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All the McDonald’s in Hendersonville now have EV Charging Stations. The other two McDonald’s were the first businesses to get EV Charging stations in Hendersonville.
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This time last year placement of the chargers was performed in premium parking spaces without clear signage. As a result gasoline drivers too often occupy the spaces. I’m glad to say that one year later, the business owners and equipment installers have learned these lessons. The EV spaces, while not inconvenient, are not premium and are also well marked. The spaces are clearly intended for an EV. As a result both spaces were open when I visited.
Congratulations to McDonald’s and Blink Networks for a superior installation!!
One thing I encourage property and business owners to do is to consider offering free charging for their clientele. Since September 2012 Blink Networks started charging between $1 and $2 per hour, with a minimum of 1 hour charge. For a short stop location like McDonald’s such fees are likely to discourage use and visits to the restaurant. I am keeping a list of free EV charging locations in Tennessee in a separate post.
Charging Equipment under the Golden Arches
Tesla Model 3 
I’m unfamiliar with the Blink business model as we don’t have any Blink units here in NC. Would the business model support a “validation” approach where you would get charged the hourly rate, but if you patronized the business where the charging station was located they would refund part or all of your fee (i.e. your first hour is free with a purchase). That way you could still charge at a charging station and not feel guilty about visiting the business that is hosting the charging station, but if you do patronize them they can waive the fee.
I’m not aware of a “validation” and waiving of the charge fee. This is a great idea !!! I wish it was possible!! I believe the only options the property owner has is either to charge the Blink Rates or opt for free at all times.