We were supposed to have flying cars by now. At least according to the Jetsons. We’re clearly still stuck in the electric vehicle chapter of the automobile. Why? Keep reading to learn about the logistics and economics of EV (electric vehicle) charging and what’s holding the industry back.
Everywhere with power is a charging station, right?
Yes and no. There’s a difference between a charger and a rapid charging station. Most EVs come with some way to plug into any 110-volt outlet, a standard household outlet, and charge. This form of charging takes time, especially if the battery is near empty, too warm, or too cold.
Rapid charging stations, like you see branded with Tesla or other firms, have the ability to pump more energy into the batteries in a shorter amount of time. This is usually 90%–95% full in 45 minutes or less.
Can’t we just build more charging stations?
Yes and no. Drive around town, what do you see all over the place? In easy to access spots, sometimes on all four corners of an intersection? We’re talking about gas stations. The infrastructure for fossil-fueled vehicles has had over 100 years to develop into what it is today: stops conveniently located all around town and dotting the remote highways of the world.
Electric vehicles have had a few decades, at best, to establish a foothold in this world built for petroleum-powered cars. Building charging stations in convenient locations can be a challenge, mostly because something is already in its place.
Highways stretching across an entire state may have dozens of gas stations but in that same stretch there may only be a handful of EV charging stations. That’s a long way without much to fall back on in an emergency.
So why not just build more?
Supply and demand. Somewhere there is a tipping point where it makes sense to put EV charging stations all over the place. Right now the market hasn’t created that demand. It costs less money per unit to build more chargers, but building chargers that won’t be used is a waste.
So what’s the point?
Some estimates say that almost 50% of all cars produced by 2030 will be EVs.
Looking at the efforts that automakers are putting into electric vehicles, a lot of this will be shifting in the coming years. As more and more EVs are built, and the ranges expand along with prices mirroring those of fossil fuel vehicles, the demand for charging stations will rise. The market will reach a tipping point and the shift from gas stations to charging stations will start to become obvious.
So, should you buy an EV? If you want one, sure. The infrastructure is there for cross-country road trips. They just take more planning than a fossil fuel vehicle. But you’re also helping push for more infrastructure when you buy an EV.