Automakers plan large EV charger network launch next year.
Automakers plan large EV charger network launch next year.
Massive Network of High-Powered EV Chargers Set to Roll Out in North America
BMW and six other major automakers, including General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Stellantis NV, have announced their plans to establish a vast network of high-powered electric vehicle (EV) chargers across North America. The joint venture aims to make zero-emission driving more appealing for millions of customers. Expectations are high as the venture plans to develop at least 30,000 chargers. The charging stations will not only be accessible to all EV customers but also offer both the combined charging system (CCS) and the North American charging standard (NACS) connectors.
Addressing Range Anxiety
Apart from attracting customers, this unified network aims to tackle a critical concern among EV owners – range anxiety. Carter Li, CEO at SWTCH Energy, an EV charging and energy management company, emphasizes the significance of building confidence in EVs by providing an extensive charging infrastructure. Li explains, “Automakers are pooling resources and expertise to build charging access that matches their ambitions to lead the transition.” This joint venture demonstrates that even rivals realize the importance of developing the EV ecosystem cooperatively, where vehicles and charging grow in tandem.
Surveying EV Users
According to a survey conducted by nonprofit EV advocacy group Plug In America, nearly half of 4,000 EV drivers expressed their likelihood to purchase an EV as their next vehicle. However, concerns about broken chargers were raised by almost half of those who rely on public DC fast charging. The survey, conducted between December 2022 and February 2023, also revealed that over 60% of respondents seldom or never used public chargers. This is primarily attributable to the fact that 94% of them have access to home charging.
Jeremy Michalek, a professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering, explains that early EV adopters typically have access to home charging and own multiple vehicles. They only rely on public chargers during long trips due to the longer range of today’s EVs. The challenge arises during peak travel holidays, like Memorial Day or Thanksgiving when Americans tend to take long trips simultaneously. Deploying enough public charging infrastructure to avoid long queues on these days while ensuring steady usage throughout the year will be a significant task.
The Future of EV Charging Infrastructure
As EVs become more mainstream and enter the used car market, households without off-street parking and residential charging will heavily rely on public charging infrastructure for everyday use. The development of a vast network of high-powered EV chargers across urban areas and highways has the potential to address this need. However, it is essential to ensure that the charging capacity matches the rising adoption of EVs to avoid issues like broken chargers or long queues during peak travel periods.
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The U.S. Department of Energy states that there are currently 32,000 publicly available DC fast chargers, serving 2.3 million EVs. However, this translates to 72 EVs for every available charger. To accommodate approximately 42 million plug-in EVs expected on the road by 2030, it is estimated that 182,000 DC fast chargers will be required, as per the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Initiatives like the joint venture announced by these major automakers contribute significantly to addressing this need and shaping the future of EV charging infrastructure.
For more information on the EV industry, check out the following articles: – Best EV Stocks to Buy – The EV Revolution: ANBLE Economic Forecasts – EV Tax Credit 2023: What’s Changed and What’s Ahead
