Tesla Destination Charging

[Arks]

For us, one issue is our electricity supply down here at the end of the peninsula. With demand growing (particularly air conditioning loads during peak season), the utility company was looking at spending $18M to build additional transmission capacity. Instead, they've spent only $6M installing solar panels (e.g. local generation capacity), "Ice" batteries, LED lightbulbs (we got a bunch, for free), etc..., in order to reduce the demand and stay within the capacity of the existing transmission lines.
In any case, not sure how much of an attractant an electric car charging station would be for us. For one, we are not after the luxury market.....

Instead, they've spent only $6M installing solar panels (e.g. local generation capacity), "Ice" batteries, LED lightbulbs (we got a bunch, for free), etc..., in order to reduce the demand and stay within the capacity of the existing transmission lines.

Speaking of such, and slightly off topic, Tesla chairman Elon Musk is also chairman of SolarCity, the big California solar energy company, and his latest project is "home batteries", that would charge themselves at night, when energy costs are lower, and power hour house during the peak use time during the day, when energy costs are higher. It's a great idea, and a bonus is that the batteries would keep your house going during power outages of up to several hours.

In any case, not sure how much of an attractant an electric car charging station would be for us. For one, we are not after the luxury market....

Yes, it's something each innkeeper should consider, weighing various factors, just like any other investment or added amenity at the inn.

 

[JBloggs]

I think it is a great idea, if you are a Tesla owner you have it there for yourself and can offer it to guests. It would be like a select registry sorta of thing, you are added to the directories and would have high income earning, Tesla guests stay with you. Being a Tesla owner yourself would make it very inviting to visit you on a road trip.
A brilliant idea!
Just like those who cater to motorcycles who have paved secure covered parking just for them, or cyclists with lock up covered storage for their babies bikes.

 

[Innkeep]

It appears that Tesla might now pay for the installation of their chargers, if that makes a difference for anyone considering the destination charging plan. The navigation software now shows all the destination chargers on their maps. Most cars would require 50 kilowatt hours or less charge each time (that way you can calculate how much your electric bill would take a hit).

 

[gillumhouse]

It appears that Tesla might now pay for the installation of their chargers, if that makes a difference for anyone considering the destination charging plan. The navigation software now shows all the destination chargers on their maps. Most cars would require 50 kilowatt hours or less charge each time (that way you can calculate how much your electric bill would take a hit)..

It just hit me that there is a form to fill out. I thought I had to have the electrician estimate in hand. I just filled out the form - said I am a prime location for a charger since I am about halfway between Pittsburgh and Charleston, WV and only 7 miles off I-79.
There is no Tesla station south of Cranberry Township (north of Pittsburgh) on I-79. There re a few J1772 places at car dealerships. Here is hoping they decide I am in a great spot for it.

 

[Arks]

It appears that Tesla might now pay for the installation of their chargers, if that makes a difference for anyone considering the destination charging plan. The navigation software now shows all the destination chargers on their maps. Most cars would require 50 kilowatt hours or less charge each time (that way you can calculate how much your electric bill would take a hit)..

It appears that Tesla might now pay for the installation of their chargers.

I heard from "my guy" at Tesla today. He said my free charger for my inn shipped out to me today. He verified that Tesla will NOT be paying any of the installation expenses.

 

[Innkeep]

It appears that Tesla might now pay for the installation of their chargers, if that makes a difference for anyone considering the destination charging plan. The navigation software now shows all the destination chargers on their maps. Most cars would require 50 kilowatt hours or less charge each time (that way you can calculate how much your electric bill would take a hit)..

It appears that Tesla might now pay for the installation of their chargers.

I heard from "my guy" at Tesla today. He said my free charger for my inn shipped out to me today. He verified that Tesla will NOT be paying any of the installation expenses.
.

It appears that Tesla might now pay for the installation of their chargers.

I heard from "my guy" at Tesla today. He said my free charger for my inn shipped out to me today. He verified that Tesla will NOT be paying any of the installation expenses.

 

[gillumhouse]

It appears that Tesla might now pay for the installation of their chargers, if that makes a difference for anyone considering the destination charging plan. The navigation software now shows all the destination chargers on their maps. Most cars would require 50 kilowatt hours or less charge each time (that way you can calculate how much your electric bill would take a hit)..

It appears that Tesla might now pay for the installation of their chargers.

I heard from "my guy" at Tesla today. He said my free charger for my inn shipped out to me today. He verified that Tesla will NOT be paying any of the installation expenses.
.

I filled out the form requesting to be one of their charging stations a couple days ago. I am hoping that my location of halfway between Pittsburgh and Charleston will be an enticement to get it. And the fact I am only 7 miles west of the Interstate. Wish me luck.

 

[gillumhouse]

I just got an e-mail from Tesla. I think I am IN!! Got a reco for an electrician from a local electric supply - the one I called has not called back. IF I do not hear from this one VERY soon, I will contact Tesla - they offer to do a reco if I do not have one. WOOHOO.

 

[Tom]

I am following up on this too, as we have good location. Super chargers on I-5 are 145 and 199 miles from the inn.
Juice is cheap: I can supply 100% renewable for under 10 c/kWh I like the market potential.
I'll contact Tesla, but a general EV connection J1772 rated at up to 16.8 kW is also doable here and as I understand, Tesla supplies J1772 adapters. I already have a 50A NEMA 14-50 outlet in a parking area (otherwise used for my emergency generator).
As a destination, a 10 kW charger should top up any EV overnight. I don't see the need to charge faster as I would only make the service available for overnight guests. I gather some of the older Teslas can only charge at 10kW. Other than the cool factor, is there a reason to use the Tesla specific equipment?

 

[Innkeep]

I am following up on this too, as we have good location. Super chargers on I-5 are 145 and 199 miles from the inn.
Juice is cheap: I can supply 100% renewable for under 10 c/kWh I like the market potential.
I'll contact Tesla, but a general EV connection J1772 rated at up to 16.8 kW is also doable here and as I understand, Tesla supplies J1772 adapters. I already have a 50A NEMA 14-50 outlet in a parking area (otherwise used for my emergency generator).
As a destination, a 10 kW charger should top up any EV overnight. I don't see the need to charge faster as I would only make the service available for overnight guests. I gather some of the older Teslas can only charge at 10kW. Other than the cool factor, is there a reason to use the Tesla specific equipment?.

Other than the cool factor, is there a reason to use the Tesla specific equipment?

If you do this your place is listed on the Tesla website and on all the Tesla cars' navigation software. That makes it another form of marketing for the price of electricity and installation - "forever".
Tesla cars can come from the factory with two options, either charging at 10kW or at 20 kW. The option that many of the drivers who want to go off the supercharger network is to go with an internal 20 kW battery charging system that can handle 80 Amps of current. I have to say that some Tesla drivers want the best of everything - Fastest charging, biggest motor, a sound system upgrade that costs more than my first car did, so you might NOT want to avail yourself of this plan. Now I know that Arks and I personally are not prone to be PITA's, so I'm not trying to mischaracterize all Tesla owners.
The plug you have now provides 40 Amps of current, definitely adequate for overnight charging for any electric vehicle. Leafs, Volts, and other cars would need the J1772 plug, I don't believe they can plug in with a NEMA 14-50. There is a website called plugshare.com that you can list your NEMA 14-50 on. That would possibly garner you some guests for absolutely free.

 

[Arks]

This is what I have from Tesla regarding their offer for a free charger. Dedicated circuit breaker means the Tesla charger is the ONLY thing connected to that circuit.
Tesla is able to offer you one free Tesla Wall Connector (Tesla Connector) so long as the following requirements are met:

1. The connector is installed on a minimum 40-amp dedicated circuit breaker.
2. The property agrees to be published on our Find Us page (www.teslamotors.com/findus) and be listed as "Available for patrons.”
3. The property agrees to pay for installation of the connectors and ongoing electricity (an average installation cost is about $1,500 per station and ongoing electricity expense at $1 per hour of use).

 

[undersea]

This is what I have from Tesla regarding their offer for a free charger. Dedicated circuit breaker means the Tesla charger is the ONLY thing connected to that circuit.
Tesla is able to offer you one free Tesla Wall Connector (Tesla Connector) so long as the following requirements are met:

1. The connector is installed on a minimum 40-amp dedicated circuit breaker.
2. The property agrees to be published on our Find Us page (www.teslamotors.com/findus) and be listed as "Available for patrons.”
3. The property agrees to pay for installation of the connectors and ongoing electricity (an average installation cost is about $1,500 per station and ongoing electricity expense at $1 per hour of use)..

Hmm - I could get some nice advertising for $1500. If you have an electric car/Tesla or are in an area that gets a lot of such car owners, this makes sense. But the cost/benefit is that I could do a nice professional SEO job or a few years in a directory for that price...

 

[gillumhouse]

The electrician came today. I await his quote.

 

[Arks]

My FREE ($750 value) high power wall charger arrived today. It may be 2 months before my electrician will get around to installing it :-(
Real life example: I need to attend a multi-day meeting in Little Rock in a couple of months. I'm 145 miles from Little Rock and my car has a 300 mile range. So, technically, I should be able to make it there and back, barely, if I drive to my hotel, park, then drive straight home after the meeting. (And if I leave my "lead foot" at home. As with gas cars, electric cars can go farther if you drive slower.)
You can sure bet I've looked around for a hotel or BnB in Little Rock with a charger. It doesn't even have to be free. I'll pay. I just want to be able to go to the meeting in my wonderful car.
But, alas, in this village of 200,000 people I don't see a single place to lay my head that offerers charging for an electric car. At any price!
There are places in town that offer charging, but no lodging. Since charging can take hours in the absence of a Tesla supercharger, you see the problem. (Tesla hopes to have a supercharger in Little Rock by next year.)

 

[Generic]

My FREE ($750 value) high power wall charger arrived today. It may be 2 months before my electrician will get around to installing it :-(
Real life example: I need to attend a multi-day meeting in Little Rock in a couple of months. I'm 145 miles from Little Rock and my car has a 300 mile range. So, technically, I should be able to make it there and back, barely, if I drive to my hotel, park, then drive straight home after the meeting. (And if I leave my "lead foot" at home. As with gas cars, electric cars can go farther if you drive slower.)
You can sure bet I've looked around for a hotel or BnB in Little Rock with a charger. It doesn't even have to be free. I'll pay. I just want to be able to go to the meeting in my wonderful car.
But, alas, in this village of 200,000 people I don't see a single place to lay my head that offerers charging for an electric car. At any price!
There are places in town that offer charging, but no lodging. Since charging can take hours in the absence of a Tesla supercharger, you see the problem. (Tesla hopes to have a supercharger in Little Rock by next year.).

Do you have the dual charger, can you use a standard electric charger? There are Level 1 and Level 2 outlets.

 

[Arks]

Yes my car has dual chargers. Yes a Tesla can use a standard outlet, but a 120V outlet will only charge the car at a rate of 3 to 4 miles an hour, so it would take 36 hours plugged into a standard outlet to get me 145 miles of range to get home.
Of course, since I started with 300 miles of range, I wouldn't need more than about 40 miles (10 hours plugged in) to get a comfortable buffer to get me home, but you get the point. Charging with a standard outlet is VERY slow!
EDIT to add that your question got me to thinking, and I see there's an RV park in Little Rock. My car comes with an adapter to use an RV power outlet, and that would give me enough electricity to get home with just 1 hour plugged in. I'll contact them and ask if I can pay them to plug in for an hour. This shows the lengths an electric car user will go to find power. I would definitely select lodging that offers a plug in for me!

 

[Generic]

Yes my car has dual chargers. Yes a Tesla can use a standard outlet, but a 120V outlet will only charge the car at a rate of 3 to 4 miles an hour, so it would take 36 hours plugged into a standard outlet to get me 145 miles of range to get home.
Of course, since I started with 300 miles of range, I wouldn't need more than about 40 miles (10 hours plugged in) to get a comfortable buffer to get me home, but you get the point. Charging with a standard outlet is VERY slow!
EDIT to add that your question got me to thinking, and I see there's an RV park in Little Rock. My car comes with an adapter to use an RV power outlet, and that would give me enough electricity to get home with just 1 hour plugged in. I'll contact them and ask if I can pay them to plug in for an hour. This shows the lengths an electric car user will go to find power. I would definitely select lodging that offers a plug in for me!.

There are level 2 charges, that's 220/240v, no?
LONGFELLOW ARMS
1600 River Rd
North Little Rock, AR 72114
Phone: 888-758-4389
Fuel: Electric
Electric charging types: Level 1, Level 2
Access: Public
Distance: 1.0 mi

CITY-LITTLEROCK
100 main st
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 888-758-4389
Fuel: Electric
Electric charging types: Level 2
Access: Public
Distance: 1.1 mi

NORTHLITTLEROCK
E 2nd St
North Little Rock, AR 72114
Phone: 888-758-4389
Fuel: Electric
Electric charging types: Level 1, Level 2
Access: Public
Distance: 1.4 mi

ENTERGY
1046 President Clinton Ave
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 888-758-4389
Fuel: Electric
Electric charging types: Level 1, Level 2
Access: Public
Distance: 1.7 mi

ENTERGY
101 Hooper Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 888-758-4389
Fuel: Electric
Electric charging types: Level 1, Level 2
Access: Public
Distance: 1.7 mi

ENTERGY
2801 S University Ave
Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: 888-758-4389
Fuel: Electric
Electric charging types: Level 1, Level 2
Access: Public
Distance: 3.3 mi

STATION1
7935-8099 State Hwy 176
North Little Rock, AR 72118
Phone: 888-758-4389
Fuel: Electric
Electric charging types: Level 2
Access: Public
Distance: 5.1 mi

BMW LITTLE ROCK
1706 N Shackleford Rd
Little Rock, AR 72211
Phone: 888-758-4389
Fuel: Electric
Electric charging types: Level 2
Access: Public
Distance: 6.3 mi

North Little Rock Nissan
5703 Landers Rd
North Little Rock, AR 72117
Phone: 501-945-6191
Fuel: Electric
Electric charging types: Level 2
Access: Private
Distance: 6.5 mi

North Little Rock Nissan
5703 Landers Rd
North Little Rock, AR 72117
Phone: 501-945-6191
Fuel: Electric
Electric charging types: Level 2
Access: Public - Call ahead
Distance: 6.5 mi

 

[Arks]

Yes, several chargers are listed in Little Rock on PlugShare (the app most use to find chargers as they travel). But it's not just voltage. Amperage is what's important in charging speed, and most public chargers are not high amperage like an RV park, meaning you have to sit there a few hours. Or, they are only available to the public after 5 p.m. (used during business hours by the company's electric vehicles)
I will get my power. I'm just saying that I would definitely book at lodging that offered the convenience of doing the charging while I sleep!

 

[gillumhouse]

Yes, several chargers are listed in Little Rock on PlugShare (the app most use to find chargers as they travel). But it's not just voltage. Amperage is what's important in charging speed, and most public chargers are not high amperage like an RV park, meaning you have to sit there a few hours. Or, they are only available to the public after 5 p.m. (used during business hours by the company's electric vehicles)
I will get my power. I'm just saying that I would definitely book at lodging that offered the convenience of doing the charging while I sleep!.

Which is exactly what I am planning to have happen. I am at least 140 miles from the Supercharger on I-79 - and none after me. There are a few J1772 sites, mostly at dealerships.

 

[Tom]

I sent Tesla an email, see what happens. I have a great spot for EV parking. Red dot is 50 feet from a 400 A panel (photo not working).