Dear, (Insert: Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, etc., or anyone else installing EV charging stations):
Do better. I’m not an EV owner. But I’m not a hater either. I’m a journalist who’s trying to figure EV shit out and help others do the same. But the current charging infrastructure is making it really hard for me to be an EV advocate.
[Related content: Charging infrastructure, not range, is the problem with EVs]
You see, I’m in the firm camp that electric vehicles don’t have a range problem, 220 miles is plenty. But when you have more than 160 miles between two fast-charge stations on a major interstate, that’s a problem.
Especially when EVs are in their nascent phase and 320 miles is more like 160 miles in the current sub-zero temperatures most of the United States is experiencing right now. Then, when you add in the fact that a 350 kW charge station is only delivering 49 kW when an EV battery is at less than 50%, that’s a problem.
It’s a huge problem.
With a lot of government and private moneys being dumped into building a more robust infrastructure, I’d like to offer some thoughts for your consideration as you move forward installing EV charging stations.
Stop putting chargers in the back of big box lots. I know you probably think this is convenient because there’s a lot of space, and people can charge while shopping. But here’s the thing, all those people who are shopping in a big box store and own an EV probably have an at-home charger. They don’t need to charge when they are running in for a half hour to buy a bulk bin of pretzels. No, the people who need to charge are the ones who are driving 197 miles on their way home for Christmas or taking a road trip with the fam. The last thing they want to do is sit in a boring big box parking lot for an hour to add 40% charge.
Starbucks, Cracker Barrel and Panera are the way forward. So, where do you put charging stations for people who actually need them? Someplace they’ll spend time, and someplace with WiFi. I know Volvo has a deal with Starbucks to install chargers. It’s not happening fast enough. But that’s definitely a place people can spend at least 20 minutes, which, if stations are working properly, is enough time for ultra fast-charge vehicles to go from 10% to 80%. I just spent 20 minutes in a Starbucks drive thru just getting a beverage before going to sit in a Walmart parking lot for another 20 minutes. That’s just plain wasteful.
Bathrooms. Srsly. You’ll argue someone could go into the big box store and use the bathroom there, but not after its closed. Sure, Starbucks and Paneras and Cracker Barrels close, but they’re usually open longer than a big box store. Without bathrooms, EV owners somewhat ironically might find themselves at a gas station to pee, which means they’ll probably be guilted into spending money at the convenience store. So, if you aren’t going to put charge stations in places near a gas station or food stop, maybe think about putting them at Rest Areas. You know, another place people stop on a road trip.
Think of safety. In the charging stations I’ve been to recently, I’ve been concerned about the overall lack of safety they offer. Think about it. They’re often situated in an isolated location in the corner of a parking lot with nary a soul nearby. Asking someone to go sit in said isolated location, alone, in a $50k to $150k vehicle is like asking someone to walk down a deserted street at midnight wearing the Hope Diamond with a sign that says “rob me.” Most criminals look for opportunity, and an expensive vehicle in a deserted location with a lone occupant is a sitting duck. What? You say your charging stations have cameras? Yeah, they do, but a fat lot of good that will do when the crime is in process. And if the robber is wearing a mask or the camera isn’t HD, recording the incident won’t help. I was carjacked in front of a low-res camera (not at an EV charging station), so I know this from experience.
Include windshield cleaners. The windshield washing wands are something I didn’t know I’d miss until I missed them. On my recent drive from Chicago to Indianapolis, it was blowing snow in sub-zero temperatures and my windshield was caked with ice and salt. Since I was in an EV, there’s no engine to keep my hood clear of snow or, apparently, keep the windshield washer fluid from freezing. So, when I pulled up to the charging station in Lafayette, Ind., my windshield and radar sensors used for adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and emergency braking were a salty mess. So, I looked for the wands you see by gas pumps, hoping to clear some of the gook. And, well, they weren’t there. It’s a stupid, silly thing that would actually be really helpful to have.
The bottom line on EV charging stations
I get it. I know we’re “just at the beginning” of the EV era. I’ve heard the analogy over and over that it’s like the early days of the gas-powered vehicle when there weren’t gas stations on every corner. I really do get it.
However, as we enter into this phase of encouraging (not forcing) people to buy electric, we need to do better. A critical part of this will be relying on EV software development services to build smarter systems that optimize the charging experience, reduce downtime, and improve station reliability.
I’d like to think we know more than we did back in 1885 when the first gas station was built – more about people’s habits and desires. More about running water and the need to pee in a private space with a locked door. We know more. We have more resources. We can do more.
So, I’m going to say it again: Do better.
60 comments
Jeff Byrne
One thing to add…
Can you make the stations pull through like a gas pump? Charger ports are on the back passenger side, front driver side, rear center, front…you get it now? Often pulling up to a station trying to find the 350 that’s open that has a long enough cable to reach my charge port- I feel like a dog in that circling I am going to lay down loop that goes on way too long.
DL
Excellent suggestion, especially for the growing number of EV owners who are using them to tow small trailers. Backing in simply doesn’t work with a trailer attached!
Efficient EV
Stop crying. learn to accentuate the positive. Most of us EV owners charge at home. And we know where the charging station are. At least we have Chargers here in the U.S.A.
ElectricSprocket
“Stop crying” – this article was written to help address some of the issues with how we currently build the EV infrastructure that will support a full transition to EVs in the future. Something that most EV owners are excited to see coming and are pushing by purchasing EVs. I don’t understand how telling someone to “stop crying” about the problems with EVs is going to help matters. I’ve chatted with a few folks from the major manufacturers of EV chargers and mentioned many of these same issues. They told me that the plan is to get EV stations to be put in just like gas stations, with the only real difference being that the pumps will be replaced with ultra fast chargers. So, the future will tell for sure but it looks like these issues will be resolved within a decade.
Dave
Yes!!
Anonymous
Dave your a idiot hope your ev battery dies because your riding a lie you dope
Anonymous
I’m Dave ! My mother wore a condom and it worked great ! She just needs to set up her infustructure so that won’t happen next time! Because she is old and sits at home and doesn’t go anywhere go mommy! Just charge at home! Dave you dope that’s the point they want you to isolate and stay at home ! Damn my may the lord bless you with a brain!
Alex
Jill, I am impressed with your credentials and work history. It appears that you have lots of experience and knowledge about the auto industry, including EV since you must have one. I am not sure what kind of EV you have but it is DEFINITELY not a Tesla. Your comments are well written but also off the marks in many ways.
Agreed: Why are all the fast chargers near Walmart (or the likes). People don’t use public charges when they drive in town. The cost is 250-350% higher than charging at home. Many chargers are out of order; Most of them are not fast chargers. I can go on and on with more reasons. Public chargers are needed near the interstate and major highway/attractions, NOT near homes. Many apartments where EV owners will live (ie, uptown new apartments) have either paid or free chargers. Homeowners including Condo and THs all have charger at home.
Disagreed: Your comments showed you are not familiar with Tesla superchargers (Tesla is 65% of ALL EV sold in USA). Everything you suggested, except the windshield service, have been covered by Tesla SC network. As for windshield, I am in the South so no snow, but I do carry one in the trunk in case I need it. Tesla app and on-screen charger locator shows all the services within walking distance of the particular Supercharger. Almost all of them have nearby rest room, in a well lit area, have QSR or coffee shops.
The EV charging infrastructure is indeed not up to par to handle the increase EVs on the road, and your concerns are greatly appreciated. However, I’d suggest you do more research by talking to Tesla owners like myself so you can properly address this important issue next time.
Jill Ciminillo
Great suggestion. This is also imperative for people who are towing …
Marcus Welles
Check out the mobile charging station level 2,
Electric vehicle with it’s own charging station
Click on the gallery page
Anonymous
Hey dummy ya !you made her point of how hard and dumb charging a Dumb ev is! My gas environment more friendly truck using gas I pull up and out faster than your old lady you dope!
Bill Barrett
For roadtrippers the stations need to be as close to interstate interchanges as possible. Dispenser reliability needs to be improved along with repair response. With car vendors giving free charging stations need to be expanded and reliability improved.
Gerry
Putting them in the parking lot of every grocery store, big box, and mall makes sense. There are those who will not have chargers at home for some time because HOA and condos are slow to move, plus 40% of people rent so the landlord may not want to add a charger to their rental.
There should be multi-tier charging, dcfc of 250kw+ for those travelling needing a quick charge , and standard level 2 chargers within the mix for those local who just need to top up from the days errands. Not everyone needs to charge within 30 minutes and those chargers cost a lot more.
Their should be a focus on stores located within 3 miles of major highways, but this is usually the case already.
Craig
Look to see if your state has a “Right to Charge” as a homeowner. Here’s VA for example: https://energynews.us/2021/04/27/virginia-law-cleared-a-path-for-condo-owners-to-install-charging-stations/
Larry Becque
The writer of this article has certainly not tried the Tesla Supercharger user experience. Elons team figured all this out long time ago. Soon Tesla will open their chargers to other makes but if charge port is not on the left rear may be problematic.
DL
How true, plus Tesla does a very good job of maintaining their SuperChargers, unlike all the other CCS companies.
J
Ah yes, our god Elon has solved all this. Which is why there is only a single supercharging station in all of California that has window wipers and a bathroom. And thanks to him, I’m definitely not pissing five feet from the supercharger at most stops.
Henry Armour
Tesla superchargers locations are a good start but not perfect. Some are miles off of the interstate or in a densely populated downtown. When I’m on a road trip I want my charging stops to be close to an interstate exit. Also, the distance between charging stations along the interstate should probably be about 125 to maybe 175 miles. Having the ability to skip a charging stop along an interstate road trip would be ideal.
Ron Janssen
You need to try Tesla! Your wants list describesTesla Supercharge Network. I have had a Model3 for 4.5 years. I live in Florida. Driven it from coast to coast round-trip twice and Co twice more. Never had a charge problem. Been to Yellowstone, Pikes Peak, Arches, Redwoods, Oregon Coast etc Tesla Superchargers are about every 30 -40 miles on Interstates usually near restaurants . I tend to drive on lower 2/3 of battery and look for 250 kw chargers. Stop for 10-15 minutes every couple hours. As for security, use Sentry mode if concerned. Car uses all cameras to catch all activity around car. Check out Supercharged app. Shows map of all Tesla Superchargers around the world. You will be amazed at number! I love my T3.Have CyberTruck on order.
Alex
Ron, 100% agree. I have been driving ONLY Tesla since 2017. I put 70,000 miles in my 2018 Model X in 32 months. I did multiple road trips from Charlotte to NYC, DC, Miami and other Florida cities. My family did a road trip in my Model 3 in 2019 from Charlotte to Los Angeles, with stops in Grand Canyon N Park and other attractions. I have NEVER had any range anxiety both in town and out of town. I do have to plan ahead a little bit to see where Tesla suggest my charging stops, and the trips do take a little longer, but the joy of Autopilot (aka Stress Free driving), and smooth acceleration and driving, not to mention the financial and environmental benefits far outweigh the small disadvantages. Never once I felt unsafe or inconvenient along the long trips. I don’t remember ever driving more than 2 miles (most of the time a lot less) from the off ramp to get fast charging (under 30 minutes). I have never visited a Tesla SC location with all chargers not working (sometimes 1 or 2 out of many are down, but you see that on the screen before you go there). I often wonder how do the 35% non-Tesla EV owners get by and feel sorry for them
Jill Ciminillo
Nope. Unfortunately Tesla doesn’t loan out media vehicles, and I don’t have the $$ to buy one just to test it. I would love to, though, because everyone I know who owns a Tesla doesn’t have most of the concerns I do about charging on a road trip. The last two electric vehicles I had were a Ford F-150 Lightning and a Kia EV6. The rest of the EV infrastructure definitely needs to catch up to Tesla.
Gettin Lost
Buc-ee’s here in Texas has been adding dozens of Tesla destination chargers to their stores. Wish they were pull throughs, so that any Lightnings and R1Ts pulling campers wouldn’t have to block multiple stalls, but it’ll get there eventually. Want it to be sooner rather than later. I usually spend an hour+ at Buc-ee’s on road trips, so hoping my Tesla to J1772 adapter works.
Elan Mcgregor
Wireless charging while waiting at the drive thru in fast food , Starbucks or what ever , companies like wave are allready doi it for busses. It doesn’t solve the interstate lack of charging but maybe somewhat of a solution. One thing for sure , the infrastructure is way behind
Gregg
Another thing that would help is if the government mandated one style charger connection. Since the Tesla connection is more prevalent and smaller, it would make sense to go with that connection.
EvSailor
The connector is only half of the equation. The other part is require the chargers to operate like Visa or Mastercard where the same card works on all chargers, regardless of the charger brand
Sam Salamay
Perfect article. Drove from NJ and back from East Hampton. Had to stop at 350kw Electrify station and only pulled 45kw in this weather. The 10-80% doesn’t work.
Genesis gv60.
Randall
Sam That’s on the car, not the charger. That platform doesn’t preheat the battery. By comparison, my 7 year old Tesla charged at max rate in 1deg F travelling from Ashville to ATL.
Alex
If you were driving a Tesla, you wouldn’t have this problem. Multiple Superchargers (250Kw) along the interstate/major highway, plus battery preheated 15 miles before reaching the supercharger.
Thomas
The only thing I’m gonna argue with this guy is that the charging stations DO have to be located at the back of a parking lot.
If they were located In convenient spots in the parking lots, the stall would be filled by inconsiderate drivers that don’t need to charge…especially those gas powered vehicles that can’t even charge.
George
This is so true. When chargers are on the far side of a parking lot, they don’t get ICEd. When they are near a store, or whatever, they will attract more ICE cars than EVs. Unless large fines are implemented and enforced, the chargers are no good ina tempting spot.
There is a pair of 7.2kW chargers in a state park parking lot that I visit. I have never seen an EV in those spots, or been able to use one. They are right next to the visitor centre. Even the park rangers park their ICE trucks in them with a half empty lot…
James
Absolutely nailed it! Every point in this article is 100% correct. Well stated!
Anonymous
An additional option I see with Superchargers- install at gas stations, particularly truck stop sized stations.
Alex
Tesla added many new 250kw superchargers at the gas stations. I live in NC and FL. I have seen Sheets and Wawa with Superchargers. GM has signed a deal with Pilot to add their fast chargers.
John Rosato
Why wouldn’t rest stops with gas stations be the obvious place to target on the interstates ? Most of them are government controlled and one would think that would be the first place to ensure there were adequate fast charging capabilities?
Rvrchck
I’m always saying the same thing. We have 0 charging station from Barstow to Needles, CA. Due to slightly degraded battery and tons of hills, I am crossing my fingers every road trip that there is no wind, otherwise I won’t make it there.
Anonymous
Your a bitch, you’ll never get it. Thanks for the click bait you fascist leftist neo nazi
Anonymous
Why so angry, dumbass? Try to channel some of that energy to improving your grammer. Funny how being an angry right-wing nut job goes hand in hand with stupidity.
BlueJade
Your comments are unimportant and not worth reading. Next time why don’t you actually state facts and details or even which ideas you are rebutting and why. Otherwise your post is as useless as tits on a boar..
Anonymous
GM & Ford have recently announced plans to install chargers at their dealerships because “most people live near dealerships” … which as your article mentions … people don’t need chargers near their homes (because charging at home is the norm) … they need public chargers when they travel far from home
George
Public car dealer chargers are an absolute godsend. I would not be able to travel in my short range Mini Cooper SE without them. At least when the service department hasn’t ICEd them… Parking customer cars a few spots over is too much like hard work.
Mort
Can’t read micro-typr. I’ve been driving electric sine 2013. Tesla then Bolt
Start with pllug-in hybrid.
Donald R Bowler
Wait. I’m confused. You had these issues at a Tesla super charger? Except for the dumb wind shield cleaner, sounds like Tesla ticks all the boxes.
Jill Ciminillo
Tesla does tick the boxes. And that dumb windshield cleaner was really missed. My experiences thus far have been with non-Tesla EVs.
Upstate NY
Excellent article,
The infrastructure for EV’s is very poor at this time. Takes too long to charge and as the writer has mentioned, placed is inconvenient locations.
The issue of cold weather charging is not acceptable.
It will some time before I will jump on the EV wagon, due to the observation noted in the article and my personal observations.
Wade
If you drive a $40k+ EV you won’t feel guilty spending $10 on convenience store food. I agree we need more stations directly off freeway exits, I’ve had to drive about 10 min off the freeway to get charged. The other really bad thing about my EV, it adds 1-2 hours to all my road trips. More time than I want to spend charging. The pro: no gas. I do like the ability to watch movies. The future will be higher capacity batteries with only the need to juice at destination. Or faster 5 min chargers.
Mary
Kilows.com is addressing the guaranteed fast charge with the focus on Interstate placement…. and everything else on the list except the wiper issue, but that’s an easy add-in.
George
I mostly agree with the article. Fast chargers at 24hr places like Waffle House would be ideal. Rest stop type gas stations like truck stops should also be prime candidates. I am seeing many fast chargers with multiple stalls. Better would be more locations with only a few stalls. Spread the love!
The hidden away aspect is needed to stop chargers being ICEd. Too many people just don’t care for it to work otherwise. Without an effective deterrent (automatic $500 fine?), making people walk is the only way to keep them out of places that they should not be. Chargers put near buildings are very, very frequently ICEd. I played with fire once and parked an inch behind one of these dicks and stretched the cable tight to reach.
Leave the big box lot chargers, but add more elsewhere.
There is a Tesla supercharger at a Sheetz near me, just off an interstate. Perfect for travelling, except that I don’t drive a Tesla…