Charge Point Charger – Beta Review of User Experience
This is my review of the ChargePoint Home, Electric Vehicle Charger:
Unpacking, Initial Impressions
- Impressive Overall: I’m impressed, quality is evident.
- Quality: yes definitely, I see it in the plastic molding, thickness of cover, the cover design sweep, grip feel and shape, the unit color, the flex cabling.
- Satisfied with Purchase: User experience: has the satisfying feel of unboxing an Apple iPhone, a well made item is inside, but greener without glued foam. I am pleased to see separable packaging which is highly recyclable; matters to me as I drive an EV.
- Confidence: I see the thoughtful user-installable nature of labeling, the drill bit and tool supplied, the pre-collared wire leads, seems quite user installable for a person w some electrical skills.
- Safety: Safety notices give me assurance in the charger is well made.
- Convenient: cable length options work well for my two space parking at my home. Longer cable gives me options for two electric cars.
Missing/surprised: I don’t see but expect color codes of the wires to match up with the terminal panel, for direct wire. There is no clear black, white or green connections.
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Video Review
The video clarity is satisfying and the video length is workable for me. Video contained all the info I needed to install.
It is assumed garage has 220v outlet. May need to provide note and image in video saying electrician has wired 220 volt outlet.
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Installation of Charger
- User friendly instructions give me confidence. 220 volts is more risky than a simple light switch, but I can do it.
- I viewed the install video only, did not require written instructions.
- Oblong holes for leveling at the bottom, stucco bit can wander.
- Provide bolts for final plastic cover, feels more complete w bolts.
- Main 1772 grip seems large, fits my larger hand well, may be too large for smaller woman’s hand.
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Configure Charge Point App
Brilliant, someone has simplified this for me.
Stand closer note most likely reduces support calls for config.
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Using the Charge Point App
Initially, a lot of data to consume; a bit overwhelming.
Explain all the convenience of this app in a two minute video. Perhaps a explanation video for the Charge Point app, especially explaining the icons? I see gray, green and blue in three different shapes.
- Brilliant: combination gray and green circle icon visual, some active, some not.
- Maybe visually on the map, larger icon for DC fast charge units, smaller icon for L2, smallest for L1 chargers.
I have a brain disconnect seeing blue as charger in use; I’m very familiar w the blue charge lights on my Leaf. Possibly amber color is better for station in use icon. Apple uses amber for boot up/not available on Time Capsule unit. Here is a suggestion for charger light status.
Are DC fast chargers in San Francisco ever online? Status is unknown for over 24 hours.
My experience: unsure/uncertain of my ability to charge quickly in SF.
Gray to me means go to the station at my own risk; charging may or may not be available.
Very Convenient; ease of use is assuring. Navigate to using one click.
Is Waze integrated w Google maps?
May be complex info for some people.
Can this be simplified for non tech people by car brand? I have a Leaf, I need a xx charger. I have a Volt, I need a yy charger.
Well done. I see big value in reporting station issues. User experience: feeling of control and more certainty.
Assuring reminder is convenient.
May have a glitch as I couldn’t change the time to 11PM.
I’m uncertain.
Text and email are always on/continuous, not sure push/always on checkbox is necessary. Seems confusing to non tech people.
Not sure when I would use this info. Regardless, the numbers are not consistent, seem unreliable.
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Future Version of Charge Point App
Locate Fast Chargers on Way to Destination
On the road, most important is
1 finding a fast charger.
2 is it available.
A fast charger is key as they are equiv of gas stations, I don’t have time for L2 charging when passing through a city.
While in the car:
Enter your destination or allow calendar synch
App tells me:
From your calendar you are traveling to San Francisco, there are two fast charge stations along the way, one in San Carlos, one in San Bruno if you need them. I will update you regarding their in use status along the way.
Allow or decline?
App tells me:
I see by your calendar event you will be in SF on Mission Street for two hours. There is a L2 charger located one city block away in case you need it. Would you like Google maps to direct you there?
Allow or decline?
This would be a huge help.
App can assist in finding the charger within parking structure. Minimal info is floor level.
Green stripes overhead help. I’ve seen this in a San Jose garage.
Sounds odd, but I think of my EV like I do my electric shaver. Finding an outlet when traveling is key, other data is not as important when on the road.
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2017 update
The ChargePoint Home unit, as above, is now a successful product being sold on Amazon:
