Roan & Black - Saugatuck

 Introduction

A review from my road trip covering a wide loop around Grand Rapids, Michigan

Business/Location Name	Roan & Black Art Gallery Saugatuck
Address	3315 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Network	ChargePoint
Station Details	2 Stations (62.5kW/125kW linked)
Cost	Midnight – 2pm: $0.41/kWh; 2pm – 7pm: $0.44/kWh; 7pm – Midnight: $0.42/kWh

The Roan & Black Art Gallery Saugatuck ChargePoint station was the 6th stop on my trip covering the loop of stations surrounding Grand Rapids.  This stop is more of a destination stop with the Saugatuck area being more of a destination than an intermediate stop.  (This station opened in September of 2020, a standard age for sites on this trip.)

Accessibility

This is more of a destination charge site than a travel charge site and is 2.1 miles from the I-196 highway at exit 41.  It is located less than 2 miles from downtown Saugatuck with access to the popular Oval Beach.  The charging site itself is set back off the road a little way, but the parking lot between Pennyroyal Café and Roan & Black is small, making finding the chargers easy.

Amenities

Dining options include: Pennyroyal Café & Provisions
Shopping options include: Roan & Black Art Gallery
Car-related services (windshield cleaning, air):  None

Concentration

This is the standard double station layout for ChargePoint.  This station is the pull/back into configuration, which makes charging with Elektra’s front port location easy, but those with fender locations may need to stretch the cables to make the connections.

Location

Near Saugatuck, Mi, on the west side of Michigan, this is more of a destination charger to charge up once you’ve arrived in the area.  It can support north/south travel along the west coast next to Lake Michigan, but the distance from the highway does not make it a quick stop.  The art store and café provide nice distractions to pass the time while charging.

Speed

ChargePoint is offering a middle of the pack solution targeted for the early adoption phase.  These units can output 125kW or 200A.  When not paired, or when both are in use the current limit is 62.5kW or 150A.  While this does not match the most powerful units on the market, it will support reasonably fast charging for one vehicle.  Since these are the most popular units being installed under the current state charging site incentives, I hope they will be robust and continue to support EV needs in the future.  

Summary

This was a very busy site on a Saturday.  There was a Tesla Model Y plugged into one of the Level 2 stations, and a Chevy Bolt plugged into one of the DC Fast charging stations.  Shortly after I arrived, a Nissan Leaf arrived.

What I paid for this stop:

Total Cost: $3.60

Total kWh: 8.78 kWh

Time: 9 minutes

Average Charge Speed: 58.53kW (calculated)

Cost per kWh: $0.41 per kWh 

Total Score (Max 44)	Score	Accessibility	Amenities	Usability
20	C	3	2	15

Meijer - Muskegon

Introduction

A review from my road trip covering a wide loop around Grand Rapids, Michigan

Business/Location Name	Meijer – Muskegon
Address	5300 Harvey St. Muskegon, MI 49444
Network	ChargePoint
Station Details	2 Stations (62.5kW)
Cost	$0.30 kWh

The Meijer – Muskegon ChargePoint station was the 5th stop on my trip covering a wide loop around Grand Rapids.  This this site has been open since November 2020.  (At arrival I was sharing the charging station with a Polestar 2, note how the cable feed rotates at the top to enable the shorter cable to reach all charging port locations)

Accessibility

This Muskegon Meijer site is 0.6 miles east of US-31 at exit 109.  This is one exit south of the interchange with the terminus of I-96.  The connection from I-96 westbound to US-31 is quite confusing.  The EVSEs are only visible once you are in the parking lot of Meijer along the south side of the parking lot.  The Tesla Supercharger here is also on the south side, but closer to the Meijer.  The ChargePoint units are midway in the parking lot, almost directly behind the McDonalds.  The side by side pull in parking does not allow for easy access with a trailer.

Amenities

Dining options include: McDonalds, Big Boy, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Asian Buffet, Qdoba, Texas Roadhouse, IHOP
Shopping options include: Meijer, Aldi
Car-related services (windshield cleaning, air):  Meijer gas station close to this location.

Concentration

This is the standard double station layout for ChargePoint.  This station is a side-by-side layout.  Note the side of car of the charging port for how to pull up for easiest connection.  The side placed EVSE doesn’t always make for the best parking spacing for front port vehicles, however, spacing is quite generous at this location.  

Location

Close to the western end of the I-96 corridor in Muskegon, this site is well positioned as a road trip rest stop.  Additionally, it can serve as a shopping trip charge-up location.  Being co-located with a Tesla Supercharger shows that this is a good area for electric car charging demand.  There are also level 2 EVSE units at this site, which are strangely managed by a different network, Shell Recharge.  These units are free for the first hour of charging, making it perfect for a little “extra juice” during a quick shopping trip. Being on the major north/south US-31 corridor this site supports trips not only coming from the west side, but also travel north and south on the west side of Michigan.

Speed

ChargePoint is offering a middle of the pack solution targeted for the early adoption phase.  These units can output 125kW or 200A.  When not paired, or when both are in use the current limit is 62.5kW or 150A.  While this does not match the most powerful units on the market, it will support reasonably fast charging for one vehicle.  Following the speeds listed in the ChargePoint application, it seems these units are not linked, thus limiting to the slower speeds.  (Normally, I would test both units, but in this case a Polestar 2 was charging when I arrived, so at the start of the session we were both charging at the same time.)

Summary

Most of the ChargePoint sites from this trip were using the per kWh cost structure.  This is a clean and quick stop on US-31.  There’s plenty around to keep you busy for a full charging visit.  I was surprised to see a second Polestar 2 charging, as it tends to be a rare occurrence to see other vehicles, nonetheless multiple copies of the same car.  This proved both units were working and could work in tandem.

What I paid for this stop:

Total Cost: $2.58
Total kWh: 8.61 kWh
Time: 9 minutes
Average Charge Speed: 57.4 kW (calculated)
Cost per kWh: $0.30 

Total Score (Max 44)	Score	Accessibility	Amenities	Usability
24	C	4	7	13

Meijer Gas Station - Grand Rapids

Introduction

A review from my road trip covering a wide loop around Grand Rapids, Michigan

Business/Location Name	Meijer Gas Station – Grand Rapids
Address	3030 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Network	ChargePoint
Station Details	2 Stations (62.5kW)
Cost	$0.30 kWh

The Meijer Gas Station – Grand Rapids ChargePoint station was the 4th stop on my trip covering a wide loop around Grand Rapids.  This site has been open since April 2019, making it one of the oldest sites in the area.  Co-located with a very small (only 4 stall) Tesla Supercharger, this is a convenient road trip stop.

Accessibility

This Grand Rapids Meijer Gas Station site is 0.3 miles south of I-96 at exit 28.  The EVSEs are on the south edge of the parking lot.  The Tesla Superchargers here are closest to the main road and easiest to spot.  The ChargePoint units are towards the back on the right-hand side as you are facing the building.  The Starbucks drive thru lane runs near this location, increasing the vehicle traffic.

Amenities

Dining options include: Starbucks, McDonalds
Shopping options include: None
Car-related services (windshield cleaning, air):  Meijer Gas Station

Concentration

This is the standard double station layout for ChargePoint.  This station is the pull/back into configuration, which makes charging with Elektra’s front port location easy, but those with fender locations may need to stretch the cables to make the connections.

Location

On the I-96 corridor on the north side of Grand Rapids, this site is positioned as a road trip rest stop.  Being co-located with a Tesla Supercharger shows that this is a good area for electric car charging demand.  These chargers and the Tesla units at this location are at the lower end of the power spectrum.  This site is only 6 miles to the west of my previous stop, increasing the density, but since the other site is faster, I would skip this stop in the future.

Speed

ChargePoint is offering a middle of the pack solution targeted for the early adoption phase.  These units are not paired, the current limit is 62.5kW or 150A.  While this does not match the most powerful units on the market, it will support reasonably fast charging for one vehicle.   (During my testing the right station only output 30kW, while the left unit was giving full power.)

Summary

When mapping out my route, I was originally seeing the exact location in a strange place on Google Maps.  Once I was at the actual location, I updated the location of the pin for this site.  I pulled up to the left charger and plugged in.  The charging speed ramped to 30kW, and stayed there.  Knowing that these units should charge faster than this, I unplugged and switched to the left unit, and got full speed.  I called ChargePoint and they indicated that they didn’t see any problems, however, there have been plenty of check-ins since my visit that are also reporting slower than expected charging speeds.  This is an area where ChargePoint can improve their service and EVSE maintenance. 

What I paid for this stop:

Total Cost: $1.88
Total kWh: 6.23 kWh
Time: 9 minutes
Average Charge Speed: 41.53 kW (calculated)
Cost per kWh: $0.30

Part 1:
Total Cost: $0.43
Total kWh: 1.42 kWh
Time: 3 minutes
Average Charge Speed:  28.4 kW (calculated)
Cost per kWh: $0.30 

Part 2:
Total Cost: $1.45
Total kWh: 4.81 kWh
Time: 6 minutes
Average Charge Speed: 48.1 kW (calculated)
Cost per kWh: $0.30 

Total Score (Max 44)	Score	Accessibility	Amenities	Usability
23	C	3	5	15

BP - Grand Rapids

Introduction

A review from my road trip covering a wide loop around Grand Rapids, Michigan

Business/Location Name	BP – Grand Rapids
Address	3110 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI
Network	ChargePoint
Station Details	2 Stations (62.5kW/125kW linked)
Cost	$0.30 kWh

The BP – Grand Rapids ChargePoint station was the 3rd stop on my trip covering a wide loop around Grand Rapids.  This site has been open since February 2021.  These newer stations are becoming a common theme around Michigan.

Accessibility

This Grand Rapids BP site is located just off I-96 at exit 33.  On Plainfield Ave, this gas station is less than a quarter mile from the highway, allowing a very quick on and off.  The actual charging units are not well marked along the west side of the parking lot.  The EVSE placement does allow for some pull-through parking, making this a potential stop for those pulling a trailer. 

Amenities

Dining options include: Denny’s (Across the street)

Shopping options include: None

Car-related services (windshield cleaning, air):  BP gas station at this location.

Concentration

This is the standard double station layout for ChargePoint.  This station is the rare pull-beside location.  Note the side of car of the charging port for how to pull up for easiest connection.  The side placed EVSE doesn’t always make for the best parking spacing for front port vehicles, however, spacing is quite generous at this location.  The parking arrangement could allow a vehicle to pull up and charge while pulling a trailer, but you would need to carefully navigate the parking lot to make this work.

Location

On the I-96 corridor on the north side of Grand Rapids, this site is well positioned as a road trip rest stop.  From this stop, Cadillac, MI is about 100 miles north along US-131, Kalamazoo is about 60 miles south along US-131.  Lansing is about 70 miles to the east, and I-96 ends in Muskegon about 40 miles to the west.

Speed

ChargePoint is offering a middle of the pack solution targeted for the early adoption phase.  These units can output 125kW or 200A.  When not paired, or when both are in use the current limit is 62.5kW or 150A.  While this does not match the most powerful units on the market, it will support reasonably fast charging for one vehicle.   I tested both units and confirmed full power output.

Summary

I was happy to see another ChargePoint site using the per kWh cost structure.  This is a fast off and on stop along I-96.  Since there is very little to do in this area I wouldn’t venture far, thus making this a location to do a quick charge only, maybe a maximum 15-minute stop.

What I paid for this stop:
Total Cost: $2.09
Total kWh: 6.94 kWh

Time: 7 minutes

Average Charge Speed: 59.49 kW (calculated)
Cost per kWh: $0.30


Part 1:
Total Cost: $1.35
Total kWh: 4.48 kWh
Time: 4 minutes
Average Charge Speed: 67.2 kW (calculated)
Cost per kWh: $0.30


Part 2:
Total Cost: $0.74
Total kWh: 2.46 kWh
Time: 3 minutes
Average Charge Speed: 49.2 kW (calculated) [Limited by Battery State of Charge]
Cost per kWh: $0.30

 

Total Score (Max 44)	Score	Accessibility	Amenities	Usability
28	B	7	5	16

Meijer - Grand Rapids

Introduction

A review from my road trip covering a wide loop around Grand Rapids, Michigan

Business/Location Name	Meijer – Grand Rapids
Address	5531 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Network	ChargePoint
Station Details	2 Stations (62.5kW/125kW linked)
Cost	$0.30 kWh

The Meijer – Grand Rapids ChargePoint station was the 2nd stop on my trip covering a wide loop around Grand Rapids.  This site has been open since November 2020.  (Sharing the charging station with a Polestar 2, note how the cable feed rotates at the top to enable the shorter cable to reach all charging port locations)

Accessibility

This Grand Rapids Meijer site is 0.5 miles northeast of I-96 at exit 43B.  The EVSEs are only visible once you are in the parking lot of Meijer.  The Tesla Supercharger here is at the far side of the parking lot from the front.  The ChargePoint units are towards the front on the left-hand side as you are facing the building.  The side by side pull in parking does not allow for easy access with a trailer.

Amenities

Dining options include: Firehouse Subs, Qdoba, Biggby Coffee

Shopping options include: Meijer, Goodwill

Car-related services (windshield cleaning, air):  Meijer gas station close to this location.

Concentration

This is the standard double station layout for ChargePoint.  This station is a side-by-side layout.  The side placed EVSE doesn’t always make for the best parking spacing for front port vehicles, however, spacing is quite generous at this location.  

Location

On the I-96 corridor on the east side of Grand Rapids, this site is positioned as a road trip rest stop.  Additionally, it can serve as a shopping trip charge-up location.  Being co-located with a Tesla Supercharger shows this is a good area of demand for electric car charging.  There are also level 2 EVSE units at this site, which are strangely managed by a different network, Shell Recharge.  These units are free for the first hour of charging - perfect for a little “extra juice” during a quick shopping trip. It does not connect with any other major north/south routes, however I can see this site as very useful for those local to the location while shopping and a good jumping off point for those coming to and from the Grand Rapids area.

Speed

ChargePoint is offering a middle of the pack solution targeted for the early adoption phase.  These units can output 125kW or 200A.  When not paired, or when both are in use the current limit is 62.5kW or 150A.  While this does not match the most powerful units on the market, it will support reasonably fast charging for one vehicle.   (Normally, I would test both units, but in this case a Polestar 2 pulled in at the same time I did and started charging, so I know both can run at the same time.)

Summary

I was happy to see another ChargePoint site using the per kWh cost structure.  This is an easy- to-find intermediate stop on the I-96 with plenty to keep you busy while your vehicle is charging. I was surprised to see another car charging as this tends to be a rare occurrence on my trips.  This site proved both units were working and could work in tandem.

What I paid for this stop:

Total Cost: $2.61
Total kWh: 8.71 kWh
Time: 10 minutes
Average Charge Speed: 52.26kW (calculated – expected speed in sharing mode)
Cost per kWh: $0.30

Total Score (Max 44)	Score	Accessibility	Amenities	Usability
23	C	4	3	16