SeattleRav4
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2012
- Messages
- 203
I have been using the Aerovironment L2 public chargers in WA and OR since I got my car with no technical problems. Up until recently they were free. On a recent trip to Portland from Seattle, I was very disappointed that they didn't work.
I pulled into the charger in Centralia WA at the Wendy's. I have used it in the past without issue. First, the charger would react to the key fob but not switch to Charger Ready. So I called the number and they inform me there is now a fee. OK, no problem. Except that there are only 2 choices, a monthly $20 fee for unlimited charging, or a one-time fee per charge. OK I will take that one, since I don't use them very much. But the one time charge does not work with the FOB and cannot be set up with an account. You have to call and give them your CC info each time. This does not work well while standing next to a busy freeway with poor cell coverage. But let's do it this time.
Then we found the problem, as soon as the RAV4 would switch to charge mode (switch from alternating yellow lights to one flashing) the charger would kick out of charge mode (Ready to Charge). We tried multiple times and could not get it to go. Again the only change is to the fee structure. I finally gave up and went and found the Blink Chargers over at Centralia College.
On the way back I tried the one along I5 in Ridgefield. Exactly the same effect. For some reason when the Rav4 engages the charging relays, the AeroVironment charger disconnects. Again had to fall back on a Blink.
I pulled into the charger in Centralia WA at the Wendy's. I have used it in the past without issue. First, the charger would react to the key fob but not switch to Charger Ready. So I called the number and they inform me there is now a fee. OK, no problem. Except that there are only 2 choices, a monthly $20 fee for unlimited charging, or a one-time fee per charge. OK I will take that one, since I don't use them very much. But the one time charge does not work with the FOB and cannot be set up with an account. You have to call and give them your CC info each time. This does not work well while standing next to a busy freeway with poor cell coverage. But let's do it this time.
Then we found the problem, as soon as the RAV4 would switch to charge mode (switch from alternating yellow lights to one flashing) the charger would kick out of charge mode (Ready to Charge). We tried multiple times and could not get it to go. Again the only change is to the fee structure. I finally gave up and went and found the Blink Chargers over at Centralia College.
On the way back I tried the one along I5 in Ridgefield. Exactly the same effect. For some reason when the Rav4 engages the charging relays, the AeroVironment charger disconnects. Again had to fall back on a Blink.