garyemunson wrote:
Here in the Reno area the vast majority of free chargers are private business owned (malls, casinos, restaurants, etc.). The decision to subsidize electric car owners is a business one and if it wasn't increasing revenue, it probably wouldn't be happening. I kind of suspect that as more electric cars get on the road the free charging will start being scaled back and as an electric car owner I'll take advantage of it while it's still out there. Like John says, it's like coupons. Are you upset that someone is handing the cashier a stack of coupons to lower their bill? Remember, the prices have been set to reflect those that do and you are in effect subsidising them. If you feel slighted in either case, you can always spend your dollars elsewhere.
HI Gary. I am not so sure about the scaling back thing even at critical mass. Restaurants and supermarkets and malls can't put gas pumps at their establishments but charging stations are cheap and will be a draw for years to come. Many apartment dwellers will have limited at home charging options for a while and even those of us with garages can't resist the draw of a free charge in a convenient location. I think the free L2 business plan chargers are going to see a steep curve starting in about 2 to 3 years although they have already doubled in the last year or two.
