They should add a feature where users can virtually “get in line” for the next available charger. In some places, it’s not practical or safe to physically line up a bunch (or even a few) cars waiting for the next available charger. It’d be nice if the app would just let you virtually queue for a charge, so you can go park somewhere close by. Maybe have it set so once a charger is available, you have a few minutes to start charging, or you lose your place in line. If somebody else physically pulls into the charging spot, it wouldn’t let them charge, and would ideally show a notification on their app that X number of people are in line in front of them.

  • GetawayDrivingBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    This would have to be implemented by a network as a standard way of using their network. Someone like PlugShare making reservations on a Chargepoint plug would be chaos, because not everyone has or uses that app or has any visibility to the process.

    Reservations do exist at some plugs, but they are one “one deep”. As in, you can reserve it for 10 minutes while you drive over, but someone else can’t queue a reservation behind you.

  • trsmith83BEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Seems like something that can be done pretty easily within the existing charging apps. I believe ChargePoint offers it (maybe the charger owner has to opt in or something).

  • sylvaingBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    The only thing I can think of is a car that pulled into the empty spot and refusing to move until the other car allotted time to charge expires, since I believe it would be just a few minutes anyway.