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Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 6:20 AM

Access & Protection issues at Charging stations

Hi,

 I have noticed many users having access difficulties because EV charging parking spaces are too small. I feel that they should be sized on the Disability parking size because some users have a disability. Anecdotally, I have heard of a disabled user who had to call external help because his helper was urgently called away. He was stuck in his car so could not disconnect.

 I also have an issue with sun/rain protection. Many screens are now so badly sun burnt to be illegible. Having shading/protection would alleviate this issue & there is nothing worse than trying to connect in a rain storm. We want to connect, charge & go!

 The other issue for the future is vehicles towing trailers/caravans. There will need to be drive-thru chargers for these vehicles in time.

Bronze user

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102 Messages

22 days ago

There are a few chargers that have enough space for vehicles with trailers, but most I've seen are slower AC chargers. At others such as some Tesla chargers you could charge without disconnecting a trailer, but you'd have to block off most or all the other charging outlets.

It is indeed a mystery as to why EV charging providers don't supply any sort of shelter, water, or even windscreen washing facilities, as EV drivers are going to be there much longer than ICE vehicle drivers, and they are usually given all the required facilities.

In the blazing sun at the Tesla Hollydene (Hunter Valley) charger the other day when the temperature was near 40C, the charging failed before I wanted to finish. I suspect it was due to overheating, the plug was almost too hot to touch when I unplugged. A bit of shelter shade might have helped significantly.

For vehicles with the charger socket on the side, you have to stand in a large puddle up to 50mm deep to use the NRMA Armidale charger, and the Exploren 7kW charger at Willow Tree has a similar problem.

I really don't think enough thought has gone into the provision of charging facilities at many locations.

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