Apr 30, 2014
LithionSD SuperchargerQR App For iOS
There have been more than a few threads on this forum and the TM forum about what to do when you get to a Supercharger and the stalls are all full.
What is the proper etiquette? Wouldn't it be nice if you could let the owner of an MS know that his/her car was fully charged and there was a line? Or maybe you notice that a car has mysteriously stopped charging and want to notify the owner.
I thought a lot about the problem. We all want to be good stewards of the SC Network but I don't think anyone is fully comfortable putting their phone number or other distinct contact information out where everyone can see it.
So I came up with an app called SuperchargerQR that solves the problem using QR codes and it made it through Apple review today and is available for download for free from the App Store. My little gift to the Tesla community.
App Store Link: SuperchargerQR on the App Store on iTunes
Screen Shots
Blurb from the store description...
"As the number of deliveries of the Tesla Model S grow so does Supercharger congestion. Every Tesla owner seems to want to be a "Good Citizen" when using the Supercharger network but sometimes we just lose track of time or don't realize that a line has formed for the charger stalls.
SuperchargerQR aims to alleviate the frustration of pulling up to a Supercharger only to find all of the stalls occupied when there is at least one vehicle that has finished charging.
Print the SuperchargerQR code directly from the app and put it on your dash the next time you plug in to charge. If you are fully charged and someone new arrives and wants to use the Supercharger all they have to do is install the app and scan your QR code which will send you a message that someone is waiting for your spot. It's easy and anonymous, no need to worry about your personal information being in the hands of passers by."�
Apr 30, 2014
Shumdit Great idea!!!�
Apr 30, 2014
RomainiacWV So is your QR code permanent for your app? Do you keep it in the car at all times like an old parking slip? Then just slide on the dash. N�
Apr 30, 2014
Ven Rala Very intriguing and unique idea. I'm downloading it now. Will try it next time I'm at a supercharger�
Apr 30, 2014
MikeC Cool idea, I downloaded it and will use it on my next road trip. How is there a review from April 29 already when it was approved today?�
Apr 30, 2014
DFibRL8R I like it. Seems like this would be useful in other non-Supercharger settings too and for other EV users. I usually post my cell when charging but like the privacy of this better. Could be an enhancement on plugshare/chargepoint/blink etc�
Apr 30, 2014
ChriZ Downloaded and trying it this weekend!�
Apr 30, 2014
Pollux Wow, this sure looks cool!
Do you have to print a new QR code for each charging expedition or can you print one code, once, and leave it in your car? (I'm imagining printing out the QR code on a piece of paper that I then laminate.)
Thanks!
Alan�
Apr 30, 2014
Zroiron This is awesome! Thanks! Can't wait to try it out when we hit the highway next week!�
Apr 30, 2014
Lump This is great, I installed the app, printed a QR code & sure enough was sent a notification after scanning it.�
Apr 30, 2014
AnOutsider I rarely need a SC, but this is an awesome idea. I have a road trip planned in June and can give it a whirl then�
Apr 30, 2014
Klaus Thanks! Let's hope for widespread adoption. Probably need an Android and WinMobile app too.�
Apr 30, 2014
TexasEV Why not just leave your cell number as people have been doing? It's simpler, doesn't require the other party to install an app and know what a QR code is. Maybe it's just my age but I would rather see a cell number on the dash than something about a QR code.�
Apr 30, 2014
AlMc Great idea. How do you know when someone is 'fully charged'? The dash shows nothing (can't look inside to see) and the plug does not flash.�
Apr 30, 2014
AnOutsider A bit more privacy for one. Though I admit, this is just "cooler".�
Apr 30, 2014
ZBB Great idea... Installed and printed my QR page -- will use this on our road trip this summer!�
Apr 30, 2014
AlMc It is a good idea but how will you know when a car that is charging is fully charged?�
Apr 30, 2014
ZBB I see it more as a way to alert owners that are charging that a) all stalls are full and b) there is at least one other car waiting to charge. Should help get people back when they had enough charge.
Perhaps the next version can have a couple stock messages that could be sent in response -- things like:
- will be back in 5/10/15/30 min (or a time?)
- respond that you are now back�
Apr 30, 2014
LithionSD Lots of replies. Let me see if I can answer all the questions:
1) Does not require generating a new code for each charger expedition. If you use the anonymous sign in and delete and re-install the app you'll have to generate a new one. If you use facebook sign in your QR code should always be good even if you uninstall and re-install.
2) Why not leave your cell number? I, personally don't like leaving a unique identifier like a phone number around, way too easy for someone to find out where I live, where I work, etc..
3) How do you know when charging is done? This, to be honest was a bit of an oversight on my part. If the car has powered down while charging you don't know. I'll be changing the messaging in the app soon to say something like "There is a line for the superchargers. Check your charge level in the Tesla app or check in on your car at your convenience." I've also considered a checkin process where if you are the owner of the QR and scan it it serves as a checkin and when someone else scans it they can see how long you've been charging and determine whether to send the message.
4) Android and WinMobile - Looking at Android, a bit more complicated to do on the QR side. WinMobile, probably not enough adoption yet.
5) Useful for other chargers? Yes, but I wanted to tackle the market I understand as an owner first. I would probably do a separate app for Level 2 type chargers since the messaging would be a little different. Like "Don't unplug me yet. Download blah blah and scan the code to let me know you're waiting". A coworker of mine actually suggested I do a version for laundromats... "Don't touch my undies, scan the code and I'll be right there to unload the washer".
6) How is there a review already? It launched mid day yesterday, not sure why Apple says it was today. But if you like it, definitely review and give it 5 stars, helps people find it easier when they search.
Thanks for the feedback everyone! The app already has over 100 downloads, not too shabby for something so niche.�
Apr 30, 2014
ecarfan Very nice. Will download and try out soon. Thanks!�
Apr 30, 2014
Lloyd Can you reply to the qr notification:
1. If you are not done charging I need X more minutes
2. If you are "20 minutes back to your car" ?
It would be nice to enable a bi directional communication.�
Apr 30, 2014
LithionSD The recipient can enter a free form message to reply�
Apr 30, 2014
BobtheV How about using this on luggage tags?�
May 1, 2014
kendallpb D'oh, Facebook. How's the "anonymous" sign-in work; will I still get an alert (I presume this is using badges/alerts/etc.) if someone "scans" me?
A check-in feature would be great, especially if we could put in how long we anticipate charging (though granted, Superchargers oddly don't tell us how long it'll take, IIRC)...then if someone scans us, they'd know if it's even worth pinging us. "The car you scanned checked in at X and said they'd be done in Y minutes (or maybe just do the math re. how long we expect to be there)--do you still want to ping the owner?" Etc. It's late, sorry; not sure I'm explaining this well.
Anyway, this looks cool; I'm not sure just where to put the paper when I print it...dash? How big does it have to be? I know little about QR codes, but this seems like one of the few really useful use cases for it that I've heard of. (Maybe I live under a rock.)
Anyway, kudos, LithionSD. :-D
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Whoops, requires iOS 7.1 for some reason (doesn't look like it uses any fancy 7.x features, not that I can tell, I know), so I can't use it. My iPhone 3GS won't! die! and Apple dropped 3GS support with 7.0. (I really don't want my iPad on 7.x and iPhone on 6.x, though that's my issue, I know...). Ah well...
...still a great concept and if my iPhone ever dies, I'll get a new one with 7.x and install this app ASAP.
�
May 1, 2014
ilg LithionSD, this is a great idea. I'll have to wait for the Android version, but I'll definitely use it. Well, as long as facebook isn't required. If I understand your description, you only get the reusable QR if you're a facebook account holder. Seems weird to require people to use facebook to preserve their charging anonymity. A bit ironic, don't you think?
Also, it seems like this would be even more useful if it were integrated with Tesla's supercharger map thing, or something like PlugShare. Then, with the check-in feature that people are talking about, each station could report its status. Of course, it would only be a guess, since you can't force people to use the ap. The only way to do it "properly" would be with Tesla's help, I'd guess.�
May 1, 2014
AnOutsider What if you added Tesla sign-in to the app. If folks decided to sign in through your app, when someone scans the code, rather than bother the owner, it first checks if they're charged (perhaps to a preset limit) and can maybe even tell the person who scanned: "car will be done in X minutes".
Going along with that, if I put the code in the window and scan it before leaving, I can have the app ping every few minutes and tell ME when my car is at a certain level.�
May 1, 2014
GasDoc Do you really want these people to have your phone number?
Crazy rant being placed on SF Area Tesla's
The FACTS on Tesla F*res�
May 1, 2014
dsm363 Way to hold onto a phone like that and avoid the upgrade itch that so many fall prey to. iPhone 6 out by end of year so I'd hold off for that I'd you were planning on staying with Apple.�
May 1, 2014
LithionSD Interesting that people have such a problem with Facebook sign in. It's made very clear in the app that we're not storing any personal data or posting anything to your wall or to your friends. Facebook is simply used as an "identity provider" to keep your user record unique between device installs and app re-installs. Without an identity provider there is no way to deal with multiple devices and app re-installs. I could ask you to create an account in the app and maintain my own database and require you to re-login periodically, but honestly, Facebook does a much better job of such things.
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A good idea. The next release, which will be out in a few weeks will have the ability for owners to "check in" by scanning their own code. Anyone else who scans the code will be able to see when the check in happened. That feature is step 1 towards integrated sign in and charge status notification, the tricky part is having the phone ping to get the charging status when its in the background.�
May 1, 2014
TexasEV People are concerned about privacy but they're on Facebook?�
May 1, 2014
RichardL The problem with using the FB login is not so much what you do, as what FB do with that information!�
May 1, 2014
wraithnot Great idea- I just downloaded the app and tested it. A few suggestions for the next version:
1. Make the default message something like: "I'd like to use this charger- when do you think you will be done charging?"
2. Enable two-way communication with multiple users to make it possible for someone waiting to use a charger to poll multiple charging cars and ask when they will finish so they can plan accordingly
3. To make two-way communication easier, allow people to link a user name (e.g. their TMC handle) to their QR code.
4. Enable check-ins at supercharger locations (ideally with user names) and allow others to see check-ins and notifications (without showing the actual text of the notification) to gauge how congested a given supercharger location is.
When Gilroy only had four stalls and tended to get congested, someone gave me their cell phone number so I could notify them when I was done charging. A version of your app that enables this sort of thing would get a lot of traction.�
May 1, 2014
kendallpb Well, how long till my car's done isn't the same as when I will be done which may be sooner. Plus as I recall, the car doesn't say when you'll be done, when using a Supercharger. That's why I suggested being able to check in and put in how long you expect to be charging.
Also, I don't want to share my Tesla sign-in with anyone but Tesla. The idea of random people checking up on my car--even for limited info through a third-party service that has my credentials...not something I'd use. Yes, yes, it could be optional...but I feel best practice is for people not to ask for people's Tesla login anyway, so I think this is a bad idea. Another way to expose your Tesla login (and officially one isn't supposed to use it like this anyway).
Granted, my thoughts here mean little since I can't use the app yet. ;-) Just some paranoid rambling thoughts....
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Heh, thanks. Believe me, I keep getting tempted, though, especially since work will pay for $150 towards a new phone; I think ever couple of months I debate with myself on whether to "upgrade" (replace...I hate this upgrade word, that's not what folks are doing).
I expect my 3GS will never die; it's tough and I have the slimmest Otterbox cover I could find, so it protects against my occasional drops nicely. We'll see how long *I* can hold out, though. ;-)
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Oversimplification; I have other issues with them. And while I made an account for a couple of purposes, I almost never use it--and not the way Facebook would like me to, anyway--because I dislike Facebook. But because some idiots post things there only, it's only just barely worth keeping the account for that reason. Bleah. Sorry to rant.�
May 1, 2014
LithionSD Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Just a remember, this is a free app in a fairly niche category at the moment so I won't be able to get to everyone's suggestions in the short term. The next version will have "check in" ability for the owner if they scan their own code and the ability for the non owners that scan the code to see how long its been since the owner checked in. I hesitate to put in things like handles because it distracts from the primary driver of the app, which is anonymity. Plus, in the software design world every feature / setup screen / checkpoint you includes adds interface complexity and in turn confusion to new users. My goal is to make the app valuable by doing a few things very well.
I will give you a little tease of something cool though, I've started digging through the Tesla API's and may be able to give you the "Your Tesla has reached your target charge level" sooner than later. The plan is to do the "check in" release as a point (1.2) release in the next few weeks. Then, hopefully within a month release the charging status update as a 2.0 release (also considering allowing you to share your charging status with those who scan your code). That is all depending on how busy I am doing other jobs that pay the bills. :smile:�
May 1, 2014
wraithnot I like Kendalpb's idea of checking in and giving an estimate of how long you will need to charge. If you want to keep things simple, how about having people check in, give an estimate of how long they plan to charge, and then check out when they leave. Anyone else who wants to use the spot can then get the estimated completion time when they scan the QR code and also get a notification when the original user checks out. Of course, it's easy for me to throw out ideas since I'm not the one who will take the time to code them up�
May 1, 2014
kishdude Hey,
great app. I'm also an iOS developer and Tesla owner. I have a solution for you for the "know when a car is done charging problem". How about if the owner of the car can log into the app when they start charging and then enter what their current charge level is and/or the expected end time is. Then whenever anyone else scans their QR code, the app can display what the current charge level is of that particular car. It may not be exact, but it will be better than nothing.�
May 1, 2014
LithionSD Read up the thread, automated charge level reporting based on the Tesla api's is on the list for the 2.0 release (which will follow the 1.2 point release). Doing an estimate based on time won't work reliably because of the shared nature of the stalls (two cars connected to one charger) and also the fact that some chargers are 90KW and some are 120KW. The only thing worse than no information in the case of "what is my current charge?" is information that is drastically wrong most of the time and unreliable. True, with the "check in model" that will be in the 1.2 release I am making some assumptions that users will understand that 20 minutes is not enough and that more than an hour is when they should message the driver but that's different than giving the user estimates about their own charge.�
May 1, 2014
richkae Some people don't do facebook. The original question was "If I understand your description, you only get the reusable QR if you're a facebook account holder."
The answer that you get a reusable QR code just as long as you don't uninstall the app is sufficient.�
May 1, 2014
RichardL If you are using something like the Ad ID, if not FB, then that is maintained across upgrades. It is only changed if you de-install and then re-install.�
May 1, 2014
bluetinc Hi,
This looks like a nice app that I'm looking forward to trying but I'm also not running 7.1. Would you mind sharing what pushed you to require 7.1 instead of say 7.0?
Thanks!
Peter�
May 1, 2014
BobtheV
Do you really want these people to know your home address � and that you will be away for a few days?�
May 2, 2014
AnOutsider How would they know that, from this?�
May 2, 2014
Gear I'd like to see this on Windows Phone (it hasn't been called Windows Mobile for several years now). There are quite a few people using third-party Tesla apps for WP because Tesla hasn't made one yet. I'm sure we'd all love to see this app!�
May 2, 2014
NoMoGas Just get Google Voice and forward it to your cellphone. That puts a firewall between your actual number and what gets made "public".�
May 2, 2014
liuping That's exactly what I do. If someone keeps calling you, you can block them.�
May 2, 2014
Gear Your phone itself might allow you to block calls and texts. Windows Phone does anyway. It's a pretty handy feature.�
May 2, 2014
ACDriveMotor Or use ChargeSticker�
May 2, 2014
castor I have seen the same system at my work working for quite time since there are a lot of leafs here and few L2 chargers, the app is available on WP for the leafs, I may send a PM to LithionSD to incorporate the same logic to Tesla Companion for the WP, so we can generate the same codes.�
May 2, 2014
Madartist @LithionSD: Thanks for creating this great app! Seems like it would be very useful. Looking forward to using it.
I hope you don't mind... :biggrin: We made some minor design modifications and shrank it to a ~5.5" x 7" size card.
�
May 3, 2014
BobtheV They would know it by not using the product - and instead reading your address off a conventional tag.�
May 3, 2014
plaeuschler Did you think about open source it so that someone else could port it wherever they like?
P. S. Great idea!�
May 3, 2014
andrewket My suggestions:
1. Rather than be tesla specific, I think your app is applicable to all EVs. I would consider rebranding it.
2. The QR code is huge. Yes this makes it easier to scan, but because it's so large it's unlikely that someone will permanently affix it to their dash. A smaller version that could be laminated or ordered as a decal/sticker would encourage people to affix it to the glass, increasing the odds of people using it. Right now mine is in the glovebox. Will i remember to pull it out?
3. The sticker/decal idea could be how you make a little money on this. I'm sure you could partner with someone who makes decals and mark it up 20%.�
May 3, 2014
HankLloydRight When I took delivery of my MS they gave me the "Zero Emissions" plastic license plate. I printed out my cell number and short message and taped it on the bottom. It's easy to keep it between or under the seat and toss on the dash as needed. I can now just add the QR code to it also. Very handy and durable.�
May 3, 2014
LithionSD Hey everyone. Thanks again for all the feedback. One of the features on the list is to have an option for a smaller print design (large index card sized). I also wanted to let everyone know that I'm likely going to forego the 1.2 "simple check-in" release I mentioned earlier in favor of devoting the time to the 2.0 version which will have the ability to poll the car's charge state and status. Progress on that is coming along well and I finished a proof of concept for polling and controlling the car from iOS last night (basically just does what the Tesla app does without the fancy UI). I'll be open sourcing that library soon for those interested in programming their own projects.�
May 3, 2014
Madartist My wife found a bug with the app. The iPhone's flash light does not work (shuts off if already on or doesn't turn on at all) when the SuperChargerQR app is being used. This is a problem when trying to scan the QR code at night or in low light conditions.�
May 3, 2014
EchoDelta Hey good job!
Will gladly help you connect this to SMS and voice so people can leave the laminate on their car and have an alternate phone/SMS to call to a central number and thus preserve the drivers anonymity; and neither arriving driver or the parked one Require a smartphone (other than for convenience of not typing in a n digit code) - DM me if interested�
May 8, 2014
jthompson Well said!!�
May 8, 2014
ACDriveMotor I know! The irony is delicious.�
May 8, 2014
BlkCld Great idea but I refuse to upgrade to IOS 7. So I'm out�
May 9, 2014
LithionSD Finishing up testing on version 2.0 currently which will indeed include the ability to check the charging status of the vehicle associated to the code being scanned. There will be a new "Settings" icon on the bottom which contains a UI for entering your Tesla account credentials. I found a rather unique way of doing the charge status check that doesn't require storing the Tesla credentials on any server. They are stored securely in the encrypted keychain on your iOS device and nowhere else.
There are a few other small features based on everyones feedback but the last thing on my list for this release is the ability to choose which car on your account you are checking in if you have multiple MS's. I consider myself lucky to have 1 so I'm not complaining, but I really could use someone who has two as a beta tester.�
May 18, 2014
Madartist I just tried to use the new charging status function on v2.0 on my wife's phone. However, I can't seem to get past the "getting driver check-ins..." screen on her phone.�
May 19, 2014
Ugliest1 Great idea, LithionSD, and well executed. I'll forgo entering my Tesla credentials for now, and use your great built-in reply function to respond to any messages with charge info and ETA myself, from the Tesla app. I agree with earlier poster that this seems useful for all makes of electric cars.�
Aug 17, 2014
bonnie ? Echoing an earlier post, why is this branded just for Teslas? And adding to it... why just for superchargers? Wouldn't this work for any EV charging at any place in the wild? Why so specific?�
Aug 19, 2014
felixtb Yes I agree. call it charge notification system or there about and change from the red color. you become universal. at least for Tesla Ses for now. since you tap into charge state and status, those are valid for any charging situation....... then get the leaf cmunity and other EV comunities to help in expansion. just like MarkJ has done with the OVMS project, which is now more or less global and started humbly with the roadster..... good luck and a great job and idea so far!�
Aug 20, 2014
Mike_Schlechter Interestingly, I started putting out my card even if I'm not at a Tesla Supercharger. I was at a J1772 in Northampton, MA and got the message my car was finished and someone was waiting. I went out and it was another Tesla (60kWh) hoping to use the charger. There was a Volt next to me, but there was no way to contact that owner, and the other nearby chargers were ICEd in or in use as well. The Tesla owner installed it and used it to contact me. While we were talking the Volt owner showed up. He agreed it was a great app, even if not used at a Supercharger, and wished something generic existed from Plugshare, for instance.
This thread inspired me to use it regardless of whether it was a Supercharger and made it possible for a guy in need of some power to not have to wait. Great suggestion.�
Aug 20, 2014
Gear Awesome! If there were something available for Windows Phone I'd use it for sure!�
Aug 22, 2014
RileyCPA I liked this app so much I downloaded it before I even received my car. Which unfortunately isn't until Sept 18th. I really like the fact that this community is conscientious of other drivers/people. It's quite refreshing in this day in age. I can't say the same is true in my 23 years experience driving an ICE vehicle.�
Sep 14, 2014
cpa With all due respect to what is doubtless a fabulous idea, I have no idea what this computer program does. Some of us are Neanderthals (like me!) and have a real difficultly grasping
this concept.
My ignorance factor with anything related to computers and their progeny is enormous. It would be refreshing if some of these comments and suggestions could explain in lay terms the jargon and locutions that are prevailing within this discussion.
We are all ignorant, only in different things!
Thanks!�
Sep 14, 2014
jerry33 As I understand it, what this App does is let folks who have a QR scanner on their phone (QR is that thing that looks like part of a crossword puzzle) read your contact information so they can notify you if they need to unplug your car. The thought being that random thieves won't have their phone with them (as the phone will track their location). Of course, you have to print this out and make it visible on your car when you charge.�
Sep 14, 2014
luckylao Great idea. Is it possible to have it on Android? A lot of people here in Hoing Kong (including myself) are using Android phone...�
Oct 8, 2014
breser I saw people suggest this app in another thread. I'd never heard of it. I see it's not available on Android or Windows. I can understand how for a free app you don't really have time to work on it for another platform.
However, what I don't understand is that in order to remain anonymous this software has to have a central server and an app that either receives push notifications from that server or that polls the server. Wouldn't it be easier to just use existing infrastructure that everyone has access to.
1) Write a web app that allows a user to sign in and provides an email.
2) Webapp provides a page you can print out that includes a URL (and a QR code of the URL) that you can put in your window.
3) Visiting the URL displays an interface that allows the user to send a message to the user via email.
4) People using the webapp can also register and provide an email and have two way communication. The emails can even be mapped through anonymous addresses that just get remailed to the other end, so they can email back and forth.
Additional options such as notification via the smart phone app or text messaging could be added, possibly for a charge. However, making the primary interface a web app means all platforms can use it. We know that every Model S has 3G access and a web browser. So if you design the app to be friendly to the car browser and mobile browsers then you can achieve maximum penetration for users to be able to use this.
I scanned one of these QR codes in this thread with my barcode scanner on Android. All I get is some garbage text (presumably a randomly generated ID). So if someone leaves this QR code on their dash, it does me no good as an Android user. This means that the fundamental purpose of the app, i.e. allowing you to leave contact info for any owner to reach you while staying anonymous, is not achieved.
So in short, nice idea, poorly executed.�
Dec 8, 2014
bradhs Great job! Downloaded this to my iPhone and plan to use it next time I supercharge.�
Dec 8, 2014
dsmith2189 you could have the owner put an estimated time of charge completion/return and send that message back to the person waiting for that stall.
and of course Android or MS would be nice�
Aug 8, 2015
BrokerDon Wow GREAT idea and K.I.S.S. implementation! Thanks... especially since its FREE !!!
OK I downloaded the app on my iPhone 6 Plus, opened it, printed out my QR code & laminated it, and got it to scan... BUT When I go to Settings and enter my Tesla Motors Username (either the short name or my full email address) and my 24-character strong password (pasted in via 1Password) all I get is:
Ooops
Looks like there was an issue signing in. Please check your credentials and try again.
How can I resolve this?
Thanks again for the AWESOME app... and your help getting SuperchargerQR Setting to log me in.
Don
2015 MS P85D "inventory car"
Pearl White / Tan interior
every option including rear Next Gen seats... except 3rd row seating�
Aug 9, 2015
smilepak Interesting idea. Only if mJority of ms owners use this�
Aug 9, 2015
breser Which they won't because it's iPhone only.�
Aug 9, 2015
bxr140 Bingo. While clever, I think the app unfortunately adds little value to the supercharging experience. Anyone who would use it would also practice maximum etiquette anyway...
This makes much more sense in the world of low power opportunity charging.�
Aug 10, 2015
simonog I think the issue may be that Tesla has changed the signin protocol since that app was written. It needs updating to the new, more secure, signin.�
Aug 10, 2015
AC123 I think this app is awesome. Just a suggestion - QR code is great, but it requires printing and geekiness. Why not just allow an additional option of reaching someone via their VIN#? The vin is clearly visible on every car and is just as anonymous as a qr code.�
Aug 10, 2015
wayner I am guessing that it was foiled by the new servers that Tesla is using that caused Visible Tesla to break for most people.
And I agree with just using the VIN - we need a messaging app that uses VINs as the username.�
Aug 10, 2015
AmpedRealtor I would hazard to guess that the majority of Model S owners are also iPhone users, as is Elon Musk. He uses an iPhone 6 Plus.�
Aug 10, 2015
breser I'd bet it'd closer to an even split between Android and iPhone. Which is a pretty big tilt towards iPhone still given that Android has the vast majority of the mobile market right now.�
Aug 10, 2015
wayner Polls on here have shown that it is closer to 50-50. With the odd Windows Phone or BB user. Android does have a far bigger market share overall but in the higher end Apple tends to increase their market share.�
Aug 10, 2015
LetsGoFast Its hard to say for certain because it is quite unclear that this forum reflects a random sampling of Tesla owners. Android users tend to be more tech-savvy and presumably more likely to post here (and probably more likely to buy Teslas). Demographic data shows that at incomes > 125k annually, people are significantly more likely to be iPhone users than Android, which probably includes most people buying luxury cars (it is also true, but to a lesser extent for incomes > 75k).�
Aug 10, 2015
wayner I think that is very much a generalization. I would say that I am very a geek and I am at the bleeding edge of lots of things, and I have lots of tech toys. But I use an iPhone and iPads. The same for most of the other geeks that I know.
Many people don't like carrying multiple phones and they will likely leverage off of the phone that they have from their job. And you don't see as many workplaces using Android, at least I don't. In the finance industry (where I am) you see mainly iPhones with still lots of Blackberries as the large I-Banks like GS, MS, CS, JPM, etc still use BBs. The folks that do carry a second phone usually have a personal iPhone.�
Aug 10, 2015
LetsGoFast As am I, but I do get a certain amount of grief from my fellow techies. This Forbes piece shows some of the demographic breakdowns as reported by CivicScience. I've seen a number of other surveys with similar results.�
Aug 10, 2015
breser You guys are missing the point. It doesn't really matter what the breakdown is. Let's say that 60% of the owners have iPhones. That still means this solution doesn't help the 40% who don't. The person who needs this isn't the person who leaves the QR code. It's the other guy who needs a charge and is blocked by someone else. The lack of being able to support the other 40% means that even if you leave that QR code you have a significant chance of it not being useful for the person you're trying to help.
On the other hand you could leave a cell phone number. I'd guess that cell phones are probably available to 99% (or higher) of Tesla owners. That's nearly always guaranteed to work. You don't have to worry about the other person know how to use the QR code or not either since pretty much everyone understands a phone number. In fact I've never seen one of these QR codes present on a car that was super charging.
So why does this app exist? Because some people don't want to leave cell phone numbers. Amazingly there are other better solutions to the privacy problem. Simply use a service like Google Voice to pass calls on to your real number.
Flat out this app isn't really that useful.�
Aug 10, 2015
BrokerDon Well hopefully the SuperChargerQR developer will fix this ASAP... And clearly state its non-functionality on the Apple App Store description until this is resolved. Would have saved me a bunch of troubleshooting time. 8-(�
Mar 14, 2016
Paradox Hi all,
Been toying with the concept of a messaging app that lets you message without necessarily exchanging personal details. Similar to Slack/WhatsApp however no phone numbers or emails needed to be shared. For an MVP thinking of targeting Tesla & EV destination charging stations and the ability to communicate with other EV drivers. Similar to SuperchargeQR which seems to be discontinued for quite some time... However the aim is to be a generic platform which could be used if say an ICE car left their headlights on or you found someones dog and you could message them to let them know.
If you have a spare 5 mins I�d appreciate if you could do a quick quiz @ Messaging App Quiz Thanks and happy driving!�
Mar 14, 2016
EdA @Paradox - There is already an app like this, it is generic for electric car charging (could probably be used for public laundry machines too), but
I can't remember the details. I have/had a printout in my car from the site.
The other app (ChargeSticker - ChargeSticker) was covered in this thread: New IOS Supercharger App For Model S but the site seems to be down.�
Mar 17, 2016
HankLloydRight I think breser's post #87 above says it all. I just leave my cell # and be done with it. Or people can set up a free google voice number. No need for apps, QR codes, etc and almost everyone can reach you.�
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