I wonder if flex was ever the actual problem, or if it was mostly just software issues. It definitely wasn't the problem with the Efacec chargers, and those connectors are much heftier than the ABB units. Unless maybe older ABB units had connectors with more slop.
That cable is a fair amount thinner/more flexible than what was on the outgoing Efacec units. I would say they're only a little heavier than the cables on 50kw BTCPower units I've used.
Plugshare showed that EA had my closest station up and running with new ABB units, so I decided to give it a try. I went for the worst-case scenario first, and plugged in to a 350kw unit and activated without supporting the handle. Activated first try and it's currently charging!
If you look around on Plugshare and EA's app, they are currently replacing Efacec chargers all over. I assume they're staggering them somewhat, but the three stations east of me along I-90 are getting replaced (Cheektowaga, Waterloo outlets, and a Dennys near Utica). The closest one west of me...
Two of the EA stations near me have ripped out the chargers and seem to be replacing them. They say this on plugshare: "This site is currently being upgraded to improve the performance of the chargers. As a result, the station is closed at this time."
No idea what they're doing. NY state is...
I went to the next-closest EA station (Fredonia, NY) and was able to charge without doing anything special. Plugged it in and started the charge from the phone without holding the plug in any way.
I am currently charging at a 350kw Efacec unit! It worked first try! I carefully held the plug in place while it was initializing, but next time I'll try without holding it.
I live in Buffalo, NY and every EA station for hundreds of miles appears to be made by Efacec. There are two stations within my range and I have had exactly zero success charging at them. I actually work around the corner from one, so I have stopped at least a dozen times to try various forms of...
Yeah, I'm quite familiar with the process now. As long as you park so that you don't have to twist the handle, it clicks in quite nicely. During initialization, I've tried a few different methods just to see what it does. Actually, the only time it has done anything different is when I tried...
So the weather has warmed up enough (plus an endless amount of free time) that I had the range to go try the next closest EA station in Fredonia, NY. They are also Efacec units like the location closer to me. I tried all four with no success (and then doused myself with sanitizer and went home).