Q: I own a Genesis GV60. Like all Hyundai electric global modular platform (EGMP) EVs, they charge from 20% to 80% in 15 minutes. No need to wring hands over tying up parking spaces. After the initial period of complimentary public charging, we will all be charging at home anyway.
Anyone buying a new car should get an EV, not an ICE (internal combustion engine). We can all slowly fry together or get with the program.
Robert Wahler, San Jose
A: Yours was one of many responses to recent columns about EVs and charging stations, including a reader asking why the charging stations are typically close to building entrances.
Q: The most practical reason to place EV charging equipment close to the building has to do with access to electrical service. The further away from existing service, the more expensive the installation.
Kevin Hickman, San Ramon
A: And…
Q: EV proponent and mechanical engineer here. My theory is that they stick EV charging near the building at many businesses because charging stations need a lot of power. That means big cables. Copper is expensive and generally, they put electrical service at the point of use.
As EVs continue to expand, new properties will probably move charging stations to less premium placement. It would be reasonable to have big pad-mounted transformers at the edge of a property to keep them away from the main business premises.
The way we fix EV “parking equity” is for owners to charge at home or work. Slower charging, more likely when cars are parked overnight or all day, is better for batteries anyway.
If I had the choice of 250kW slam charging at the grocery store or 5-6 hours of 10kW charging to get the same amount of energy at home, I’d go with the home option. Even better is if there’s charging at work and the cost is covered or subsidized.
Paul Somero
A: And finally for today…
Q: Gary, your column is one of my favorites. You are usually spot-on with issues of the day, and have helped so many. Your humor, intuition, and perspective are just three factors of many that have made your words my first read of the day.
That is why I was a bit surprised that you gave Sam Vasquez a pass with his comment, “People who drive EVs are most likely not disabled.” Hmm. I wonder, is there a new study out correlating EVs with disabilities? Is there something about an EV that would prevent a person with a disability from driving it?
Conversely, is there something about a disability that would prevent a person from using an EV?
John LaLonde, Indian Wells
A: You raise very valid points. I should not have let that part of his message go without comment.
Look for Gary Richards at facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.