Introduction
A review from my last big road trip of 2022 where I drove north and then west.
Business/Location Name | Shell – Big Rapids |
Address | 21445 Perry Ave, Big Rapids, MI |
Network | ChargePoint |
Station Details | 2 Stations (62.5kW/125kW linked) |
Cost | $0.20 per minute |
The Shell – Big Rapids ChargePoint station was the 6th stop on my trip heading up north. (This station opened in August 2020).
Accessibility
This Big Rapids Shell site is located off US-131 at exit 139. Head east on M-20/Business Route 131 and the Shell is at the first stoplight. Located a little more than 0.5 miles off the highway this is a quick on and off stop. The actual charging units are easy to find in the northeast corner closest to the intersection. The EVSE placement does not allow for pull-through parking; a trailer might work but might also block traffic at the gas station.
Amenities
Dining options include: Jimmy Johns, China One Buffet, El Burrito, Culver’s
Shopping options include: Johnny’s Market, Aldi, Lowes, Walmart, Meijer
Car-related services (windshield cleaning, air): Shell gas station at this location.
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 US-131 corridor north from Grand Rapids, this site is well positioned as a road trip rest stop. From this stop, along US-131 to the north, Cadillac, MI is about 45 miles, Kalkaska is 85 miles and Petoskey is 135 miles. To the south, Grand Rapids is about 55 miles, Kalamazoo is about 105 miles and 140 miles to the border with Indiana. Lansing is about 120 miles to the southeast.
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.
Summary
This is a convenient stop; you have gas station services, a little market, and food right here. Other options for food and shopping are a short walking distance away. While this site only scores an average of 25 points it was my second highest rated site of the trip. Add to this the fact it had the lowest non-free cost of the trip and I can confidently recommend this site as a place to stop.
What I paid for this stop:
Total Cost: $1.56
Total kWh: 7.98 kWh
Time: 8 minutes
Average Charge Speed: 59.85 kW (calculated)
Cost per kWh: $0.20 (calculated)
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