Frequently Asked Questions for EV Chargers Lot T
FAQs and Instructions for EV Chargers Lot T
What is required to use the EV chargers in the Hubbard Building parking lot?
- A valid university parking permit.
- A valid EV charging parking permit.
- Lot T: A Blink RFID card is needed to use the EV charging stations
- Hubbard Building Lot: Access to the ChargePoint App is needed.
How do I obtain a valid university parking permit?
- Parking permits are available to UM-Flint faculty, staff, retirees, and registered students. For more information, see Parking information webpage.
How do I obtain a Blink RFID Card or the Blink Mobile App?
Blink RFID Card
- You can request a Blink RFID Card by contacting the DPS Administrative Office at 810-762-3330 or emailing Flint.PublicSafety-EVCharging@umich.edu.
- Please include your name, UMID number, email and telephone number, and the username and email associated with your Blink account.
- The RFID card user needs to be added to the university’s Blink account (a Blink user name and email address are required). Users are still required to sign up through the app via this link once so we can get the Blink User Name and email address associated with the account.
- Blink Charging members can view and manage their Blink Membership Cards in the Blink Charging mobile app by logging in and clicking the Account tab. From there, they can: View their current activated Blink card, Request or activate a Blink card. You must add the university supplied RFID card to your account to use the card.
Blink Mobile App
- Users need to download the Blink Charging App and set up an account (it is available for Apple and Android users).
- Then, please contact the DPS Administrative Office at 810-762-3330 or email Flint.PublicSafety-EVCharging@umich.edu and include your name, UMID number, email, and telephone number, as well as the username and email associated with your Blink account.
- Once this step is complete, your account will be added to the university’s Blink account (Reminder: Blink user name and email address are required).
Do users have to pay to use the EV chargers?
- No. The EV chargers are available free of charge for up to four hours per day.
Are there penalties for exceeding the four-hour time limit?
- Yes. Users are expected to unplug and move their vehicle after four hours. If the vehicle is not unplugged in or remains in the EV charging parking space beyond four (4) hours, an occupancy fee is assessed ($2.00 charged every fifteen (15) minutes; there is a 15-minute grace period before the occupancy fee is activated).
- In addition, if a vehicle is connected to a charger and is fully charged or not charging, an occupancy fee will be assessed ($2 charged every 15 minutes; there is a 15-minute grace period before the occupancy is activated).
Users who consistently violate the four-hour time limit may have their access revoked.
What happens if there is a non-electric car parked in the designated EV charging parking spaces?
- When a non-electric car is parked in a designated EV charger parking space, DPS should be notified by telephone. Contact DPS at 810-762-3333.
Instructions for Using the EV Charging Stations
How do users start a charge?
To operate a Blink EV charger, simply plug in the electric vehicle and touch the screen to follow the prompts.
How do I know if the charger is working?
- The charger’s port will display blue if it is plugged into an EV and charging. When the light displays green, the charge has been completed, and the station is available for another EV driver to use.
What happens if the power goes out?
- When the power turns back on, the unit goes through its reboot and test cycles. Upon successful completion, it will automatically return to its “waiting to charge” state. If a vehicle was charging when the power went out, the driver would need to restart the charge.
What if the station won’t turn on?
- If the station won’t turn on or the screen does not display, the breaker feeding the unit has been tripped or turned off. Contact Facilities & Operations at 810-762-3223.
Are Blink charging stations weatherproof?
- Yes, Blink equipment is weatherproof, capable of withstanding normal wear and tear due to daily exposure to environmental elements, and stable in extreme weather conditions
What EVs are compatible with Blink chargers?
- The Blink IQ 200 charging stations are compatible with all electric vehicles that use the J1772 plug, which is standard on all North American vehicles. The Blink units can also charge Tesla model vehicles with the Tesla adapter, available directly through Tesla.
How do I know if my car is charging?
- Once a charge has been initiated, the charger port will display blue. The charger screen will also indicate charge status. Many EVs also display the current charging status in the vehicle’s dash.
How much time is needed to charge?
- The length of time necessary to charge an EV depends on the rate at which the car can receive a charge. A charge from empty to full on a Level 2 EV charger can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight. Please consult your vehicle owner’s manual for additional information.
How do I know when the charge is complete?
- When the charge is complete, the charger’s port light will display green, and the charger screen will indicate that the charge has been completed. It is highly suggested that Blink members opt in for communications (text message, email, or both) to receive alerts that the charge has been completed. Please remember to move your vehicle from the EV spot so that others may charge.
What if I need to remove the charging cord before charging is complete?
- Simply press down the lock release button on the charger connector, unplug it from the car, and return it to the station. The charge will automatically be terminated. Please note that some vehicles have locks on the charging port, and you cannot unplug the charging cord unless the car is engaged.
Who do I contact if I have a problem with the Blink charging station or charging?
Blink Customer Service is available 24/7 to assist with all charging related problems or questions. Please contact Blink Customer service at 888-998-2546.