[MG1]

There's really no need to fight for chargers if you work smart. If you bought an EV and cannot find charging, then you didn't think it through before buying one. I said this many times. Think about it before you decide. Think, think, think, then think some more. EV's are not for everyone. I own a house and installed a level 2 (240V) charger in the garage. I get a full charge from zero to 100% in 4 to 5 hours. On level 1 (110 volt), it takes 11 hours. On level 3 (DC Fast Charge 440 volt), I charge to 80% from zero in 25 to 30 minutes. I've never gone down to zero, so it usually take 15 to 20 minutes. You cannot have a level 3 charger in a residential or even a condo. It is very, very expensive, plus way too much voltage. A decent plug-in, level 2 charger can be had for $365.00 US. You just need a 240 dryer or stove outlet nearby. Most chargers that are plug-in type, come with a 25ft cord. Ideally, a hard wired charger is the best choice, but not necessary.

New condos in certain municipalities, by law, have to have level 2 chargers installed somewhere on the property, but if you live in an older one, you are shit out of luck. Most strata councils frown upon any kind of charging, even 110. Everything from being worried about cost to cause of fire. Even if there's proof it'll increase property value and appeal. Chargers and having to manage them in a fair manner is a more complicated matter than most are willing to spend their time on.

My son has an older EV that does not have a level 3 connector. He is stuck with level 2 or level 1. No problem when he used to live at home. He moved out and into a condo not that long ago. There's no charging allowed in the condo. Not even for electric bikes. Anyhow, there's no charger where he works, either. He is hooped as it takes five hours to charge the darn thing when he's down in three or so days. Solution? He comes home to charge. My EV has a level 3 connection, so when I'm in a good mood, I go charge the EV at one of the DC Fast Chargers and swap cars with him at his workplace. I drop mine off and take his back home. By the time he's finished work, his car is fully charged. On top of that, good ol' dad, makes him dinner. Why do I do this? I have an ulterior motive. IF he didn't need the charge, i would never see number one son. Like ever. Well, unless it's Xmas or a family BBQ. So this is a blessing for me.

In a nutshell, if you don't have a house or live in a condo with no charging allowed, don't get an electric car. If you're retired like me, then it is very doable. Charging stations are empty during the day, as most people are at work. There are plenty of free level 3 chargers out there, but they're busy, busy, busy in the afternoon and evenings. Line ups of three to four cars. More on this later.................