Less than 20 minutes to get to 80% charge level.
NRG eVgo Rapid Chargers in the Nashville Tennessee area are very reliable and activate instantly using an RFID card and thankfully don’t rely on finicky touch screens. Other charging networks such as Blink also use RFID cards, but the activation process can take up to a minute, more if the touch screen is not working. The eVgo Rapid Charge units are can be activated for up to 30 minutes at a time which allows a Nissan LEAF to reach a full charge rather than stop at 80% as some units are programmed to stop at.
Fresh salad while you wait
I’ve been trying out the eVgo stations at area MAPCO gas stations. There is plenty to do while you wait for your car to charge. In addition to the convenience store, MAPCO’s have a deli equipped to make fresh salads and sandwiches to order and a beer cave stocked with good variety of craft beers. I have taken to eating a yogurt/granola breakfast at the MAPCO in Brentwood, on the way to my workplace in Cool Springs.
More often than not, its an SUV blocking access to EV charging spaces.
While activating is instantaneous, getting access to the right parking space can be challenging. Judging by comments on Plugshare other LEAF drivers face the same challenges.
Other drivers comment about having trouble getting an open parking space ar MAPCO stations.
Thankfully the space often opens up within 5-10 minutes, though this can double the time you need to charge your vehicle. Better signage would help deal with access to the parking space, its not obvious that the space can be used to charge an electric car, the gas car drivers can be excused for not realising. Once you pull in you typically won’t back out even if you do realize you did something wrong.
Positioning charging units between two parking spaces would increase access to the charging station. In the photo below if the unit was between two parking spaces the Blue Pickup truck would not be an issue since the space to the right is free.
Truck blocking the space needed for EV Charging
Tesla Model 3 
Where is this Mapco located JP? I took a job in Brentwood a few months ago and have been holding off on pulling the trigger on a leaf purchase. The argument for used is now compelling with such great prices. I am looking for a low mileage 2013 sl, if I can’t hold out until I see what changes are in store for 2016, the much talked about longer range battery could be a game changer for leaf sales In my opinion. Thanks and hope you are doing well.
The Mapco is on Moore’s Lane close to I65. It’s technically within Brentwood city limits, however it’s closer to Cool Springs than Brentwood.
If you are coming from the south it may make sense to stop off there. If you come from the North stopping at the MAPCO on 8th and Wedgewood makes sense since 8th turns into Franklin Pike/Rd.
Thanks JP, I come from MJ and the East, very little EV Charging options besides my home out there. Thanks for the prompt reply, big fan of your blog.
If they ever get the Airport QC unit open for business that may work out well for you. I think its gonna be $3 per charge with the first 30 minutes parking free. 15 minute top off might do the trick.
Agreed! I believe I drove right by you on i65 north this afternoon around 445pm, big fan JP!
If that was you honking today, yes it was me approaching I-440E exit, which I took. Waze decided downtown was a bad route today. Judging by the number of police cars that came flying by, I may have done well to avoid downtown.