Drive the ARC

[sgt1372]

It was apparently initiated in Nov 2016 but I Just found out about this program on the Tesla forum. Haven't seen any info about it here. Apologies if this is a dup post; didn't bother to search.

Just posting this info it in case anyone from NorCal (like me) wasn't aware of it b4.

"ARC stands for “Advanced Recharging Corridor”, and also reflects the project route shape on the map: Monterey to Lake Tahoe. Project partners hope the charging stations help EV drivers reach their destinations, allowing them to “drive the ARC” – surf-to-ski, emission-free."

You can find out more about the Network here: Drive The Arc

There's a bias towards Nissan and EvGo (partners in the program) but it's open to all. Charging is free at designated EvGo locations during the ARC "launch period;" however long that is, it is unclear. Easier to sign up if you already have an EvGo account. Just need to download the app and use your phone to use the chargers.

Downloaded the app but haven't registered or logged on to use it yet but complete sign up info is available here: How to use the Drive the Arc app.

They haven't opened the South Lake Tahoe location yet and access to Monterey is primarily via Hwys 17 & 1 with locations in SJ and Gilroy still pending. So, the network isn't fully functional yet.

The only benefit I see so far in using the Drive the Arc app is the free access to EvGo fast chargers designed in the app as part of the program, but after the "launch period" is over, you probably can just use PlugShare to find the EvGo sites created under the program which you will have to pay to use as usual.

 

[jasony]

I read this with great interest. But it seems it is only free for those with CHAdeMO, according to the FAQ at https://drivethearc.com/about/ "It means that during the campaign period, you can charge your EV at no cost at that station [CHAdeMO only]."

 

[sgt1372]

I read this with great interest. But it seems it is only free for those with CHAdeMO, according to the FAQ at https://drivethearc.com/about/ "It means that during the campaign period, you can charge your EV at no cost at that station [CHAdeMO only]."

You're right. Missed that in the FAQs.

Says both CHAdeMO and combo can use the system but only CHAdeMO is free.

Gotta learn to read the fine print. Oh well, at least they're builfdng more fast chargers.

Ohvwell, better than nothing, I guess.

 

[cwerdna]

(thread resurrection)
It was only free for CHAdeMO since inception but earlier this year, they quietly added free CCS charging, as well.

See posts below.
https://www.mychevybolt.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=8383&p=35568&hilit=drivethearc#p35568
https://www.mychevybolt.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=35668#p35668

The DTA DC FCs also have a sticker w/the same style and verbiage as at https://drivethearc.com/download-app/. I've so far gotten over 166 kWh of free juice from them.

 

[cwerdna]

DTA is still giving free/discounted charging for both CHAdeMO and CCS. However, depending on time of day, depending on location, the discount could be 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100% off: https://drivethearc.com/congestion-pricing-drivethearc-start-september-3-2020/. Free tends to be at night until maybe 6 am or so. For some chargers near/sorta near me, free starts at 10 or 11 pm. For one of them (not close), it starts at 8 pm, usually.

There are at least 2 DTA chargers that are free at any time but with reservation only. Sometimes, they give out special 100% discount promo tickets for answering surveys that might show up.

I've sucked down over 350 kWh of free CCS juice from them. Oddly, when using the free reservation charges, the transactions ($ and kWh dispensed) don't show up in the EVgo app, so if one wants to track the # of kWh from those sessions, you gotta do it manually.

For non-reservation discounted/free charges, normally, the credit shows up in the EVgo app under billing transactions 15 minutes after the charging fee transaction. In some cases, it's taken longer. I'd give it about 1 day before contacting EVgo/DTA if you don't receive credit. They've always been good about crediting me if I contact them about this and they've actually screwed up and given me extra credit more than once, resulting in a negative balance. No, they don't owe me any $.

 

[summit]

I've sucked down over 350 kWh of free CCS juice from them. Oddly, when using the free reservation charges, the transactions ($ and kWh dispensed) don't show up in the EVgo app, so if one wants to track the # of kWh from those sessions, you gotta do it manually.

I have yet to make a reservation, so it would lock the station until you arrive ? I just called up under Profile>ChargeHistory for 05/01 to date to have juiced up 2.3Mwhr/$1091

The congestion hour for the station I use doesn't seem to reflect reality. But still, thank you DTArc !

 

[cwerdna]

I've sucked down over 350 kWh of free CCS juice from them. Oddly, when using the free reservation charges, the transactions ($ and kWh dispensed) don't show up in the EVgo app, so if one wants to track the # of kWh from those sessions, you gotta do it manually.

I have yet to make a reservation, so it would lock the station until you arrive ? I just called up under Profile>ChargeHistory for 05/01 to date to have juiced up 2.3Mwhr/$1091

The congestion hour for the station I use doesn't seem to reflect reality. But still, thank you DTArc !

I guess so. I haven't arrived at a station reserved by someone else before. The reservation auto-cancels if you don't show up within 20 minutes of the start time (so it says). What's weird is that once I've started charging, I often get a notification partway thru that my reservation has been cancelled. Charging keeps going.

Usually, once the reservation slot is really over, charging auto-stops. I've been able to get another reservation and start again.

 

[summit]

sadly all good things must end, no more covid special starting Feb 1

 

[cwerdna]

Indeed: https://drivethearc.com/switching-regular-price-operation/. Oh well.

Actually, from what I understand, it was free for CHAdeMO for AGES, probably since the beginning but then they said they wanted to charge $ but put that on hold due to COVID-19 then they moved to the variable discounts. The variable discounts were still pretty good as you could still charge for free at certain places and times in addition to the reservation stations.

Anyhow, I'm grateful and thankful for all the free juice and the $50 Amazon gift card I received for answering their survey.