugh variations in how many kWhs they can consume per hour.
U-Go uses the Greenlots network in NJ and PA, and their administration programs are very flexible in how you can set and change your fees.
The best method in MA up until now is exemplified by the QC at UMass Amherst. If you go up on http://www.plugshare.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and filter for fast chargers, CHAdeMO, which is what your getting, one of the types of quick chargers (QC), then scroll the map to Amherst MA and click on the UMass QC, you'll see that they charge $5/hr, $1 minimum, but prorated after that so they only charge you for the time you're connected, so $1 for every 12 minutes, or $0.50 per 3 min, or $0.17 per min.
You might charge more for your location, but that's the best method until charging by the kWH is allowed. I believe you have a say in how much and what fee method you want. As long as U-Go gets their cut.
EVs charge faster when they're batteries are low. As the battery fills up, the charge rate slows way down to protect the battery pack from overheating. So, most people, if they only need a little topping up to make it to their destination, will only charge for as long as that takes, because public charging is much more expensive than charging at home, but we depend on it to travel beyond our full battery's range, so we're willing to pay extra for the range extension, and to maintain the infrastructure so we can travel again later. Having well maintained, available stations that we can depend on is our primary concern.
Most EVs in MA today that will use CHAdeMO QC are Nissan LEAFs, or Mitsubishi iMievs, they are limited to 60-80 miles range and can re-charge from E to F on your QC in 30-45 min. (Takes longer in the cold of winter) A Tesla has up to four times the size of those cars battery packs, and could be there for two hours or more. Some QC stations have one hour time limits for this reason, but generally it hasn't been a problem here yet, not enough EVs yet to cause overcrowding.
You may find in future that having multiple QCs is best, if you're experiencing heavy usage. Many Tesla stations have 8 stalls. A location near Logan such as yours is ideal for people dropping off and picking up, you could be very popular.
Other types of EVs can only use the Level 2 chargers, which they will be plugged into for one to several hours. These are best suited to restaurant sites or overnight guests. In fact, you can add Level 1, 120 volt units, to your network, which are all thats required by overnight guests with cars such as the Plug-in-Prius, Chevy Volt, Ford C-Max Energi, and Honda Fit.
BMW has just released the i3, and Volkswagen will soon sell the eGolf, both of which use the SAE Combo fast Charger, not CHAdeMO. It's kind of like the old VHS/Betamax rivalry. The market hasn't settled on a standard yet. But U-Go can provide dual handled stations when the BMWs and VWs become more numerous.
Good signage is important. Stations blocked by gas cars are often a problem. It's new, and many people don't recognize what it is, and why it's important to leave the space open. Similar to Handicapped spots, except it's actually better to not have the spots in prime locations, in terms of gas cars parking there. A less used area is blocked less. Likewise, EVs plugged in, but no longer charging can block a space. If you can site them so that the plug can reach multiple slots, for plug sharing, it can be helpful. Some stations charge increasing fees after the first hour, to prevent station hogging.
Sorry if I'm going on too long here. It's a lot to digest. If you read posts, or use the search function on http://www.mynissanleaf.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, you'll find tons of info. EVs are new here, but all of these issues have been being hashed out on the west coast for years now, and the forum is very active.
For me, when I travel far enough so I need to charge to get home (Worcester), I look for a QC such as yours, unless I'm in Boston all day, then a level 2 is fine. It's risky because there aren't that many, and if I'm low on charge I have to have a plan B if the one I was depending on is broken or blocked or in use for an unpredictable amount of time. It's not like gas stations yet, where they're everywhere, with multiple pumps. I'm very happy when I can charge with no problems.
Scot, I have to go make some salmon for supper. Please feel free to email me, or join us on the forum. Even better, go for a test ride and lease an EV, (don't buy yet, the tech is moving fast), you can charge at work. MA offers $2500 and the feds $7500, what other cars can you lease that are subsidized? My payment is $149/month and I haven't bought gas in almost 2 years now. I have solar at home, so even the electricity is free. Heck, the solar makes me money. The cars are soon going to have twice the range too.
Gotta go eat.
Jerome
