PSA: I used to plan my whole ride around gas stations, now I just check the PlugShare app.

Back in 2019, I'd map out my route from Toronto to Ottawa based on where I knew the Petro-Canadas were. Now, with more public chargers in places like the mall in Kingston, I just open the app and go. Has anyone else found they're way less stressed about range on longer trips now?

3 comments

3 Comments

david_price503mo ago

Honestly felt that shift myself. Drove up to the cottage last weekend and just tapped the app when I got low. Found a fast charger at a hardware store I never knew had one. Tbh it's night and day from just a couple years ago.

miles8253mo ago

Totally get that. Last year I drove from Chicago to St. Louis and just winged it with the apps. Found a charger at a grocery store lot in Springfield while I grabbed lunch. It used to be a whole spreadsheet situation, but now it just feels normal, like finding a coffee shop. The infrastructure is finally catching up.

patb861mo ago

Yeah exactly, that grocery store thing is so real! I'm curious though, was the Springfield charger one of those that's like hidden around back by the loading dock, or was it actually out front where you could see it? I've noticed some stores tuck them away in weird spots, which kind of defeats the whole "just grab lunch while charging" convenience. Also, did it charge fast enough to get you all the way to St. Louis without stopping again, or did you need another top off? I'm trying to figure out if these random chargers are actually good for longer trips or if they're just for local errands. Because I'd love to just wing a drive like that, but I worry about getting stuck somewhere with a slow charger and no backup plan.