ElectricMotorcycleForum.com

  • September 02, 2026, 03:58:49 AM
  • Welcome, Guest
Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Advanced search  

News:

Electric Motorcycle Forum is live!

Pages: 1 [2] 3 4 ... 12

Author Topic: Re-thinking the recharge  (Read 29740 times)

Richard230

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9965
    • View Profile
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #15 on: February 07, 2020, 08:55:23 PM »

I'm also thinking about the workers who drive all day.  Taxi drivers...my neighbor who delivers Coca Cola all around town....people who do home inspections on foreclosed houses....police....you name it.  It makes me wonder if we'll need to live in a hybrid world where gas is still needed.  I don't think it's going anywhere for aviation any time soon.

I find it interesting that the meter maids that travel the streets of the city l where I used to work looking for parking scofflaws on their enclosed three-wheel golf carts, had (of course) used ICE power for many years.  Then they switched to electric-powered versions of the vehicles.  Recently, I noticed that they had returned to ICE put-puts.  I don't know why, but it has got to be either lack of range or problems with reliability.   ???
Logged
Richard's motorcycle collection:  2018 16.6 kWh Zero S, 2002 Yamaha FZ1 (FZS1000N) and a 1978 Honda Kick 'N Go Senior.

BrianTRice@gmail.com

  • Unofficial Zero Manual Editor
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4014
  • Nerdy Adventurer
    • View Profile
    • Personal site
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #16 on: February 08, 2020, 04:40:30 AM »

After doing a lot of EV travel, I have sorely missed convenience stores (gas station services), just so I can use the bathroom, buy a snack or a coffee, or actually wipe bugs off of my windscreen.

That's really only happened a couple of times in 4 years of using high-powered EV chargers on my Zero. EV stations are often in dull locations with no amenities in walking distance.

I'm not saying that every station needs to have services, but if even 10% of them had services, it would make the experience a lot better overall.
Logged
Current: 2020 DSR, 2012 Suzuki V-Strom
Former: 2016 DSR, 2013 DS

Crissa

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3144
  • Centauress
    • View Profile
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #17 on: February 08, 2020, 05:31:01 AM »

Convenience stores where you can use the toilet are getting to be harder and harder to find.  It's company policy at 7-Eleven not to have them, even in rural locations!

When I find one that has one, I tend to remember it.  That Starbucks has a company policy of an open restroom has become a major reason I stop at them at all.

-Crissa
Logged
2014 Zero S ZF8.5

togo

  • It's like flying. But with more traction.
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1641
    • View Profile
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #18 on: February 08, 2020, 06:27:51 AM »

> I find it interesting that the meter maids that travel the streets of the city l where I used to work looking for parking scofflaws on their enclosed three-wheel golf carts, had (of course) used ICE power for many years.  Then they switched to electric-powered versions of the vehicles.  Recently, I noticed that they had returned to ICE put-puts.  I don't know why, but it has got to be either lack of range or problems with reliability.   ???

These maybe?

https://westwardindustries.com/vehicles/go-4-ev/

I would think that with their slow speed travels, relatively fixed routes, and flat roofs, these would be the ideal vehicles for solar-assisted commercial function.  Battery could be sized larger than any motorcycle, if necessary, and calculated to where it would run all day.  And the silence could let them creep up and leave a ticket without alerting the poorly-parked motorist who may be nearby or snoozing inside.
Logged
our knowledge about Zeros collects here: https://zeromanual.com/

Crissa

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3144
  • Centauress
    • View Profile
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #19 on: February 08, 2020, 06:34:26 AM »

My spouse was once asleep in the car on a residential street we'd parked the wrong facing direction so we could unload for an event.  And the officer had to wake her up and interrogate her before giving the ticket.

-Crissa
Logged
2014 Zero S ZF8.5

JaimeC

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2079
    • View Profile
    • Facebook page
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #20 on: February 08, 2020, 07:22:35 AM »

A warm, sheltered area with comfortable seating so I can kick back with my Kindle reader would be welcome...
Logged
1999 BMW K1200LT
2019 Yamaha XMAX
2020 Zero SR/F

DonTom

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5321
    • View Profile
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #21 on: February 08, 2020, 10:07:29 AM »

Convenience stores where you can use the toilet are getting to be harder and harder to find.  It's company policy at 7-Eleven not to have them, even in rural locations!

When I find one that has one, I tend to remember it.  That Starbucks has a company policy of an open restroom has become a major reason I stop at them at all.

-Crissa
I think that is more of an issue in CA. It seems to me that every store in NV has a restroom. But I have not been in a 7-11 in NV that I can remember.

The only place I can remember in Nevada that has no restroom  is the Reno Social Security Office.

-Don-  Auburn, CA
Logged
1971 BMW R75/5
1984 Yamaha Venture
2002 Suzuki DR200SE
2013 Triumph Trophy SE
2016 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
2017 Blk/Gold HD Road Glide Ultra
2017 Org Zero DS ZF 6.5/(now is 7.2)
2017 Red Zero SR ZF13 w/ Pwr Tank
2020 Energica EVA SS9
2023 Energica Experia LE
2023 Zero DSR/X
2025 Energica Experia

Crissa

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3144
  • Centauress
    • View Profile
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #22 on: February 08, 2020, 12:13:55 PM »

I'm not saying they don't exist with or some just let you use it anyhow. Just that's company policy.  I'm glad people ignore it, otherwise I'd have had a potty emergency.

-Crissa
Logged
2014 Zero S ZF8.5

JaimeC

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2079
    • View Profile
    • Facebook page
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #23 on: February 08, 2020, 07:09:07 PM »

I'm not saying they don't exist with or some just let you use it anyhow. Just that's company policy.  I'm glad people ignore it, otherwise I'd have had a potty emergency.

-Crissa

I wasn't aware of this policy.  Can't say I'm aware of it but a convenience store without rest rooms wouldn't be terribly convenient, would it?  Guess I'll have to check out the next 7-11 I go to (we have enough of them around here).
Logged
1999 BMW K1200LT
2019 Yamaha XMAX
2020 Zero SR/F

Richard230

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9965
    • View Profile
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #24 on: February 08, 2020, 08:49:51 PM »

My recollection is that there is a law in California that requires gas stations to have free bathrooms (although you usually have to beg for the key as they typically are locked up) and also free compressed air, although you may have to ask the attendant to turn on the compressor at some stations.
Logged
Richard's motorcycle collection:  2018 16.6 kWh Zero S, 2002 Yamaha FZ1 (FZS1000N) and a 1978 Honda Kick 'N Go Senior.

NEW2elec

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2707
    • View Profile
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #25 on: February 08, 2020, 09:58:17 PM »

It's always about money.
Think of how many billions are in gas stations.  Think of how much revenue they generate.  If anyone thinks they will simply fade away without a fight or a viable alternative they should think again.

Most stations are on small lots but in very high traffic areas.  There aren't many other uses for those properties.  They will need to remain a transportation refueling location with an increase in human comforts, which will be easier when you don't have awful smelling gas all around you.

At this time however none of the current EV batteries or charging stations are good enough for the time clock punching crowd.  When I talk to people about it they reject it almost instantly.  They say even 30 minutes to charge up, hell no.  If they could live with one and could charge at home they might feel different but telling them they need to spend big money (for the paycheck to paycheck guys) on a J1772 home charger, again I get a hell no.

The batteries will need to be solid state, or similar spec to really get the masses onboard.  A high multiple C rate that can get a full charge in no more than 15 minutes is what I feel is needed to get people to drop gas from their lives forever.   

You can't gouge them on the electricity either.  It should be much cheaper than gas since it removes most of the transportation logistics of crude oil to gasoline to the station costs out of the equation. The profits will need to come from the amenities that are offered inside.
Logged

DonTom

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5321
    • View Profile
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #26 on: February 08, 2020, 11:29:43 PM »

When I talk to people about it they reject it almost instantly.  They say even 30 minutes to charge up, hell no.  If they could live with one and could charge at home they might feel different but telling them they need to spend big money (for the paycheck to paycheck guys) on a J1772 home charger, again I get a hell no.
AFAIK, all EVs can charge on 120 VAC. Most people in the USA drive less than 40 miles per day. If it's charging all the time when not being used that should be more than enough charge for most people even on 120 VAC even at 3 MPH of charge.

IMO, the main reason we hear all the excuses against EVs is because most people do not like changes. People fear what they know very little about.

-Don-  Auburn, CA

 
Logged
1971 BMW R75/5
1984 Yamaha Venture
2002 Suzuki DR200SE
2013 Triumph Trophy SE
2016 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
2017 Blk/Gold HD Road Glide Ultra
2017 Org Zero DS ZF 6.5/(now is 7.2)
2017 Red Zero SR ZF13 w/ Pwr Tank
2020 Energica EVA SS9
2023 Energica Experia LE
2023 Zero DSR/X
2025 Energica Experia

NEW2elec

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2707
    • View Profile
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #27 on: February 09, 2020, 12:06:12 AM »

IMO, the main reason we hear all the excuses against EVs is because most people do not like changes. People fear what they know very little about.

-Don-  Auburn, CA


I agree but that's why EVs have to "prove" they are better in every way.  I think they can be.  We just aren't there yet. 

I cringe when I hear about all the money being spent on chargers that I believe will be obsolete in a few years. 
I hope people can be patient and except the "ok" stations we have now but not dump the billions that will be needed for a true mass adoption of EVs until the sub 15 minute charging works.
« Last Edit: February 09, 2020, 12:07:54 AM by NEW2elec »
Logged

DonTom

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5321
    • View Profile
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #28 on: February 09, 2020, 12:45:51 AM »

I agree but that's why EVs have to "prove" they are better in every way.  I think they can be.  We just aren't there yet. 
We are there in every way possible and then some,  except in price and with the motorcycles.

In cars, EVs  have everything beat other than price.

Can you think of a car that has better specs than this, other than price?

And you can get a 75 mile charge in five minutes. Not enough time for a meal, so get your 200+ mile charge when you get hungry. Or if not on a trip, charge to the 600 miles as you sleep and then drive your average of less than 40 miles per day--without ever stopping at a gas station. Or doing tunes ups, or changing engine oil, or . . . etc., etc.

I do wonder how many jobs will be lost in an EV world. But the demand for high tech people will be more than ever.

-Don-  Aubrun, CA
Logged
1971 BMW R75/5
1984 Yamaha Venture
2002 Suzuki DR200SE
2013 Triumph Trophy SE
2016 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
2017 Blk/Gold HD Road Glide Ultra
2017 Org Zero DS ZF 6.5/(now is 7.2)
2017 Red Zero SR ZF13 w/ Pwr Tank
2020 Energica EVA SS9
2023 Energica Experia LE
2023 Zero DSR/X
2025 Energica Experia

DonTom

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5321
    • View Profile
Re: Re-thinking the recharge
« Reply #29 on: February 09, 2020, 12:53:46 AM »


I cringe when I hear about all the money being spent on chargers that I believe will be obsolete in a few years.
Which chargers do you expect to go obsolete and why?

-Don-  Auburn, CA
Logged
1971 BMW R75/5
1984 Yamaha Venture
2002 Suzuki DR200SE
2013 Triumph Trophy SE
2016 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
2017 Blk/Gold HD Road Glide Ultra
2017 Org Zero DS ZF 6.5/(now is 7.2)
2017 Red Zero SR ZF13 w/ Pwr Tank
2020 Energica EVA SS9
2023 Energica Experia LE
2023 Zero DSR/X
2025 Energica Experia
Pages: 1 [2] 3 4 ... 12