Introduction
This is a site review from my trip to cover updates to the I-94 east/west corridor. Site visits on November 8, 2024.
Business/Location Name | Citgo |
Address | 15551 11 Mile Road, Battle Creek, MI 49014 |
Network | Non-Networked (Wevo) |
Station Details | 2 Stations (Each at 200kW total, can be shared between CCS1 and J3400) |
Cost | $0.45/kWh |
The Citgo in Battle Creek, MI station was the 1st charging stop on my trip to check out added charging options along the I-94 corridor. I was excited to see a new provider and a new set of hardware to start off the trip. I was promptly disappointed as I was not able to start the charge at first, and there was no obvious support number or website provided on the charger. (This station opened in February 2024).
Accessibility
This Battle Creek Citgo site is at the same exit as Firekeepers Casino. The site is less than 0.2 miles from I-94 at exit 104. South of the highway at the nearest intersection the units are on the east side of the parking lot. This site enables quick on and off the highway charging stops. The EVSE placement does not allow for pull-through parking.
Amenities
Dining options include: Subway
Shopping options include: None
Car-related services (windshield cleaning, air): Citgo gas station
Concentration
This site is supported by two charging units. Each unit has one CCS1 connector and one J3400 connector, they may still power. That would allow 4 cars to charge at the same time. The 2 stations are placed side to side. This station is the pull/back into configuration, which would make charging with Elektra’s front port location easy, but those with fender locations may need to stretch the cables to make the connections. I had to back into the spot due to the Voltron’s charging port location. The Silverado pictured also did not have an issue with cable length for its rear charge port.
Location
This site directly supports I-94 and is close enough to potentially support I-69. At about 115 miles to Detroit and 175 miles to Chicago, this offers another potential mid-point between those 2 cities.
50 Mile Loop:
100 to 150 Mile Range Estimate:
Speed
This site is using C6AM-150 made by XCharge. This compact charger is rated at 200kW power output and has 300A rated cables. This means that 800V architecture vehicles will be able to take advantage of the 200kW, and 400V cars will be able to get close to 120kW charging power. The site is feed from a trio of pole mounted transformers, so I doubt that there is really 400kW of power available here to feed both chargers at the same time.
Summary
When I first arrived at this charger, there was already the Silverado EV plugged in and charging at the first unit. I backed in and tried to start a charge on the second unit, but did not have any success. There was no clear indication either on the unit or on the screen on who or how to call for help. I used PlugShare to help me find a help number to call. I was directed to leave a voicemail, strike 2 on the customer service for this site. I did not really need to charge here and left to investigate the Pilot Travel Center on the other side of the highway that is indicated on the EVgo/GM/Pilot build out maps as getting chargers soon. Before I left the area, I got a call back from Wevo customer service. I returned to the site. By this time, the Silverado had completed their charge and left. The customer service person was able to reset the unit I tried originally, and I was finally able to get charging here. In the end, it was a successful charge, but by no means was it as seamless as it should have been.
What I paid for this stop:
Total Cost: $4.88
Total kWh: 12.0 kWh
Time: 8 minutes
Average Charge Speed: 90 kW (Calculated)
Cost per kWh: $0.41 (Calculated)
Questions or Comments:
dantheevman@gmail.com
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