> These charging stations were built with a business model of set-it-and-forget-it. This doesn’t work.
Except it does work for Tesla chargers. I never had any issues when using superchargers. But connect to a fast charging station operated by one of the other vendors - payment doesn't work, it's out of order, handshake issues.
I have no other explanation except the hardware and software are low quality.
Tesla's charging equipment itself is just flat out more reliable than competitors. AFAIK they re-use modules from their vehicles ganged up so benefit highly from using an automotive grade battle-tested component. It also means there are plenty of spares available for replacement.
They also have a lot more "boots on the ground" so to speak so when a station needs service they have someone within a few hours drive at most who is capable of fixing it and likely has the parts on hand. They aren't relying on a bunch of random franchise operators to maintain equipment, nor contractors who are touching an EV charger for the first time and may need to order replacement parts that take months to arrive.
I have seen some people discount the vehicle-to-charger billing system but that is also a reliability factor. Not having to maintain a payment reader is one less thing that might break. It also means the charger can operate even if it loses network connection... it simply queues up the billing records and reports them once connection is re-established. Auth via an app or NFC terminal usually requires internet access which adds yet more points of failure.
It could also be faster maintenance response. If Tesla actually fixes their chargers quickly then you would tend not to see it even if the base reliability is lower.
doubtful, because they have the data on costs to repair, and would be minimizing that, whereas competitors just let it stay broken since that is cheaper than fixing.
Tesla chargers have instantaneous telemetry that tell drivers exactly how many charging stalls are functional. Presumably this information is available to Tesla employees, who seem to take action immediately when a charging station reports trouble. Excluding the entire card payments industry from the process (thus excluding a garbage-fire of non-functional third party technology) takes care of the rest.
Tesla removes a lot of potential points of failure - no credit card machine or touchscreen to break and the cord is too short to drive over it with your car.
Tesla does have a robust and responsive repair process in place. They monitor the status of their chargers and quickly send out a repair team. This is opposed to other operators who often wait for customer complaints and even then may not respond for weeks. It’s not that Tesla has magic, unbreakable equipment.
Except it does work for Tesla chargers. I never had any issues when using superchargers. But connect to a fast charging station operated by one of the other vendors - payment doesn't work, it's out of order, handshake issues.
I have no other explanation except the hardware and software are low quality.