PlugShare, the smartphone app that's created an ad hoc EV charging infrastructure from individuals willing to let strangers plug in, is now the largest EV charging network in the United States.
According to Xatori, the outfit that created the app, PlugShare has more than 12,000 users active in 47 states sharing 2,500 outlets. Of those places to plug in, 1,000 are public charging stations. The rest are ordinary people sharing their plugs with other PlugShare users. Cooler still, 35 percent of those people are providing access to their 220-volt charging stations with J1772 plugs, the standard for home-charging an EV.
PlugShare users include EV owners looking for a place to plug in, and EV advocates who have a wall outlet to share. The app, available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, shows outlets on a map. Users click on the plug icons to get in touch with plug owners and set up a time for charging. Money can change hands, but so far users have found a sense of community more important than profit.
Xatori founder Forrest North credits PlugShare with building a community of EV owners who depend on the kindness of strangers.
"In addition to its utility as a charging network, PlugShare is also a valuable communication platform for EV owners and enthusiasts," North said. "People are excited to connect with each other via PlugShare – it’s becoming a cause-based social network."
Last week, we put PlugShare to the test. We drove a Nissan Leaf in New England, where EVs are rare and rapid charging stations are even more scarce. While we never got close to running out of juice, knowing that there were places to plug in within ten to twenty miles of most of our destinations helped to alleviate range anxiety.
Photo: Ford. Nancy Gioia, Ford's global director of electrification, plugs in a Ford Focus Electric during the car's unveiling earlier this year.
