> It of course, didn't accept my non-Swiss credit card
If I can't use the vehicle without needing to carry a working cellular-connected computer running a specific operating system in my pocket and/or having a specific category of bank card, that's a hard 'no' for me. Either have the car negotiate payment with the charging network or give me the option of handing currency to a person at a register. Otherwise I insist on a dino car.
Charging Teslas with Tesla Superchargers is as streamlined as possible: just plug in. Charging non-Teslas at SCs is almost as good, you just need to tell the app which unit you're plugged into.
It's third-party chargers that are an endless source of frustration.
> Charging non-Teslas at SCs is almost as good, you just need to tell the app which unit you're plugged into.
That's not the "just need to" that works for me. For privacy reasons I don't carry a device that constantly reports my personal information to Apple or Google. Can I install this app from F-Droid? Strike one.
Now supposing I decide I'm cool with being tracked by Apple or Google all the time and use a device I can get the app on. Do I need to register an account with the app? With my personal information? So the fact that I am driving a specific Tesla vehicle along with my location can be tracked by Tesla? Strike two.
Now supposing I decide I'm cool with being tracked by Apple or Google and Tesla, do I need to register a Visa or Mastercard with the app so I can also be tracked by the payment provider, who will sell my transactions to random third-party eReceipt brokers who will dutifully add my travel habits to the profile they keep on me? Strike three.
Nope. Not playing any of these games. Gas car, cash. Thank you very much.
If I can't use the vehicle without needing to carry a working cellular-connected computer running a specific operating system in my pocket and/or having a specific category of bank card, that's a hard 'no' for me. Either have the car negotiate payment with the charging network or give me the option of handing currency to a person at a register. Otherwise I insist on a dino car.