Chicagoland area

[brianchi73]

Pete...how many total miles do you think that trip is?

I just did a quick Google Map estimate and I'm looking at 46miles round trip to work. I would be traveling at around 6pm in traffic one way which is in stop/go traffic, and coming back from work at 3am I'd have all lanes to myself. So 0-45MPH (23miles) going to work and 55MPH+ (23miles) coming home?

When I visit my folks by Midway i hit around 76miles/day so i think its probably not realistic for me to make that trip on one charge.

Should be ok. Out of curiosity have you ever reset your m/kwh on the car to see what the average is on your 76 mile round trip? I assume it's close to 5.0? My concern is for your winter commute. I can easily average 4.5 to 5.0 during Spring, Summer and Fall on my commute from Chicago to Skokie, but in Winter I'm sometimes struggling to keep it above 3.0.

Also how many bars (if any) are left on your 76 mile trip and how many miles does the Leaf say it has left (not that it means anything!).

 

[DougWantsALeaf]

St. Charles Nissan Chargers were NOT available as promised on Sunday. Their lot was locked down. Thankfully I could charge at the Kane county court house. (there is a nice little garden and sitting area next to it, which was nice while I waited)

Nissan needs to enforce with their dealers availability if they want to advertise them as part of the national network.

 

[brianchi73]

St. Charles Nissan Chargers were NOT available as promised on Sunday. Their lot was locked down. Thankfully I could charge at the Kane county court house. (there is a nice little garden and sitting area next to it, which was nice while I waited)

Nissan needs to enforce with their dealers availability if they want to advertise them as part of the national network.

Why am I not surprised. Also I totally agree with your last statement. They need to take them out of the nav system if they can't be used. I feel like Nissan dealers have them for one reason and one reason only and that is to plug a Leaf into the charger in order to show it and move it off of the lot.

It reminds me of the time I was taking a trip out past Golf Mill mall when it was about 5 degrees outside. I called the mall in advance and talked to their security department. They assured me that the chargers were up and running and everything was fine. They were totally dead. I did report them through the Alternative Fuels Data Center (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_locations.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false, and they actually go them turned on (as well as the nearby fast charger), and they e-mailed me back with the results.

 

[DougWantsALeaf]

Wow, good to know about Golf Mill. They are not far from me and I use them as an example when citing the growing charging infrastructure. I think as the demand starting to increase with increased sales (over the next couple years), the supply of chargers will re-emerge. I think some of the supply got ahead of demand, given that most of us EV owners only look to use external charging once in a while (unless its free at a store where we frequent...then will certainly take the free power).

 

[brianchi73]

Wow, good to know about Golf Mill. They are not far from me and I use them as an example when citing the growing charging infrastructure. I think as the demand starting to increase with increased sales (over the next couple years), the supply of chargers will re-emerge. I think some of the supply got ahead of demand, given that most of us EV owners only look to use external charging once in a while (unless its free at a store where we frequent...then will certainly take the free power).

I have found that the ChargePoint chargers are pretty reliable if you check the status on their web page. Also please report charges that are down with the link I gave to the Alternative Fuels Data Center. You just look up a charger and then "edit" it. It will not give you much of a confirmation when it saves, but it does seem to work. I just put an update through the other day. I really want them to remove the chargers that are on the Edens Tollway Oasis since they don't work.

 

[djkjmuoh]

Wow, good to know about Golf Mill. They are not far from me and I use them as an example when citing the growing charging infrastructure. I think as the demand starting to increase with increased sales (over the next couple years), the supply of chargers will re-emerge. I think some of the supply got ahead of demand, given that most of us EV owners only look to use external charging once in a while (unless its free at a store where we frequent...then will certainly take the free power).

I have found that the ChargePoint chargers are pretty reliable if you check the status on their web page. Also please report charges that are down with the link I gave to the Alternative Fuels Data Center. You just look up a charger and then "edit" it. It will not give you much of a confirmation when it saves, but it does seem to work. I just put an update through the other day. I really want them to remove the chargers that are on the Edens Tollway Oasis since they don't work.

I'm just hoping everyone uses the app PlugShare as much as I do. I find it easier to use that on my phone while on the go than to lookup a website beforehand. I make it a point to lookup chargers on PlugShare wherever I'm am at or going to. I always try to stop and scope out a charger nearby if the PlugShare app doesn't have much of a description or pictures. I then upload info and pics myself for others who might be in need of the info sometime down the line. I do the same on Recargo moments later usually as well, but PlugShare is just better IMO.


Here's a comprehensive list of some recent places I've updated on PlugShare, for your use and knowledge:

Arlington Nissan on North side of Dundee Rd. just East of IL-53: 2 Aerovironment L2 Chargers free for use with Qdoba, Caribou Coffee, & Chuck E Cheeses within walking distance.

Crescent & Glenwood Parking Lot in Glen Ellyn just West of Main St and the Train Station: 2 Free Charge Point stations but only 1 dedicated EV spot, other is often ICE'd as it is a normal metered spot (said to be free for EV's but ICE'd by meter feeders) I use the dedicated EV Spot always without issue, especially when I go for a bike ride on the Prairie Path.

Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont: Free Wall Outlets throughout the parking garage which has a fee. No idea where they are but this is what their representatives told me upon emailing them about EV parking options.

Walgreens on Halsted in Greektown: 2 Aerovironment L2 Chargers free for use with 2 spots likely not to be ICE'd, at least for very long if so. I've checked with management twice before and don't bother asking anymore as I have NO problems. I'm a DJ downtown and I've parked there and cabbed it to a gig for 5 hours, parked there when going out for the night for a few hours, and stopped there after a gig for 20-30 minutes to make sure I make it back home.... all without issue. Just don't be an @$$ and park all day or night.

Walgreens at 1649 W. Belmont: 2 Chargepoint $2/hr stations. Used this when I wouldn't have made it home once after a gig. Stopped to eat at "Late Night Thai" across the street, which was very sub-par even for 3am.

ComEd Parking Garage 3 Lincoln Center in Oakbrook: Free ChargePoint charger and 1 "Voltec" charger. Used the ChargePoint with my RFID card and had dinner at the RedStone within walking distance. They had ZERO parking spaces available and only paid valet so I went for the free space with a free charge just a short short walk away!

Glendale Nissan on North Ave in Glendale Heights: The typical dealer AV stations... just ask and I'm sure they will accommodate. I used after service appointment for clicking sounds upon stopping and going.

Cantigny Park in Wheaton: DJ'd a wedding here and did not charge but noticed the front row of parking and several other rows adjacent to grassy islands had outdoor style wall outlets embedded into ground casings. Not sure if they work but why wouldn't they?

Walgreens at 4748 W. North Ave. in Chicago: 2 free AV L2 stations... They both work but I got asked for $ the second I walked back to my car... GHETTO! This station is in the hood.

McGrath Nissan on 945 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, IL: The typical dealer AV stations... just ask and I'm sure they will accommodate. I used it at 3am after DJ'n a wedding in Algonquin.

Walgreens on Lake St. in Addison IL: Paid ChargePoint station. Card didn't read on one so I used the other without issue. Had I known McGrath in Elgin was even there and available for free, I wouldn't have paid a full hours $2 to use this for 28 minutes on the way to the wedding mentioned above... Hence the reason for THIS POST! Share the info on the apps! Add stations! Add info/descriptions! Check-In! Add Photos!

The ONLY working L3 charger I've ever seen AND been able to use (since it is an Eaton & doesn't need a CharJit Card!: Found at IIT in Parking Lot A, there is a CHAdeMo Eaton L3 charger that is FREE to use and is perfect for heading to Horseshoe Casino. I DJ'd there in the center bar there and made it all the way from Glendale Heights, to the casino, and then back to IIT to charge which ensured I made it home. There are several L2 stations too just in case! All free I think. You have to touch the screen to get the L3 started, then open the door on the right to get the plug out. Beware of spiders, I saw a HUGE web & spider attached to the machine and a post by it... that $h!t freaked me out, I hate spiders! Charged and scratched my body for the next 35 minutes.



There's way more I've posted on there but this should help a bit.

 

[YashuV]

@Brainchi Did you go for Out in the park? ;-) I was there too.

 

[brianchi73]

@Brainchi Did you go for Out in the park? ;-) I was there too.

Sure did! Perfect night for Six Flags!

 

[brianchi73]

Wow, good to know about Golf Mill. They are not far from me and I use them as an example when citing the growing charging infrastructure. I think as the demand starting to increase with increased sales (over the next couple years), the supply of chargers will re-emerge. I think some of the supply got ahead of demand, given that most of us EV owners only look to use external charging once in a while (unless its free at a store where we frequent...then will certainly take the free power).

I have found that the ChargePoint chargers are pretty reliable if you check the status on their web page. Also please report charges that are down with the link I gave to the Alternative Fuels Data Center. You just look up a charger and then "edit" it. It will not give you much of a confirmation when it saves, but it does seem to work. I just put an update through the other day. I really want them to remove the chargers that are on the Edens Tollway Oasis since they don't work.

I'm just hoping everyone uses the app PlugShare as much as I do. I find it easier to use that on my phone while on the go than to lookup a website beforehand. I make it a point to lookup chargers on PlugShare wherever I'm am at or going to. I always try to stop and scope out a charger nearby if the PlugShare app doesn't have much of a description or pictures. I then upload info and pics myself for others who might be in need of the info sometime down the line. I do the same on Recargo moments later usually as well, but PlugShare is just better IMO.


Here's a comprehensive list of some recent places I've updated on PlugShare, for your use and knowledge:

Arlington Nissan on North side of Dundee Rd. just East of IL-53: 2 Aerovironment L2 Chargers free for use with Qdoba, Caribou Coffee, & Chuck E Cheeses within walking distance.

Crescent & Glenwood Parking Lot in Glen Ellyn just West of Main St and the Train Station: 2 Free Charge Point stations but only 1 dedicated EV spot, other is often ICE'd as it is a normal metered spot (said to be free for EV's but ICE'd by meter feeders) I use the dedicated EV Spot always without issue, especially when I go for a bike ride on the Prairie Path.

Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont: Free Wall Outlets throughout the parking garage which has a fee. No idea where they are but this is what their representatives told me upon emailing them about EV parking options.

Walgreens on Halsted in Greektown: 2 Aerovironment L2 Chargers free for use with 2 spots likely not to be ICE'd, at least for very long if so. I've checked with management twice before and don't bother asking anymore as I have NO problems. I'm a DJ downtown and I've parked there and cabbed it to a gig for 5 hours, parked there when going out for the night for a few hours, and stopped there after a gig for 20-30 minutes to make sure I make it back home.... all without issue. Just don't be an @$$ and park all day or night.

Walgreens at 1649 W. Belmont: 2 Chargepoint $2/hr stations. Used this when I wouldn't have made it home once after a gig. Stopped to eat at "Late Night Thai" across the street, which was very sub-par even for 3am.

ComEd Parking Garage 3 Lincoln Center in Oakbrook: Free ChargePoint charger and 1 "Voltec" charger. Used the ChargePoint with my RFID card and had dinner at the RedStone within walking distance. They had ZERO parking spaces available and only paid valet so I went for the free space with a free charge just a short short walk away!

Glendale Nissan on North Ave in Glendale Heights: The typical dealer AV stations... just ask and I'm sure they will accommodate. I used after service appointment for clicking sounds upon stopping and going.

Cantigny Park in Wheaton: DJ'd a wedding here and did not charge but noticed the front row of parking and several other rows adjacent to grassy islands had outdoor style wall outlets embedded into ground casings. Not sure if they work but why wouldn't they?

Walgreens at 4748 W. North Ave. in Chicago: 2 free AV L2 stations... They both work but I got asked for $ the second I walked back to my car... GHETTO! This station is in the hood.

McGrath Nissan on 945 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, IL: The typical dealer AV stations... just ask and I'm sure they will accommodate. I used it at 3am after DJ'n a wedding in Algonquin.

Walgreens on Lake St. in Addison IL: Paid ChargePoint station. Card didn't read on one so I used the other without issue. Had I known McGrath in Elgin was even there and available for free, I wouldn't have paid a full hours $2 to use this for 28 minutes on the way to the wedding mentioned above... Hence the reason for THIS POST! Share the info on the apps! Add stations! Add info/descriptions! Check-In! Add Photos!

The ONLY working L3 charger I've ever seen AND been able to use (since it is an Eaton & doesn't need a CharJit Card!: Found at IIT in Parking Lot A, there is a CHAdeMo Eaton L3 charger that is FREE to use and is perfect for heading to Horseshoe Casino. I DJ'd there in the center bar there and made it all the way from Glendale Heights, to the casino, and then back to IIT to charge which ensured I made it home. There are several L2 stations too just in case! All free I think. You have to touch the screen to get the L3 started, then open the door on the right to get the plug out. Beware of spiders, I saw a HUGE web & spider attached to the machine and a post by it... that $h!t freaked me out, I hate spiders! Charged and scratched my body for the next 35 minutes.



There's way more I've posted on there but this should help a bit.

Great info. I joined plug share which has good info, but the app crashes a lot. I'm shocked about the L3 charger at IIT. I've called them several times and left messages, but they will not return a call. It never worked when I was here, but that was several months ago. Plug share indicates that it requires a credit card. Do you know why?

 

[marcin]

L3 would not work for me either on Sep. 6, at IIT. Had to use L2 instead and one of them was down too.

 

[djkjmuoh]

L3 would not work for me either on Sep. 6, at IIT. Had to use L2 instead and one of them was down too.

Hey Marcin, I think you were the one on PlugShare that I messaged about how to make it operate properly. Perhaps it is down now, but the two consecutive dates I visited, July 27th and 28th, it worked perfect all by just touching the screen. No Credit Card or RFID swipe card of any kind needed, not sure why one user stated this was needed, perhaps it has since changed.

I watched this video I found before I went there and it helped... http://bcove.me/ibmh5nz5?iframe=true&height=271&width=480" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If that link doesn't work then try this and look for the small red PLAY triangle that says "How to use a DC Quick Charger"...
http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Electrical/ProductsandServices/ElectricalDistribution/ElectricVehicleChargingSolutions/DCQuickCharger/index.htm#tabs-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Maybe I will make a special trip there after a gig just to see if it works and report back!

 

[brianchi73]

L3 would not work for me either on Sep. 6, at IIT. Had to use L2 instead and one of them was down too.

Hey Marcin, I think you were the one on PlugShare that I messaged about how to make it operate properly. Perhaps it is down now, but the two consecutive dates I visited, July 27th and 28th, it worked perfect all by just touching the screen. No Credit Card or RFID swipe card of any kind needed, not sure why one user stated this was needed, perhaps it has since changed.

I watched this video I found before I went there and it helped... http://bcove.me/ibmh5nz5?iframe=true&height=271&width=480" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If that link doesn't work then try this and look for the small red PLAY triangle that says "How to use a DC Quick Charger"...
http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Electrical/ProductsandServices/ElectricalDistribution/ElectricVehicleChargingSolutions/DCQuickCharger/index.htm#tabs-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Maybe I will make a special trip there after a gig just to see if it works and report back!

I could take one for the team and make a special trip to http://pleasanthousebakery.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and check out the L3 charger.

 

[marcin]

L3 would not work for me either on Sep. 6, at IIT. Had to use L2 instead and one of them was down too.

Hey Marcin, I think you were the one on PlugShare that I messaged about how to make it operate properly. Perhaps it is down now, but the two consecutive dates I visited, July 27th and 28th, it worked perfect all by just touching the screen. No Credit Card or RFID swipe card of any kind needed, not sure why one user stated this was needed, perhaps it has since changed.

I watched this video I found before I went there and it helped... http://bcove.me/ibmh5nz5?iframe=true&height=271&width=480" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If that link doesn't work then try this and look for the small red PLAY triangle that says "How to use a DC Quick Charger"...
http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Electrical/ProductsandServices/ElectricalDistribution/ElectricVehicleChargingSolutions/DCQuickCharger/index.htm#tabs-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Maybe I will make a special trip there after a gig just to see if it works and report back!

Hi DJ, yup it was me.

 

[marcin]

L3 would not work for me either on Sep. 6, at IIT. Had to use L2 instead and one of them was down too.

Hey Marcin, I think you were the one on PlugShare that I messaged about how to make it operate properly. Perhaps it is down now, but the two consecutive dates I visited, July 27th and 28th, it worked perfect all by just touching the screen. No Credit Card or RFID swipe card of any kind needed, not sure why one user stated this was needed, perhaps it has since changed.

I watched this video I found before I went there and it helped... http://bcove.me/ibmh5nz5?iframe=true&height=271&width=480" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If that link doesn't work then try this and look for the small red PLAY triangle that says "How to use a DC Quick Charger"...
http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Electrical/ProductsandServices/ElectricalDistribution/ElectricVehicleChargingSolutions/DCQuickCharger/index.htm#tabs-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Maybe I will make a special trip there after a gig just to see if it works and report back!

I could take one for the team and make a special trip to http://pleasanthousebakery.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and check out the L3 charger.

That would be greatly appreciated. This is a lifeline for me on a way home to Indiana.

 

[DougWantsALeaf]

The L2 downtown at the garage across from Luries Children's hospital worked well, and also gave us a primo spot on the first floor. Bonus for having an EV car.

 

[Nielubie]

I could take one for the team and make a special trip to http://pleasanthousebakery.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and check out the L3 charger.

Pick me up on the way, I'll buy you drive.

 

[hyperlexis]

They are closing/demolishing the Des Plaines tollway oasis???? Will they be replacing it?

The L3 charger?

 

[redLEAF]

Rare site in Chicagoland ... a Mitsu iMiev with EL series plates ... must be fairly recent as close to 1,000th seen today in South Barrington ... meep! is right ... parking space shows just how narrow these cars are, less prone to door dings I would guess

 

[brianchi73]

I could take one for the team and make a special trip to http://pleasanthousebakery.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and check out the L3 charger.

Pick me up on the way, I'll buy you drive.

I did go to Pleasant House Bakery with a friend, and we stopped in at the L3 at IIT on the way home. There was a red Leaf (with Zero Emissions graphic on the side) plugged in to it already, but I got out just to check it out. A guy walked up immediately who appeared to be the owner. Since there are iGo cars in this location too I asked him if it was his Leaf. He nodded (clearly didn't want to speak). I asked him if the charger was really a fast charger (nodded again). At this point I'm wondering if he is capable of speaking at all.

The reason I asked about the fast charger was because it indicated that it either had 48 minutes left or had been charging for 48 minutes. Either way this is different than the fast chargers I've used in which case either would never been more then 30 minutes. This one appeared to be free, though, so that's nice.

Also the L3s that I've used will cut off at 80% if your initial battery level was under 50% when you start charging. It says that the charging is stopped "by the vehicle" when that happens. So I asked the guy..."will it stop at 80%" and he finally spoke. "No. It will charge to 100%". I said "we'll see about that" and I left.

I'm going to have to go back when my battery is < 50% and use this charger to see what really happens. Maybe the 2013s and newer will charge all the way? Who knows. Oh and enjoy your pizza Mr red Leaf, Zero Emissions graphic, do not cast your gaze upon my Leaf, sir.

 

[djkjmuoh]

I could take one for the team and make a special trip to http://pleasanthousebakery.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and check out the L3 charger.

Pick me up on the way, I'll buy you drive.

I did go to Pleasant House Bakery with a friend, and we stopped in at the L3 at IIT on the way home. There was a red Leaf (with Zero Emissions graphic on the side) plugged in to it already, but I got out just to check it out. A guy walked up immediately who appeared to be the owner. Since there are iGo cars in this location too I asked him if it was his Leaf. He nodded (clearly didn't want to speak). I asked him if the charger was really a fast charger (nodded again). At this point I'm wondering if he is capable of speaking at all.

The reason I asked about the fast charger was because it indicated that it either had 48 minutes left or had been charging for 48 minutes. Either way this is different than the fast chargers I've used in which case either would never been more then 30 minutes. This one appeared to be free, though, so that's nice.

Also the L3s that I've used will cut off at 80% if your initial battery level was under 50% when you start charging. It says that the charging is stopped "by the vehicle" when that happens. So I asked the guy..."will it stop at 80%" and he finally spoke. "No. It will charge to 100%". I said "we'll see about that" and I left.

I'm going to have to go back when my battery is < 50% and use this charger to see what really happens. Maybe the 2013s and newer will charge all the way? Who knows. Oh and enjoy your pizza Mr red Leaf, Zero Emissions graphic, do not cast your gaze upon my Leaf, sir.

What an interesting interaction! LOL. In my experience there, it was a fast charge but not AS fast as some L3 chargers promise. You can check out the pics I took while there on PlugShare at http://www.plugshare.com/?location=7686" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It shows that it was going to take 54 minutes to charge to 100% and I was at about 13 miles range when I began. I stayed for about 30 minutes and left with 80 miles though which actually does sound accurate for a 30 minute to 80% charge. Glad to hear that it appears to still be operational, even if by a mute EV driver.