Charging Port Location - Sucks!

[Heliian]

The charger actually locks into the car so no one else will mess with it or unplug you.

Except it doesn't. The Tesla plug can still be ripped out as shown by the many incidents of vandals or people wanting to charge.

Charge port location is irrelevant. Sure, make it easy as possible but there is no "perfect" spot.

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[kstype]

Don't understand the complaint. L2 chargers have a decent length cable that can reach almost everywhere. Many of them are 2-headed, so one will be on the left and one will be on the right. IF anyone has a complaint with chargers in angled spots, it's Tesla owners (and others that have charge ports in the back somewhere) who can't back into them.

I’m in agreement with this statement - I cannot say I have ever had issues at any DCFC or Level 2 AC chargers getting cables to the port - CCS is a bit of a wrestle - but all the L2 chargers I have ever used have had overly long cables and never had issue getting plugged in - even when using my 60 AMP Tesla Destination Charger to J1772 lockable adapter.

 

[Bills R Electric]

Most vehicles have it on the left side, because that way the moron driver can a) easily access it and b) remember they are plugged in. This isn't a "Ford" thing.

I am guilty of this myself. If it was on the passenger side, I would have driven off plugged in by now, for sure.

 

[RickLightning]

I am guilty of this myself. If it was on the passenger side, I would have driven off plugged in by now, for sure.

It won't let you.

 

[Bills R Electric]

It won't let you.

I know.

But I sure would have tried by now.

 

[wgatkinson]

I completely disagree that "driver's side is the most convenient for plugging in". It is only convenient for people with driveways or garages, etc. Having it on the driver's side makes it impossible for people who live in cities and have to park on the street to charge. I have to park backwards on the street to be able to charge my truck because the charger won't reach around the truck if I park normally. I fully expect to get a ticket for parking this way some day. And, even if the charger would reach around so that I could charge while parked normally, having the charger sticking out on a street with traffic seems like a really, really bad idea. They need to move the charger or add a second charging site to the passenger side.

 

[drdirk]

I completely disagree that "driver's side is the most convenient for plugging in". It is only convenient for people with driveways or garages, etc. Having it on the driver's side makes it impossible for people who live in cities and have to park on the street to charge. I have to park backwards on the street to be able to charge my truck because the charger won't reach around the truck if I park normally. I fully expect to get a ticket for parking this way some day. And, even if the charger would reach around so that I could charge while parked normally, having the charger sticking out on a street with traffic seems like a really, really bad idea. They need to move the charger or add a second charging site to the passenger side.

That is been my experience as well. Impossible in most city locations with a curb parking charger.

 

[FirstF150InCasco]

Most of the cars I can think of have the location on the right side. Example:

Mercedes EQS
Mercides EQE
Audi E Tron
VW I4, I7
Tesla all models
Kia EV6
Hyundai Ionic 5

Kind of like gas tanks, only American made cars have it on the left, the rest of the world on the right.

EV charging is inherently more dispersed. Not the classical 2+ acre gas station model that allows easy access from both sides.

Yes, if you want to minimize walking around your car, this makes sense. But not every parking space is a pull in, many are curbside, especially in more urban areas. Then having it on the left makes no sense.

And for unplugging, all EV cars will disable driving when you are still plugged in.

Personally I would prefer front or right side hookups.

My Audi E Tron is in the exact same location as the Lightning.

 

[shutterbug]

And, even if the charger would reach around so that I could charge while parked normally, having the charger sticking out on a street with traffic seems like a really, really bad idea. They need to move the charger or add a second charging site to the passenger side.

Why? Are you afraid that somehow another car will swipe your charge door? If they are driving by that close, it will be a problem whether you're charging or not.

Having it on the driver's side makes it impossible for people who live in cities and have to park on the street to charge.

I have found that L2 charger cord is long enough to reach my charge port, regardless of where the charger is. The only possible problem I can see, is when private charger is installed on the wall of the house and the cord has to be be dragged across the front lawn to reach the vehicle. In such a case the charger should be installed closer to the curb.

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