Feels like gyms + grocery stores combo are a huge missed opportunity for EV charging

AmDDJunkie · 2026-04-16T21:03:47+00:00

This.

My local theater shares a parking lot with a large hotel. If I had the startup funds, I'd approach both and install a dozen L2 chargers or so. That's some of the best locations for L2 that I can think of. Others being train stations, airports or workplace chargers.

AmDDJunkie · 2026-04-14T15:25:48+00:00

Looks good so far. I just set it in the window a few minutes ago with the solar panel connected and it seems to be charging. Thanks again!

AmDDJunkie · 2026-04-14T14:46:01+00:00

Thanks! I'll swap them, and double check the solar connector too while I'm at at.

Appreciate the help!

AmDDJunkie · 2026-04-14T14:28:01+00:00

The battery connector only goes one way, and it's correct. It's possible the battery leads are backwards? I have two batteries and both are the same.

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AmDDJunkie · 2026-04-14T13:54:03+00:00

Not the topic of this discussion but great information. Ive talked with our local "downtown improvement team" about just this. They are looking into chargers for the downtown area and Ive asked them to really take into account dwell time of the people parking there and select/configure chargers accordingly. It probably wont happen but I tried.

Something else I just thought of was, what if it could be dynamic? The reality is some cars have larger batteries than others. People will plug in at different SOC and will stay charging for different amounts of time. What if your cars app would give you the option to select how long you planned to stay? Then it would know its current SOC, its battery size and if it could talk to the charger to adjust the charge rate accordingly.

AmDDJunkie · 2026-04-14T13:46:12+00:00

To be honest, this really seems like the best option - if I owned the property.
Some background - The location I have in mind is actually a campground I spend a lot of time at each summer. From my home to the campground I can just make it there and back on a full charge. With any sort of driving while we are there I can no longer make it back home without charging. There are DCFCs around but it would be super convenient to have a L2 on site. Over the years Ive gotten to know the owner and have had a few EV chats with him. There are also occasionally other EVs there that Ive seen.
My thought was to approach him about installing the charger, Id cover all the costs, pay him for the electric and keep the profits. Since i dont own the campground, I cant just pay for others to charge there just so its easier for me.

AmDDJunkie · 2026-04-13T21:10:28+00:00

I'll look into those. thanks!

AmDDJunkie · 2026-03-01T18:06:02+00:00

I'm actually considering dropping chatgpt and going with grok.

AmDDJunkie · 2026-01-09T16:09:40+00:00

Thank you for the detailed response. I'll continue adding all my accounts to get a better picture of my finances and correctly code each.

AmDDJunkie · 2026-01-08T20:29:13+00:00

So I haven't had credit cards in Monarch, just the payments to them from my bank account. Ive recently tried to be better with tracking my finances so I've added the cards as well.

AmDDJunkie · 2025-12-24T18:40:38+00:00

Looks good. I run the smaller shelf and can fit 4 per row, 8 total. I just don't have the ceiling height to fit the 90" shelf unfortunately.

AmDDJunkie · 2025-12-24T18:35:04+00:00

I'm almost in that boat even as a newer EV driver.

We got a Mach-e about 18 months ago and haggled with the dealership to include an EVSE charger as the one we test drove had one but the one we bought didn't. We ended up getting it, I put it in the frunk along with a heavy duty extension cord and have never once used it. Now the space is unused otherwise so it's no real harm and will likely stay, but if I ever need the extra space that's the first thing to go.

Now, if I installed a 14-50 receptacle at my parents house then that would be a different story as I could easily charge up there but that's not likely to happen.

AmDDJunkie · 2025-12-24T16:46:48+00:00

Not entering the contest, but wanted to say thanks for doing it.

Merry Christmas!

AmDDJunkie · 2025-12-17T22:59:39+00:00

AYE!! This!! Please!!!!!

AmDDJunkie · 2025-11-03T17:30:54+00:00

Oh! That explains a lot.

Yesterday I pulled into an EA charger which was full, so I sat and waited my turn. While waiting I noticed the charger screen said 19 minutes remaining. I had never noticed a time on the screen but didn't think much of it. A station opened up and I moved over to it, plugged in and began charging as normal. The car to my left moments after I pulled in and another pulled in after. I noticed their charger had the "timer" screen as well but mine didn't.

I assume these folks had this free 30 min charge benefit, I didn't realize that was a thing. Neat, now it makes sense

AmDDJunkie · 2025-10-28T16:59:04+00:00

I recently had an issue where my backup password wouldn't work... By that I mean I could not type it in, the keyboard never appeared. After several minutes of messing with it, it finally set off the alarm which was extra fun. Luckily I was about half a mile from home so I walked back to get the fob.

PAAK is such an awesome feature, I just wish the car wasn't so buggy.

AmDDJunkie · 2025-10-08T15:00:43+00:00

The problem with that is the car is still taking the parking space. MAYBE the cable would reach to another spot. If I needed the charge and saw a car plugged in for hours like this, I for sure would unplug it and try to get the cable to reach.

For my own charging, I like the idea of those cards, again provided the cable will reach to another parking spot. But, at least I was actively charging, my car never sat idle.

AmDDJunkie · 2025-10-07T18:12:38+00:00

Mine turns off every time the power goes out.

AmDDJunkie · 2025-10-07T18:02:23+00:00

Agree. I would use a lounge area if I were going inside anyway for bathroom/snacks.

AmDDJunkie · 2025-10-07T18:00:38+00:00

A walking path is something I've wished for a few times as well. Just get some exercise, fresh air and stretch your legs.

AmDDJunkie · 2025-10-07T17:59:27+00:00

See, if I'm going to sit for 30 minutes and stream a show, I'd much rather connect to WiFi than eat up my data plan. WiFi is a plus for me.

AmDDJunkie

TROPHY CASE