Capping off #DriveElectricWeek by beginning a road trip in my #MINICooper SE from Kansas City to the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee. This thread will cover the journey there...
Today's leg: Kansas City area to Cape Girardeau, MO.
Electrify America station in Independence, MO is a hot mess. 2 of 4 stations off. Had to call support to reset the working stations as they both thought someone was plugged in & idle. Was ultimately able to get the deep charge needed for next leg.
A “scenic”/bucket list charging stop: level 2 chargers that still work at an abandoned hospital along I-70 near Sweet Springs, MO.
Another level 2 charger a few minutes down the road (with amenities!) in Saline, MO. Quick bite to eat + make sure Wattson has enough energy to reach the next DC fast charger.
Good charging stop at Boonville Electrify America.
Good charging stop at Kingdom City, MO.
Great charging stop at Warrenton, MO.
Vanity/photo op stop at MINI of St. Louis. Yes, I waved at all the other MINIs.
Good charging stop at Pevely Phillips 66 Express Mart. Gas station/convenience store; happy to use their windshield washing wands. Gonna charge deep and push for the hotel without other stops.
Hotels with free Level 2 charging are the best! Good night from Cape Girardeau, MO.
First charging stop today in Paducah, KY. I was able to immediately charge at full power on #4, but #3 is unavailable & #2 has a paper note warning that it won’t initiate charging.
A lazy lunch and (free!) Level 2 charge at picturesque Princeton, KY. Taking lower-speed roads for this leg to conserve energy and make sure I reach the next DC fast charger.
One more photo stop at Historic Sudden Service Gas Station in Hopkinsville, KY. Free Level 2 charging, restrooms, and a nice park across the street. Unfortunately, the door to the restrooms is locked so I’ll stay no longer than necessary to reach the next DC fast charger.
Electrify America in Clarksville, TN began charging, yet app thought it failed. Will let it go until I get the charge I need then try to stop from car. Otherwise, I’ll call support for help.
Pressing the release button on the handle stopped the charge.
Edit: I suspect that station was in free vend because it was derated and I was too quick trying to start it with the app.
Now charging at the Willowbrook Commons Electrify America in Nashville, TN. 1 station broken and the other 7 are now being used.
A quick “safety charge” at a Chevy dealership in Lebanon, TN.
My last DC fast charge for this trip is a good one at the Cookeville, TN Electrify America - the other 150kW charger has a derated warning on its screen but the one I’m plugged into is giving me full power & started on first try. Both 350kW chargers appear good.
Only Level 2 chargers available for the rest of this trip. This will be my first DC fast charger stop when I return home Wednesday.
Taking advantage of the free Level 2 charger at Stonehaus Winery while I attempt to get dinner across the street.
Hotels with pay-to-charge (by the minute!) Level 2 chargers aren’t nearly as good as those with free charging, but still better than those without any charging at all. Good night from Lenoir City, TN.
Oops—I meant to post this earlier but here’s an overview of today’s plan, ending at Lenoir City, TN.
@undeciderist found you on plugshare
@undeciderist Absolutely. Stayed a week in Branson and the hotel had free L2. Had 100% every day and didn't have to charge on the way home
@undeciderist it seems like there have been a lot of charges on your trip. Are you topping off pretty often or do you actually need to charge that often?
@8bit_PK My MINI has a pretty small battery (28.9kW available for me to use). EPA estimated range is 110 miles, which I am actually getting on this trip. A stiff headwind at 70mph drops that down to about 86 miles. So I’ve been charging at every opportunity just in case.
@undeciderist ok. Yeah 100miles is pretty short. It’s been interesting following you.
I have a MINI Cooper S. If you know of any other MINI accounts here, let me know.
@8bit_PK Thanks! Sadly, I haven’t (yet) found many #MINICooper folks on the Fediverse yet…
@undeciderist I went to Kansas City last weekend. From northwest arkansas, so only 1 charge stop with the Bolt.
@smeg Nice. I only have 28.9kW available to use in my MINI, so I need a few more charging stops. LOL