Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

How do I buy your unit?

Simple.  You’ll find a variety of payment options in our Shop. Or call us at 203-710-9300.

Shipping typically occurs within 2 weeks of receipt of order.  

What is Rescue Charging versus Convenience Charging?

Rescue charging is like bringing a small amount of gasoline to a gasoline vehicle. Rescue charging aids a stranded (or almost stranded) electric vehicle by giving the vehicle 5-10 rescue miles to enable them to get to the nearest land-based, high-speed EV charger. With our unit, giving 5-10 miles will take about 20 minutes. Don’t believe the marketing of other units that say “up to 1 mile per minute!”

Convenience charging is where a mobile EV charger is brought to an EV to provide convenience so the EV does not need to drive to a land-based charger. Typically convenience charging provides near-full or full battery charges.

Can I Do Convenience Charging with your Unit?

While you could, it would be like filling a bath tub with a squirt gun! Convenience charging equipment is much, much, much more expensive and much, much larger.

What is the process for an EV rescue charge?

It is really very simple. 

1. Put gas in the unit (our unit comes with the oil already filled) and press the electric start button once to go into stand-by mode. 
2. Press start again or the remote control start button and the inverter generator will start up. The custom-made EV charger will then power up. 
3. Uncoil the cord and plug into the EV, using the Tesla adapter if you are charging a Tesla.  After the desired amount of time, ask the EV driver to cancel the charge from the vehicle touch screen. This should unlock the plug.  At that point, shut off the inverter generator by pressing the green start button, remove the plug from the EV and recoil the cord.    

How Much Money Should I Charge For a Rescue?

That depends a lot on your location and what a tow costs for 5-10 miles. Generally you can charge about the same amount of money as you would to tow a gasoline-operated vehicle (some people feel you can charge a bit more; some feel it should be a bit less). 

In general, we recommend you have a plug fee (similar to how tow companies have a hook fee) and then add an electricity fee (similar to tow companies and their mileage fee). 

For example, you might charge $100 for the plug fee just to show up, and then $100 for 20 minutes of charging (that should give them 5 to 10 rescue miles). If they want another 20 minutes, perhaps charge them another $50. 

How long does it take to charge an EV?

Giving a 5-10 mile rescue charge will take about 20 minutes.  Some competitive offerings say “up to 1 mile per minute” but be very suspicious of this.  When EVs are down near zero battery, they protect themselves and charge more slowly.  Very hot and very cold weather can also adversely affect this charging speed.

Can I use this to give full charges?

Not practically.  Using any generator-type charger is like using a squirt gun to fill a bath tub.  Giving a full charge, say from 20% to 100% would take many, many hours with this unit. High Speed DC fast-chargers are available as portable units, but they are very, very, very expensive to be able to give a full charge.  And they are also very, very big and heavy.

What if My Road Provider Service Won’t Pay Me to give a Rescue Charge?

Talk to them. Most are reasonable. We’ve been told they will allow you to bill this as a “Fuel Service” rather than a jump start that does not pay as well. Remember, it is in their interest to have mobile EV rescue chargers.

What if the my plug won’t unlock from the vehicle?

First, make sure the inverter generator is off and NEVER unplug an EV while it is charging under load.  If the plug gets locked into the vehicle and will not release, and after ensuring your inverter generator is off, look inside the EV behind where the plug is plugged into the vehicle.  There is typically a panel behind that which can be removed and a pull cable to release the lock on the plug.  

What is your warranty?

Our unit comes standard with a 1 year warranty.  We’re happy to report we have never had to use it nor had any problems.  

How will anyone know that I can rescue EV vehicles?

First, be sure to update any marketing you already have! Many tow companies report that rescuing an electric vechicle is a hassle. Our solution is simple, so be the one that stranded motorists call. If you want to know more about marketing yourself, our affiliate Sacramento Mobile EV Charging is offering training. Ask about the emerging EEE roadside assistance network and claim your city!