Testimony – Jérôme gives us his assessment as a valet at a charging station on the A7

A loyal reader of Automobile Propre and dedicated to the advancement of electromobility, Jérôme served as a Blue Vest at the Saint-Rambert-d’Albon Ouest rest area during the crossover period between holidaymakers in July and August. He shares his experience with us.

Electromobilist Since 2014

A technical expert at a telecommunications company, Jérôme has been driving an electric car since 2014: “ I was given a Renault Zoé when my Espace V6 broke down. I was inclined to take one following a rental offer at 99 euros per month. It was just an unbelievable ad. That’s when I met Sébastien Gall who let me try a Nissan Leaf ».

For context, he is a founding member of the Leaf France Café, which became e-France Café in 2022: « Sébastien also counts me among the founding members of the association. I ended up purchasing a Leaf in the Acenta trim which I kept for three years. Unable to continue with a 40 kWh version that was too costly, I switched back to a gasoline vehicle for a while until I could afford a second-generation Leaf second-hand at the end of 2019 ».

This is still the car he uses for personal needs: ” To replace it, I am torn between a Tesla Model Y and a Hyundai Ioniq 5. I don’t yet have an electric car for my professional duties. However, that should change next October when I expect to receive a Peugeot e-Expert ».

Accustomed to Busy Parking Lots

Convinced of the advantages of electric mobility, Jérôme does not hesitate to get involved: “ Very quickly, I participated in organizing the Leaf France Café meetings which began in Valence and later in Lyon closer to my home. We exchanged tips among users and informed customers of the shopping centers where we set up. This way, they could benefit from information outside the usual customer/car seller interaction ».

A service that led him to become a Blue Vest just a few days ago: “ The initiative was based on a dialogue between Vinci Autoroutes and the Ffauve, which brings together associations of electric vehicle users, including the e-France Café. I missed last year’s call. However, I was able to participate in 2024, choosing the service area closest to my home. Saint-Rambert-d’Albon West is about an hour away by national road ».

Saint-Rambert-d’Albon is indeed one of the areas visited by Soufyane to assess the situation at the terminals during the crossover: « I didn’t have the opportunity to observe this. I visited a few days later, on Friday, August 2nd, between approximately 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. I saw around fifty very diverse electric vehicles passing by. ».

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Diversity

Jérôme witnessed some unusual vehicles: “ There were a few Teslas, and quite a few BMWs: iXs, i4 and, if I recall correctly, an i5. There was also a Volkswagen ID.Buzz and BYD Seal U as well as a MG Marvel R. At one point, of the six high-power chargers, there was a lineup of four Hyundai Ioniq 5s. Other members were fortunate enough to encounter a Renault 5 E-Tech and a Lotus Eletre ».

During this summer period, it wasn’t just French individuals at the terminals: ” Initially, we had a distribution of four quarters, comprised of French, German, Dutch, and Belgian users. The latter are increasingly present in our country because of tax policies that favor electric company vehicles. French electromobilists often hesitate to travel long distances in EVs. Foreigners coming to France demonstrate that it can work ».

At the Saint-Rambert-d’Albon Ouest station, things did not get overly congested while our reader was performing his volunteer service: “At worst, there were three cars waiting, including a Renault Zoé, as the tri-standard terminal was occupied by a plug-in hybrid. I estimate the maximum wait time to be no more than twelve minutes.” on that day at this Ionity station ».

The Roles to Play

If the situation went well overall on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the Saint-Rambert-d’Albon Ouest rest area, it is also because Jérôme was proactive on-site: ” The site began to fill up around 11:30 a.m. due to lunch. The peak lasted until around 3 p.m. I spent a lot of time directing EV drivers to approach, as the station is not well marked. I pointed out an available spot whenever there was one. ».

There were a few mishaps to handle: « Three in total: two caravans and a trailer. I had designated parking spots, both mine and those of Vinci Autoroutes, for them while they were recharging. It required unhitching, which may have caused slight temporary inconvenience and a bit of frustration among some drivers. Vinci Autoroutes staff were present who were organizing friendly sporting events for users ».

In addition to offering a welcome service, the fifty-year-old volunteer ensures that the identification time at the terminals is minimized: “ I didn’t see anyone using the Plug & Charge feature. However, I encouraged people to prefer, when possible, using the badge, as it is faster than going through the app. Besides managing traffic, I had to provide extensive explanations. For example, for those recharging for the first time on a fast terminal, like this couple with a rental Mercedes EQA ».

A Welcome Presence

When the station became crowded, Jérôme suggested that electric vehicle drivers proceed to the next station: “ It’s only about fifteen kilometers away. But it’s an Electra, and many preferred to stay with Ionity due to their membership and badge. This was especially true for those driving Kia, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and BMW ».

Although he received only positive feedback, the e-France Café member noted: ” Electric vehicle drivers tend to avoid interacting with each other. They plug in their cars, go about their business, and then leave. I had a questionnaire from Vinci Autoroutes for them to fill out. They all mentioned being pleased to find someone at the station to provide them with information. Many appreciated an explanation of why things weren’t working as they expected. ».

One such case involved a Renault Zoé driver: “ This is a nurse who uses this vehicle daily without issues. She believed she could access fast charging, telling me she just needed to remove a cover. The reality was that her car did not have the CCS option ».

He noted some rudeness but unfortunately could not address the perpetrators: ” One of them was in a plug-in hybrid BMW, a 330e I believe. He connected his car to the tri-standard terminal, promising to return in five minutes. He ended up coming back after an hour and a half. He was an elderly person who didn’t speak French well. I tried to explain to him that by doing so, he had made others wait and that it was also not economical for them. ».

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Looking Ahead

From his first experience as a Blue Vest, Jérôme has already gathered several insights for improvement: ” Much educational work must be done with new electric vehicle drivers. It is up to the dealers to manage this. EVs should not be charged if they still have 50% battery life left, unless there is a valid reason. Likewise, in a crowded station, space should be freed as soon as the battery level drops to 80%. A few users left me their mobile numbers so I could call them in case of issues ».

No faults were observed on the terminals: ” Only one displayed the start menu several times without affecting the charging. Only one car could not find power— a Hyundai Ioniq 5—while others of the same model encountered no issues. In a station like this, adding four high-power chargers to the existing six, along with a second tri-standard one, would be beneficial. If possible, a shade would help clearly visualize the information on the screen ».

The dedicated electromobilist also considered ” the absence of price displays and the station’s organization, which does not facilitate maneuvers that can quickly become hazardous, particularly with a caravan or trailer that needs to be unhitched. To deter those who leave their EV plugged in for too long, a time-based pricing structure should be implemented, starting at 85%, for instance, and becoming more stringent a few minutes after reaching 100% ».

Automobile Propre and I extend our sincere thanks to Jérôme for the testimony we requested, his warmth towards our media, and his hospitality.

To encourage our readers to share their experiences in the future, any derogatory comments against our interviewee, his life, his choices, and/or his ideas will be removed. Thank you for your understanding.

Author’s Review

This testimony highlights a sort of clash between two worlds: that of electric mobility pioneers who communicate to foster its growth, and that of motorists who have become electromobilists without seeking out camaraderie among their peers.

Fortunately, there are volunteers and user associations working to improve the situation. Vinci Autoroutes has proposed several thoughtful ideas this year to alleviate the busiest times. With the Blue Vests as well as by organizing small friendly sporting events during the year of the Paris Olympic Games.

Personally, I find all of this to be quite encouraging, as manufacturers and their dealerships have significant progress to make in terms of educating users on the proper use of electric vehicles, as well as addressing and explaining certain problems their customers encounter in practice. It is rare for private, profit-driven entities and user associations to mobilize to extract the best from a category of private vehicles.

Jérôme’s Journey as a Blue Vest: A First-Hand Experience Supporting Electric Vehicle Drivers

A loyal reader of Automobile Propre and committed to the development of electromobility, Jérôme was a Blue Vest at the Saint-Rambert-d’Albon Ouest rest area during the period of the crossover between July and August holidaymakers. He shares his insights about this unique experience.

Electromobilist Since 2014

Jérôme, a technical expert at a telephone operator, embarked on his electric vehicle (EV) journey in 2014. His initial encounter was with a Renault Zoé during a car breakdown. This experience ignited a passion for EVs as he transitioned to a Nissan Leaf—an iconic vehicle in the realm of electric mobility.

Joining the EV community, Jérôme became a founding member of the e-France Café in 2022, advocating for sustainable driving, and he currently drives a second-generation Leaf.

Engaged in Electric Mobility

Jérôme’s commitment to electric mobility extends beyond driving; he is actively involved in organizing user meetings to exchange information and support among EV owners. His experience as a Blue Vest is built on this foundation of community engagement.

The Blue Vest initiative, in collaboration with Vinci Autoroutes and various associations like Ffauve, aims to assist drivers at busy charging stations. By volunteering at the Saint-Rambert-d’Albon Ouest rest area, he supported EV drivers during peak travel times.

Busy Parking Lots and Charging Challenges

During his time at the rest area on August 2, Jérôme observed a steady flow of electric vehicles, including various brands and models. From Teslas to BYDs, the diversity of EVs reflects the growing acceptance and market expansion of electric mobility.

• Countless electric vehicles of different brands, like BMW iX and Nissan Leaf 2.
• International visitors, with drivers from Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium, indicate the cross-border appeal of electric vehicles.

Playing an Active Role

Jérôme’s role as a Blue Vest involved guiding EV drivers, optimizing station traffic, and providing assistance as necessary. As congestion rose during lunchtime, he ensured smooth operations at the charging stations.

For instance, he helped educate new users on how to effectively use fast chargers, demonstrating the importance of user education in the EV ecosystem.

Practical Tips for EV Drivers

From his experiences, Jérôme offers essential tips for EV users:

• Prefer using RFID badges for quick identification at charging stations.
• Do not charge vehicles with more than 50% energy unless necessary.
• Charge only until 80% in busy stations to free up resources for other drivers.

Spotting Trends: Diversity on the Roads

Not only did he notice the increase in EV users, but Jérôme also appreciated the wide range of vehicles at the station, including quirky models like the Volkswagen ID.Buzz and Lotus Eletre. This variety highlights how electric vehicles are capturing a universal audience.

Addressing Challenges

Despite the positive environment, issues arose at the station. Jérôme noted the need for improved education among new EV drivers. He identified an instance where a driver was misinformed about charging capabilities, which caused delays at the station.

To enhance user experience, Jérôme recommends:

• Implementing clear signage at charging stations to guide drivers effectively.
• Introducing time-based pricing to discourage prolonged stays at charging stations.

The Importance of Community Interaction

One striking observation is the lack of social interaction among drivers charging their EVs. Jérôme believes fostering a sense of community can significantly improve the EV driving experience. Active communication can lead to sharing valuable insights and helping new users navigate common issues.

Event-Driven Initiatives

Vinci Autoroutes’ plan to organize friendly sporting events during heatwaves not only fosters camaraderie among EV users but also contributes to a positive image of electric mobility.

Future Perspectives

Jérôme’s experience has motivated him to advocate for further advancements in infrastructure and educational initiatives. He stresses the role of manufacturers and dealers in enhancing customer understanding of electric vehicles.

As electric mobility continues to grow, the importance of community support and user education becomes paramount. Efforts like those of the Blue Vests and associations such as e-France Café play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition into electrified driving.

Engagement and Feedback

Jérôme emphasizes the necessity for ongoing feedback from EV users. Collecting insights through questionnaires at charging stations can lead to better resource management and improved user experiences.

Example Feedback from Drivers

User	Feedback
Renault Zoé Driver	Thanks for the guidance! Didn’t know I needed CCS to fast charge.
BMW iX Driver	Appreciated the information on the charging process.
Nissan Leaf Driver	Great support at the station, made my experience seamless.

Note: Feedback plays a crucial role in shaping the future of electric vehicle infrastructure and user experience.

Automobile Propre thanks Jérôme for his valuable insights and commitment to supporting the electric vehicle community.