Comment by ezfe
11 hours ago
Blog posts without dates on them are super frustrating. If this was written today I would have a litany of complaints about the details around EV charging.
If this was written 5 years ago they might have a little more leeway. Here's one:
> trying to force everyone to download janky apps just to play is disingenuous and short-sighted
The biggest networks do not require apps to use their chargers (excluding Tesla, who built a huge network with no screens and then decided to open it up without hardware retrofits). Some offer memberships which obviously use an app, but that's not surprising or relevant.
That post first appeared in 2019 and has been updated since then. The last update was sometime between from May 2023 to October 2024. It includes a link to something dated Dec 23, 2023 which further narrows it down.
In the USA, I've had several charging stations where the CC terminal acts like it works, but it won't actually charge the vehicle.
However if you use the App, the charger works. This is in late 2025 and 2026, so it's better, but the non-app route is not fully fleshed out yet.
My worst experience was a charger near Yosemite ran by the local power utility. They required you use a website to turn the charger on, and the instructions were incomplete and it took me a half-dozen tries to figure out the right set of magic steps to get the dumb charger to work. Had it not been the only charger in like 100+ miles, I'm sure it would never ever get used due to how insanely broken it was.
Even two years ago the plethora of apps I needed was a frustrating experience. (Daily Driving a Ford E-Transit) I've had it since December 2023 and things have only gotten mildly better. Today in 2026 Having tesla support added and the free adapter helps, but without the app you never know which one you're pulling up to is currently disabled. Ford's plug & charge service seems to rarely work except at tesla spots, so I often still have to either start the charge from from Fords a pp, the Networks app, or rarely pay directly at the terminal with tap to pay.
There are three dates at the bottom of the page, presumably the dates it was published and updated.
But they're certainly not obvious.
On Tue, Oct 3, 2023, 1:18 PM, I wrote:
How many apps must people put on their phones, or payment cards people must carry, to pay to charge their vehicles with the convenience of a petrol station?
* https://parking.ubc.ca/are-there-electric-vehicle-ev-chargin...
"Charging fees can be paid through the Honk Mobile App or using a web browser with internet access."
* https://electricvehicles.bchydro.com/bc-hydro-ev-mobile-app
"You can use the BC Hydro EV app to activate stations on other networks across North America."
* https://www.flo.com/en-ca/products/software/flo-mobile-app/
"Download the FLO app for free. Access thousands of chargers on-the-go in our network and start your session with a tap."
* https://www.chargepoint.com/en-ca/drivers/mobile
"Get the ChargePoint App. The easiest way to find available stations, start charging and get updates when your EV is fully charged."
* https://ecocharge.ca/
"Download the AmpUp our mobile app from the Apple or Google Play store to."
* https://www.electrify-canada.ca/mobile-app/
"Use the Electrify Canada mobile app to schedule your home charging and find a public charging station. Sign up for an account to enjoy exclusive, members-only public charging features and pricing."
* https://swtchenergy.com/
"iPhone & Android app. No download required via SWTCH’s in-browser app. Tap-and-go charging with our complimentary RFID card."
I could not charge my Kona at multiple public charging stations around Vancouver:
* "Free" FLO Level 2 charger at New Westminster High School (requires sign up).
* BC Hydro Level 3 charger near a Real Canadian Superstore (requires sign up).
* AddEnergie Level 2 charger at Tsawwassen Mills (requires sign up).
* Honk Level 2 charger at a University of British Columbia parkade (requires sign up).
* Bonus: Most Tesla stations (no adapters available).
From Aging Wheels:
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92w5doU68D8 (Oct 15, 2023; bad experience)
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouPiwt5hxXQ (Nov 24, 2024; better experience)
It's steadily improving, though!