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.
Total Cost: $2.09
Total kWh: 6.94 kWh
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 |
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