[gewitzt]

In my quest to learn as much as I can about my new (to me) smart ED, I've once again come to the experts (this forum) for wisdom.

From what I can tell, one of the things preventing widespread adoption of EVs is the lack of standardization for power. As best as I can tell (and please - please - enlighten me!) the smart ED is equipped with a Level 2 connector. Other connector types are CHAdeMO and DC Fast Combo (Tesla has its own too, I understand). There may be others.

So, if I'm looking for a public charging station, I should be looking for Level 2, correct? I'm inclined to think a DC Fast Combo might also work, but only at the Level 2 rate, which for smart EDs, is 4-5 hours for a complete charge. Any corrections so far?

According to the rather obtuse manual, in order for one to use a public charging station, the car must first be configured for "Plug & Charge" communications. Here's where it gets murky. According to my manual, "In order to use 'Plug & Charge', you have to configure the functions of your vehicle on the 'Vehicle Homepage'." As to that, the manual states: "With the "Vehicle Homepage", you can call up remote query or remote configuration functions of your vehicle. Calling up remotely is possible with every computer with Internet access and with many modern smart phones. You can reach the "Vehicle Homepage" via your web browser under the following address:
http://vh.smart.com"


Well, when I do that, I am first required to register an account and then add a vehicle. The two items needed for that are the VIN (which I have) and a VVC, which I do not. Here's where the circular logic comes in: I call MB and they tell me to contact a dealer. I contact a dealer and they have no clue. So, I'm left without the means to start the process that will allow me to connect to a charging station.


Good thing I have a station at home and an accessible 110v outlet at work (sometimes).

 

[gewitzt]

No configuration required. Plug into a J1772 "level 2" station and the car will charge. The vast majority of public charging stations are J1772 "level 2", so most of the time you're good.

CCS may also work, but I doubt it. Plus I haven't seen any in the wild so it's not usually a big problem.

Tesla, CHAdeMO, and others don't work.

Well, that's a relief! So, how does one pay for the juice? Do these stations accept credit cards? And I gather they monitor how much charge you've taken so they can charge you the appropriate amount?

 

[gewitzt]

I haven't charged on the road too often, but every time I did, it was free. You need to sign up for ChargePoint and PlugShare. ChargePoint sends you a key ring card to scan at their stations, but as I said, all that I've used have been free. They both have websites that show all of their locations and which ones will charge a fee.

https://www.chargepoint.com/

https://www.plugshare.com/

Len
2014 EV

I've been downloading apps like crazy from the app store. :laugh: Plugshare and chargepoint are among them. I've just used their maps, but I guess the thing to do is to create an account with them so I can use them if I need to. Thanks!