It really isn’t meant as a place to gather, so social criteria is a no. Definitely not to exercise. And convincing that it is a great place for exploration is a hard sell.
Where I am you can get them every 50m along the street. The state government and local councils are installing them on like every 3rd Electricity Pole.
Wire from top of pole to two boxes. One of which to plug your EV in
all bog standard designs. Common as… So I say no… Just saying. And that is not even counting the ones being installed in all the carparks etc etc etc
Glad you asked the question. A good way to think about it
Place to explore
Place to exercise
Place to socialise
Where I am - they fail on all three.
But who knows. Petrol stations are rarer than EV charging stations and will probably become rarer. Ooops did I say that… but you know – thinking outside the box here
Think it’s going to depend on what exactly is at the charging station and what exactly is being nominated.
I know tesla has had some ideas (some may have been built I haven’t followed that very well) to make certain charging stations more fun and possibly those could meet social or explore but I think it would have to be the amenity added for those using the charging stations and not the charging stations themselves.
I think some Buccee’s have added charging stations and those tend to get lots of waypoints for various things.
I noted in some of the other discussions that I see EV charging stations as being generic/indistinct, especially as more and more are being installed. They are also similar to gas stations to me, which usually is considered a generic business, and you do have to pay to charge your car at EV stations, so they could also be seen as generic businesses somewhat.
Most in my area are just the chargers and not much else. The ones I go by the most are already in areas with a good number of Wayspots, such as malls/shopping centers, even the local visitors center and city hall. I’ve found better POIs to submit at all of these areas, such as unique local businesses, picnic shelters, and art. There is one at a gas station, but there are some unique businesses, art, fitness centers, etc nearby that make better Wayspots.
I remember (like 10 years ago) when Niantic (in CA) said they’re not valid because they’re common utilities - but I had never seen one (in GA). Now of course they’re everywhere, and I’m glad the first handful (in office building parking lots) aren’t Wayspots.
No one meets at an EV charging station to hang out. You wouldn’t take a visitor from out of town to see one. They are mass produced. They are just infrastructure, utilities. So many ways to say they’re not a great place to explore, socialize, or exercise.
It is not valid nomination. I was asking few month ago. The answer was it is fuel station (for electric cars) so general business and not valid as POI.