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So, swipe a credit card. Install an app. Sorry, that's not ideal ... but that doesn't seem to be a deal breaker. Particularly regarding the app. Do I complain

So, swipe a credit card. Install an app. Sorry, that's not ideal ... but that doesn't seem to be a deal breaker. Particularly regarding the app. Do I complain that I need to install Sonos and Prime Music and Apple Play once to do what I want?

ncallaway 6y ago
Do you have to install an app when you get gas from Shell or BP? No. Also, you seem to have only picked on part of the inconvenience given that this exists: > Like, I've waited 10 minutes before for a charge to start! Putting a hard dependence on someone having a smart phone, and reliable internet in order to get gas or charge their car is a ludicrous step backwards in user experience compared to either the (described) Tesla experience or filling your car with gas.
- kylecordes 6y ago
  If the public demonstrates willingness to use charging that requires a specific app for each brand… Then it's only a matter of time before gas station brands start requiring the same (or pricing a bunch more if you don't have it).
- TLightful 6y ago
  Do I install an app for many other things I do online? Erm, yes! Fair point on the need to be online to use the service. However, not unusual these days. Your last point? I have similar feelings towards Tesla putting a hard dependence on someone having a Tesla in order to charge up. But anyhoo.
xeromal 6y ago
Another doozie is that 3rd party chargers are often in garages in the city and you lose cell service meaning the app doesn't even work. lol. I've had that happen more times than I care to count when I use my chademo charger for my tesla.
mynameisvlad 6y ago
I mean, the parent comment is explicitly comparing the experiences. When the comparison is between that and literally just plugging in and immediately starting to charge, that is a pretty big deal. It’s not just one time, it’s every time you do a larger road trip. That’s very much a case of death by a thousand cuts.
- TLightful 6y ago
  Seems to be the same problem to me from two ends of the same stick. That ideal experience of just plugging in and immediately starting to charge is restricted to a particular car brand. From that perspective, what a ridiculous situation which could be solved with cooperation but ... anyways, USB-C, Lion, etc etc ... In conclusion, not just the independent charging networks are at fault here.
bdamm 6y ago
The worst part of this is taking the time to get the app all settled (hope they don't need to mail you a membership card!) and then find out that the charger is broken or slower than advertised. The state of things for non-Tesla charging is horrendous right now. Mostly thanks to big oil's attempt to corrupt every EV player ever, from the standards to the permitting to the carmakers. Now they're trying to own the space but they're faced with owning their own enormous mess. A tragedy of modern proportions.
filoleg 6y ago
>Do I complain that I need to install Sonos and Prime Music and Apple Play once to do what I want? No, because there is no easily available alternative to this that gets rid of those pain points in you example. While for EVs, there is. Hence the whole disappointment. It is much more difficult to accept inconveniences, when you have an option available that shows you that it is possible to perform the exact same functions, but without dealing with those inconveniences.
- TLightful 6y ago
  "without dealing with those inconveniences" but by having to own a particular brand of car. Seems like the same problem to me, but from two different ends of the spectrum.

ncallaway 6y ago

Do you have to install an app when you get gas from Shell or BP? No. Also, you seem to have only picked on part of the inconvenience given that this exists: > Like, I've waited 10 minutes before for a charge to start! Putting a hard dependence on someone having a smart phone, and reliable internet in order to get gas or charge their car is a ludicrous step backwards in user experience compared to either the (described) Tesla experience or filling your car with gas.

kylecordes 6y ago
If the public demonstrates willingness to use charging that requires a specific app for each brand… Then it's only a matter of time before gas station brands start requiring the same (or pricing a bunch more if you don't have it).
TLightful 6y ago
Do I install an app for many other things I do online? Erm, yes! Fair point on the need to be online to use the service. However, not unusual these days. Your last point? I have similar feelings towards Tesla putting a hard dependence on someone having a Tesla in order to charge up. But anyhoo.

xeromal 6y ago

Another doozie is that 3rd party chargers are often in garages in the city and you lose cell service meaning the app doesn't even work. lol. I've had that happen more times than I care to count when I use my chademo charger for my tesla.

mynameisvlad 6y ago

I mean, the parent comment is explicitly comparing the experiences. When the comparison is between that and literally just plugging in and immediately starting to charge, that is a pretty big deal. It’s not just one time, it’s every time you do a larger road trip. That’s very much a case of death by a thousand cuts.

TLightful 6y ago
Seems to be the same problem to me from two ends of the same stick. That ideal experience of just plugging in and immediately starting to charge is restricted to a particular car brand. From that perspective, what a ridiculous situation which could be solved with cooperation but ... anyways, USB-C, Lion, etc etc ... In conclusion, not just the independent charging networks are at fault here.

bdamm 6y ago

The worst part of this is taking the time to get the app all settled (hope they don't need to mail you a membership card!) and then find out that the charger is broken or slower than advertised. The state of things for non-Tesla charging is horrendous right now. Mostly thanks to big oil's attempt to corrupt every EV player ever, from the standards to the permitting to the carmakers. Now they're trying to own the space but they're faced with owning their own enormous mess. A tragedy of modern proportions.

filoleg 6y ago

>Do I complain that I need to install Sonos and Prime Music and Apple Play once to do what I want? No, because there is no easily available alternative to this that gets rid of those pain points in you example. While for EVs, there is. Hence the whole disappointment. It is much more difficult to accept inconveniences, when you have an option available that shows you that it is possible to perform the exact same functions, but without dealing with those inconveniences.

TLightful 6y ago
"without dealing with those inconveniences" but by having to own a particular brand of car. Seems like the same problem to me, but from two different ends of the spectrum.