Plugshare App anyone use it

discostu1

I happened to run into (not in the car thankfully ) another Leaf driver at a charge point we had a quick chat and he mentioned using Plugshare app is it any better than the ESB one or what are its positives Remember I'm not a technical person

isnottheword

discostu1 wrote: »

I happened to run into (not in the car thankfully ) another Leaf driver at a charge point we had a quick chat and he mentioned using Plugshare app is it any better than the ESB one or what are its positives Remember I'm not a technical person

There are only a couple of differences with plugshare. Just go to plugshare.com - and check it out. That's the website based version of the app that is being referred to.

It's essentially just a map with locations of chargers pinpointed on it. It's not much different than the ecars map - with the following exceptions;


- You can post up status of a charger in real time. The idea is that users input relevant info - and in that way stand to gain from others doing likewise. The degree to which this is accurate remains to be seen. If ecars updated their maps in real time (or even at all - as there are multiple reports of them not updating charger status after users going to the trouble of reporting an issue in the first instance), we wouldn't have to consider checking for this info.

- Users can add photo's of chargepoints - and benefit from others having done so also. Chargers can sometimes be marked on a map but it may not be patently obvious of the exact location once you get there. The pics take care of that.

- Residential chargers are listed. Unlike the ecars app, residential chargers are listed. Any plugshare user can add their own home chargepoint to the map - and make it available for others to use. You can specify times you make charger available or state 'call first' - or list any condition of use you like. The idea here is that this supplements a very weak public charging infrastructure. It's likely that very few will ever use this option - but it's a reassurance to EV drivers if they get stuck somewhere and the public infrastructure lets them down.


- Plugshare also covers the UK, Europe, etc. - so can be handy if planning a trip. Unlike Ireland, there are often different charger networks in european countries - so plugshare facilitates listing of all chargers on the one map.


I wouldn't say it's a replacement for the ecars map/app. However, it can provide supplementary info to the ecars map.

Calahonda52

isnottheword wrote: »

I wouldn't say it's a replacement for the ecars map/app. However, it can provide supplementary info to the ecars map.

Does it track your location in real time and move the map like on normal G maps nav or do you have to recenter/refresh as in the e-cars app which is a real penalty point attraction activity!

isnottheword wrote: »

- Residential chargers are listed. Unlike the ecars app, residential chargers are listed. Any plugshare user can add their own home chargepoint to the map - and make it available for others to use. You can specify times you make charger available or state 'call first' - or list any condition of use you like. The idea here is that this supplements a very weak public charging infrastructure. It's likely that very few will ever use this option - but it's a reassurance to EV drivers if they get stuck somewhere and the public infrastructure lets them down.
.

Interesting: maybe time to put in the 32A fast charger and a PAYG sub meter

Balmed Out

Anyone boards user actually use this and allow others to charge? I wouldn't mind in the event of an emergency but living in a tourist area I don't think I will in case it gets used a lot and my driveway turns into a garage forecourt.

isnottheword

Balmed Out wrote: »

Anyone boards user actually use this and allow others to charge? I wouldn't mind in the event of an emergency but living in a tourist area I don't think I will in case it gets used a lot and my driveway turns into a garage forecourt.

Mine is registered and has never been used once. That doesn't surprise me - given that there's an SCP a minute away - and IT hardly ever gets used!

Notwithstanding that, I feel good about it in the sense that it serves to give EV drivers a little peace of mind. i.e. if someone was driving in the vicinity and they made the local public charger their only option for a re-charge, they could have comfort in the knowledge that in the worst case scenario, they would have access to an alternative that would keep them on the road.

I doubt very much that your driveway would turn into a 'garage forecourt'. However, you could end up helping out a handful of people that would otherwise have been up shít creek. Naturally, this works in reverse - it could be you in that scenario - looking to use someone elses private charger to get you out of a bind.


I think this is a no brainer. You can register in 2 minutes. Secondly, you can specify the terms of use. I have mine available 24/7. There's no need to do that, however. You can specify the times it's available and/or the need to call beforehand OR you don't have to specify any time but insist on the need to call beforehand.

If it ended up (highly unlikely by the way - but just mentioning it for your peace of mind) that you were getting hacked off due to overuse, you can change the terms of use OR you could simply delist - again in a matter of seconds. Nobody really wants to sit in someone elses drive and use a charger that may be slower. They are only going to use it if they have no other option. Therefore, I can't imagine that you'd have so many visitors.

DrPhilG

I'm listed, not had one visitor or query in nearly 2 years.

Mind you my charger is in the garage so I would need to be home for anyone to use it.

Mope

Calahonda52 wrote: »

Does it track your location in real time and move the map like on normal G maps nav or do you have to recenter/refresh as in the e-cars app which is a real penalty point attraction activity!

It does not actively track, I think, did not try but from the looks it does not. BUT there is a button on bottom right corner which just "finds" you on map after you hit it and then shows all chargers around you.

I am also testing NextCharge app, yet to decide which one is better.
eCar app takes very long to open, that is my downside and is very limited with options.

isnottheword

DrPhilG wrote: »

I'm listed, not had one visitor or query in nearly 2 years.

Mind you my charger is in the garage so I would need to be home for anyone to use it.

Hasn't cost you a cent to list - and even if you helped one person out in the future, that would make it all worthwhile. It could be that it is already helping people out - as if someone makes the nearest public charger to you their last port of call - and that lets them down, they may have taken that risk with the comfort that there was a private charger within reach that (in a doomsday scenario) could get them out of a hole.

I see it as a peace of mind tool for EV drivers - that is highly unlikely to be availed of (but that you'd be damned appreciative of it being there were such an event to happen).

A lot gets said about the EV 'community'. With that, it frustrates me that so few have taken the few seconds needed to register their charger on plugshare.

Mope

I will most likely share mine after a bit more investigation exactly for the reasons you stated above isnotheword.

There are 2 or 3 chargers in range of 10 km from around me, but why not sharing mine? (I don't have one installed though, still waiting...)

isnottheword

Mope wrote: »

I will most likely share mine after a bit more investigation exactly for the reasons you stated above isnotheword.

There are 2 or 3 chargers in range of 10 km from around me, but why not sharing mine? (I don't have one installed though, still waiting...)

Good stuff. Like I said, I doubt there will be a queue of cars outside your house. Furthermore, as range eventually increases, the need for this will fall by the wayside - but we are a few years off a scenario whereby the majority of the EV stock out there is running 60kW batteries.

liamog

I use plug share to checkin when I'm charging.
Gives a history of the reliability of the public infrastructure.

Lately the eCars site has shown chargers as working, only for us to turn up and they can't be activated.

isnottheword

liamog wrote: »

I use plug share to checkin when I'm charging.
Gives a history of the reliability of the public infrastructure.

Lately the eCars site has shown chargers as working, only for us to turn up and they can't be activated.

Yes, this is the other advantage of plugshare. Ecars don't always act on reports and update the map in real time (or even delayed time - some of the time!). I suspect that they are trying to make the statistics look better than they actually are - in terms of network up-time, reliability, etc.

With plugshare, EV drivers can upload their experience of chargepoint status in real time. This is an excellent feature - but again, it could do with greater engagement.

The power of these aspects of functionality is totally dependent upon participants logging in and reporting their experience.

goz83

I've just added my HCP to the app. It's a Type 1 tethered with a 3 pin socket.

liamog

goz83 wrote: »

I've just added my HCP to the app. It's a Type 1 tethered with a 3 pin socket.

Misread that as a Mode 1 Charger.
I thought you'd listed your Granny Cable

DrPhilG

isnottheword wrote: »

but we are a few years off a scenario whereby the majority of the EV stock out there is running 60kW batteries.

We are many years away from that scenario.

Tesla still are the only car out there with that size and even when others catch up it will be years before the 60kw cars on the road outnumber the 24, 30 and 40 Leaf, and both sizes of the Zoe.

isnottheword

DrPhilG wrote: »

We are many years away from that scenario.

Tesla still are the only car out there with that size and even when others catch up it will be years before the 60kwh cars on the road outnumber the 24, 30 and 40 Leaf, and both sizes of the Zoe.

Yes, a good few years - so in the meantime, plugshare and the addition of home chargepoints is beneficial to the community in general.

Calahonda52

goz83 wrote: »

I've just added my HCP to the app. It's a Type 1 tethered with a 3 pin socket.

can't see myself doing this, at least in a public forum like plug-share, maybe for some of the folk on here that I know.

What happens if some random arrives and wants to have a JR (bathroom break) while the car charges...

DrPhilG

isnottheword wrote: »

Yes, a good few years - so in the meantime, plugshare and the addition of home chargepoints is beneficial to the community in general.

I agree, which is why my home charger is listed.

But a few years, or even a good few years is a bit misleading. I would go do far as to say it will be nearly 10 years before the majority of EVs on Irish roads are 60kw+.

goz83

Calahonda52 wrote: »

can't see myself doing this, at least in a public forum like plug-share, maybe for some of the folk on here that I know.

What happens if some random arrives and wants to have a JR (bathroom break) while the car charges...

I would direct him to the neighbours garden across the road :pac:

I have CCTV in the garden, but I wouldn't expect any messing. Opening the CP does not open my home. That's not to say I would refuse someone who needs to empty their bladder. The noise levels in my house would move them on fairly sharpish

isnottheword

Calahonda52 wrote: »

What happens if some random arrives and wants to have a JR (bathroom break) while the car charges...

You dictate the terms of use. Such facilities are not available in my offering. I think it would be a bit much for someone to ask that - I don't think that they would - or if they do, then I'll deal with it pretty swiftly.

Calahonda52

goz83 wrote: »

I would direct him to the neighbours garden across the road :pac:

I have CCTV in the garden, but I wouldn't expect any messing. Opening the CP does not open my home. That's not to say I would refuse someone who needs to empty their bladder. The noise levels in my house would move them on fairly sharpish

So I take it changing the babies nappy on the kitchen table or worktop is not an option either.

isnottheword wrote: »

You dictate the terms of use. Such facilities are not available in my offering. I think it would be a bit much for someone to ask that - I don't think that they would - or if they do, then I'll deal with it pretty swiftly.

There is no accounting for human nature especially when its free.

I posted the thought only to get folk to consider it.

goz83

Calahonda52 wrote: »

So I take it changing the babies nappy on the kitchen table or worktop is not an option either.

That would be fine, as long as they're willing change my daughters dirty nappy while they're at it. Bio hazard

KCross

Calahonda52 wrote: »

can't see myself doing this, at least in a public forum like plug-share, maybe for some of the folk on here that I know.

If you were stuck somewhere would you call someone on it?
Its a two way street!

isnottheword

Calahonda52 wrote: »

There is no accounting for human nature especially when its free. I posted the thought only to get folk to consider it.

I've raised this outside of boards.ie - and gotten similar selfish responses. I already told you - YOU set the agenda as to how your chargepoint gets used. Take a look at the plugshare map - filter it down to private/residential chargers only. Then look at the stipulations that people have set out.

You can set whatever parameters you wish. You can determine the time - i.e. only available from time x to time y.
Many state; "Private house please text or ring first"
Another states; " Available by telephone appointment, only in emergencies 9am - 9pm."
And another; "Access only by prior calling for emergency charging if stuck"


I've had a quick check through and nobody has articulated the 'issue' that you seem to think is likely. However, if that's a real concern, you could state the following;

"ONLY the facility to charge is offered - not equipped to provide any other form of assistance. To avoid offence, please don't ask" ...or something like that. Then set out the times that you make it available OR if you can't do that, simply state "call ahead to determine availability".

If circumstances change - or a specific problem arises, you can adjust your terms on the app/website in real time on a whim. You can delist in a whim if you have a bad experience (albeit I doubt that you will have such an experience).


A lot gets bandied about - about the EV 'community'. This - to me - is the first test as regards how we treat each other. As regards the 'when it's free' comment, do you really think that you will have a stream of people coming to your door?...because you won't. NOBODY really wants to call to someones house to charge unless they really have to. It's that last part that's important though. Have you ever been up shi­t creek and needed the help of a stranger? Even if you don't envisage yourself being in this situation (running out of charge), I'm sure you've had to rely on another human being for a dig out with something in the past (and no doubt, you will in the future). It's part of being human.

In terms of free-loading, maybe once we go to a fee-based public network, there might be some occasional miser who would be prepared to spend longer at a residential charger (remember, it's going to take him/her much longer to juice up at a residential charger). That's not the case right now (and when we get to that point, you can always insist on a 'contribution' or go so far as to explicitly state contribution amount required). In fact, there are multiple examples of users being so relieved and delighted at the generosity of the host in getting them out of a sticky situation that they've left cash or a bottle of booze, etc. as a thank you (over and above what they would have paid at a public charger - simply because when you're really in a bind, you appreciate what the other person has done for you).
I get that it's part of life that we all have to be vigilant in our dealings with others. However, you can still be vigilant without being uncaring and uncharitable....as we all suffer as a collective if we adopt the mindset of the latter.

And if you're reading this and thinking I'm some sort of happy clappy hippy, if someone screws with me, I can just as easily go the other way i.e. Neeson-esque ~ I will look for you, I will find you....yada, yada

Balmed Out

Im added in now but just checking I put in type 2 chargepoint. I have a type 2 untethered chargepoint for my 24kw leaf so presumably thats correct but notice most others on the map are of a different type while I would have assumed they would be the same given most ev's at the moment are leaf's?

isnottheword

@balmed out : Fair play to you for participating. There are some EV'ers out there with Zoe's which would be type1. Just to avoid confusion for any potential users, if you get a couple of minutes spare at some stage, upload a pic of the chargepoint with the flap of the connector open - so that folks can see precisely what chargepoint you have.

stesaurus

isnottheword wrote: »

@balmed out : Fair play to you for participating. There are some EV'ers out there with Zoe's which would be type1. Just to avoid confusion for any potential users, if you get a couple of minutes spare at some stage, upload a pic of the chargepoint with the flap of the connector open - so that folks can see precisely what chargepoint you have.

A Zoe is type 2. Any untethered will be type 2 and you use your own cable.

I have my type 2 tethered unit listed over a year now and never had a visit. I must actually out some stipulations in as really I'd only be happy with an emergency.

Mope

I am starting to like the app. Yesterday when charging in the station I've used option to "Check in", after you select that it gives you automatic options of selecting how long you going to stay and comment field if you wish to add something. Then this stays on top of your phones notification bar until time expires OR you can click "finished" if you leave earlier. Class. I like these small touches from apps :-)

Website is actually worse implemented than the app :]

goz83

There's a higher concentration of home chargers in North Dublin than anywhere else. We must be the most generous folk around

I would say that most home chargers will never see a visitor, but it does give some peace of mind.

I have updated my own description. Seems most people have nothing added beyond the basic charger type.

Mope

Met first EV user while charging mine (at Square SCP) was lady with Leaf 24kW. She advised me about Facebook groups for EV drivers I advised her of PlugShare :-)

She liked IONIQ a lot :]

human 19

Balmed Out wrote: »

Im added in now but just checking I put in type 2 chargepoint. I have a type 2 untethered chargepoint for my 24kw leaf so presumably thats correct but notice most others on the map are of a different type while I would have assumed they would be the same given most ev's at the moment are leaf's?

Mine is tethered so its type 1. The only connecter is the one that goes into the Leaf. If it was untethered, it would be type 2 to fit the other end of the cable that comes with the car.

I will have a look at this app. Mine would probably only be called for if the street charger 10mins away was out of action