Introduction
A review from my last big road trip of 2022 where I drove north and then west.
Business/Location Name | Marathon - Waters |
Address | 900 Marlette Rd, Waters, MI 49797 |
Network | ChargePoint |
Station Details | 2 Stations (62.5kW/125kW linked) |
Cost | $0.29 per minute |
The Marathon - Waters ChargePoint station was the 2nd stop on my trip heading up north. (This station opened in January 2022)
Accessibility
This Marathon gas station in Waters, MI is right off I-75 at exit 270. On Marlette Rd, the gas station is visible from the northbound exit ramp, making this a very quick stop from the highway. Definitely likely to get enough energy to make it to the chargers from a good regen slow down on the exit ramp, so while likely not the plan, this would be a stop you could easily come to with next to no battery remaining. The EVSE units are behind the gas station building on the east side of the parking lot, and the EVSE placement does allow for some pull-through parking, making this a potential stop for those pulling a trailer.
Amenities
Dining options include: Gobblers of Waters
Shopping options include: None
Car-related services (windshield cleaning, air): Marathon gas station at this location.
Concentration
This is the standard double station layout for ChargePoint. While primarily designed to be pulled up to for a connection, the area next to these units is wide open allowing you to access them in any orientation that works best for you. 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.
Location
On the I-75 corridor between Gaylord and Grayling, this stop is 165 miles north from Lansing and 180 miles from Grand Rapids. At 230 miles from Detroit, this stop would be a stretch to reach for most modern vehicles. Vehicles with bigger batteries and thus longer ranges will likely charge faster than these units can support. With just 70 miles to Mackinaw City, this stop would be an excellent starting point for any destinations in the northern lower peninsula.
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
This kind of stop is how to get good electric car fast charging coverage. The map below shows a 50 mile radius around this location. You can see how much of the northern lower peninsula this site can support. This site could improve by changing to a fairer per-kilowatt-hour charging method. I had an excellent charging experience here and will likely use this site again for future charging trips that take me even farther north.
What I paid for this stop:
Total Cost: $2.61
Total kWh: 7.93
Time: 10 minutes
Average Charge Speed: 47.58 (calculated)
Cost per kWh: $0.33
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