With the winter storm warnings, baseball is the furthest thing from the mind. But knowing that a storm was brewing, I thought it might be a good idea to top off the battery for the weekend. Apparently, the rest of the EV world had the same idea, and with the limited charging options available, I’m sure you can guess how the rest of this post is going to turn out.

It was a journey from Franklin to Boston that included three DC fast charging stations along the way – Medfield, Braintree, and Dorchester (all on the Electrify America network).

The stop in Medfield found all four chargers in use, including two very confused looking folks trying to figure out how to get power. We hung out for a few minutes, but it became clear that no one would be leaving soon, so the trip ventured on towards Braintree.

On the drive to Braintree, we continuously checked the Electrify America app to monitor the options. At first there was one available slot, and then when we were five minutes away a second opened. We couldn’t believe our luck, but with being EV owners we were not unfamiliar with disappointment. We kept refreshing the app with a level of anxiety and excitement like we were trying to score concert tickets. It looked promising and it looked like we were on our way to a fast charge!

However, when we pulled into the lot, all three stations were being used and one vehicle was waiting to pull in. With no rapid ability to grab a charge there, we accepted defeat and headed to Dorchester.

The EA app showed us that one charger was available as we approached from 500 feet away. This was our moment! However, as we pulled into the lot, we saw the fourth spot occupied and three others in the queue waiting for the next available charger (although one gave up and drove away as we pulled in, I’m sure with a feeling of defeat only those of us who have EVs can relate to). Looks like there would be no charging tonight.

Throughout this afternoon, it occurred to me that it would be extremely useful if there was more insight into the timing and use of the chargers in real time, so that a person who pulls up to a disappointing scene of a full charging station can have a better understanding of how long the wait might be in order to decide if sticking around makes sense or moving along to a different option is the way to go. This would certainly ease some of the frustration that is felt and hopefully allow EV owners to have a higher confidence in their ability to find a charge when needed.

And now back to baseball. As Billy Crystal reminded in his adorable movie, it’s three strikes, you’re out. It’s better to take the bat and ball home and try again tomorrow.