Skellefteå Kraft Addresses Charging Station Concerns
A recent journey from Umeå to Skellefteå turned into a charging station debacle for one electric vehicle driver. In need of a recharge along the way, the driver consulted a charging map only to find that the Okq8 Ånäset and Lövånger stations were the closest options.
Upon arrival at Okq8 Ånäset, the driver was met with disappointment as the Parkster charging station had been shut down. However, just across the street, Skellefteå Kraft’s station was visible. Unfortunately, upon closer inspection, it was evident that the station was out of order and taped off, leaving the driver in a lurch.
Undeterred, the driver pressed on to Lövånger in search of a charging solution. Arriving at the Skekraft station, equipped with four super-fast chargers, the driver encountered another roadblock. The car had two different types of charging ports, neither of which matched the station’s connectors. To make matters worse, the staff at both stations seemed ill-equipped to assist, lacking knowledge about charging capabilities or alternative locations.
In a stroke of luck, the driver stumbled upon Lövångergården, a non-Skekraft charging station that offered a much-needed reprieve. The experience left the driver with a valuable lesson and a word of advice for charging station providers: ensure that staff are adequately trained to assist customers with various charging needs.
In response to the driver’s ordeal, Skellefteå Kraft and Okq8 issued a prompt reply, expressing their commitment to sustainable transportation through renewable energy. While acknowledging the driver’s frustration, Skellefteå Kraft highlighted their early efforts in expanding local and regional charging infrastructure, exemplified by the outdated station in Ånäset.
Recognizing the need for modernization, Skellefteå Kraft announced plans to install new fast chargers at the Okq8 Ånäset location in the near future. As for the recently launched fast chargers in Lövånger, Skellefteå Kraft emphasized their adherence to the European CCS standard, catering to a wide range of electric vehicles on the market.
While the company strives to educate station personnel on assisting electric vehicle customers, Skellefteå Kraft acknowledged that the knowledge gap may still exist regarding specific charging requirements for different car models and the availability of alternative charging stations.
In conclusion, the experience serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of electric vehicle infrastructure and the importance of ongoing education and innovation in meeting the needs of electric vehicle drivers. As the transition to sustainable transportation continues to gain momentum, collaboration between drivers, charging station providers, and industry stakeholders will be crucial in shaping a more accessible and efficient charging network for all.
