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Dog Mode
Perhaps one of the things I like the most about ReVision Energy, besides its people, is its cultural integration of our four-legged brethren. And to be clear, there is something about EVs and dogs that can’t be ignored.
Let’s start with their ability to communicate clearly about the different charging levels in a way that cuts to the heart of the matter and ends confusion. In a dog’s world, this is how to best understand the different charging levels (courtesy of our EV Team Infrastructure designer Chuck Hayward who likely minored in graphic design and didn’t know it):
(No dogs were hurt in the creation of these slides. As DC Fast Charging speeds increase to 150 kilowatts and above, we will not be subjecting dogs to the fire hose level of psi.)
I also know for a fact that my 14 year-old Welsh Springer Spaniel, Sophie, enjoys my EV (a Model 3) more than any other vehicle she has ever been in. Whether it is 95 degrees or -10, she knows that her needs are wired into the software whenever I have to leave her parked at a location.
Indeed, the car even communicates to concerned neighbors that, though the windows are rolled up, the pup is comfortable. (I do wish that the car had a remote control water/food dish combination, but that will be for newer editions.)
The interior video camera allows me to check on whether she is sleeping or digging out the doughnut I inadvertently left in the front passenger door storage. The heater uses the equivalent of 4 miles of range per hour, which is about how long I’d ever leave her for anyway.
Allegedly this came about because someone tweeted at Elon Musk that the car should have a dog-specific climate control. Without entering the fiery debate about Mr. Musk, I will say this does illustrate one of the many advantages of EVs, which is their intelligence.
They are only ever one update away from adding features even after purchase. (Ford also copied the Dog Mode in its Mach-e so it is a real thing now).
Lastly, a word about dog food. We can learn a lot from eating our own dog food, in the software/consumer-facing meaning of the term. ReVision Energy, through its affiliated ReVision Impact, intends to own and operate charging infrastructure throughout New England. Our first investment was in Concord, NH outside the state house, where we operate two dual pedestal level 2 chargers from ChargePoint.
Interestingly, because of the chargers’ location, they get regular bi-partisan use, (educating policymakers about public charging)! Their touch screen even educates drivers about the savings to be had from installing rooftop solar on their homes. Meanwhile we are learning about driver charging behavior, how to set rates per kWh (which have increased in NH significantly this year), the value of signage, and the economic model for operating these over the long haul.
Soon, ReVision Impact will be owning and operating its first DC Fast Chargers in Belfast and Ellsworth, ME, with more placements on the way.
(Note: At the time of writing, the federal tax credit eligibility cap just increased on EV MSRP and most manufacturers are lowering prices).
