Saturday, February 20, 2016

Expansion and Reliability of DCFC Infrastructure Needed For Mainstream Adoption of EVs

Feb 2016

Next gen EVs like the Chevy Bolt and Nissan LEAF 2 that will be here next year in 2017 will bring us a couple steps closer to the reality of EVs becoming a mainstream consumer product. Most of us know that these two future EVs are longer range and fairly affordable. 
However there are three things that I believe are needed for mass adoption of electric vehicles, and I would like to focus on the third one.

They are:
1.  200+ mile range
2.  Affordable (lower 30k range)
3.  Reliable fast charge infrastructure for long distance travel. 


A November 2015 report by Navigant Research states thus:
"Expansion of EVSE infrastructure to intra-city locations will make PEVs more attractive to drivers initially concerned about being unable to charge their vehicle during longer trips.”

Source:


I believe we can safely say that adoption of electric vehicles won't become mainstream in this country until the fast charger infrastructure is at a place of being completely reliable. It must be just as reliable as visiting a gas station with the gauge on E and knowing with confidence that you be able to fill up your vehicle there. In order for this to be a reality for next gen EVs, intercity fast charge locations with at least 2 fast chargers operating at 100 to 150 kW are necessary. Even tho the percentage of trips that require DCFC is quite low and the average EV driver will only fast charge 4-10 times a year, it is vitally important for a reliable intercity network of fast chargers to be in place. Only then will the average mainstream consumer be confident to own an EV, knowing that he can travel most anywhere with ease. 

1 comment:

  1. I got your comment in my blog with your email address showing. I deleted that comment to keep your email address private. Why did you want me to contact you?

    ReplyDelete