+
Why Public EV Chargers Rarely Deliver the Promised Fast Speeds
ECONOMY & POLICY

Why Public EV Chargers Rarely Deliver the Promised Fast Speeds

For electric vehicle (EV) drivers traveling through Wyoming, the Smith's grocery store in Rock Springs serves as a convenient stop. Located just off I-80, it's close to a Petco and features six chargers, each advertised to provide 350 kilowatts of power. At that rate, a Tesla Model 3 could be fully charged in the time it takes to make a quick stop for the restroom and a snack.

However, when the author arrived at the station last month, driving a Rivian R1S with one dog and two kids, the promise of 350 kW seemed out of reach. The Rivian SUV, which has a maximum charging capacity of 220 kW, was further limited by the station, delivering only 50 kW. As a result, the seven-hour road trip became two hours longer due to the slower charging.

This issue is not unique to Wyoming or Rivian vehicles. According to Stable Auto, which assists in planning new charging infrastructure, the average charging speed at US public stations that promise 100 kW or more was only 52 kW in 2022. This discrepancy, primarily due to the complexities of battery power, leaves many drivers unsure about when and why their charging is being throttled. David Slutzky, chairman and founder of Fermata Energy, a company developing vehicle-to-grid charging systems, explained that fast-charging infrastructure is not fully developed, and most stations reduce the charging speed quickly.

There are several reasons why even the most advanced public chargers rarely deliver maximum power. Unlike filling a gas tank, battery charging involves intricate chemical processes, with both internal and external factors affecting speed. For example, not all EVs can charge at high speeds. Of the 55 electric models available in the US, half can charge above 200 kW, while only five reach 350 kW. Additionally, extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can slow charging to protect the battery. As the battery approaches full capacity, charging naturally slows down to prevent overheating, a process similar to how smartphones and laptops charge. Each vehicle has its own unique charging curve, though automakers are often reluctant to disclose these details. For instance, Tesla vehicles have steeper charging curves, which means the "fast" charging phase is relatively short.

For electric vehicle (EV) drivers traveling through Wyoming, the Smith's grocery store in Rock Springs serves as a convenient stop. Located just off I-80, it's close to a Petco and features six chargers, each advertised to provide 350 kilowatts of power. At that rate, a Tesla Model 3 could be fully charged in the time it takes to make a quick stop for the restroom and a snack. However, when the author arrived at the station last month, driving a Rivian R1S with one dog and two kids, the promise of 350 kW seemed out of reach. The Rivian SUV, which has a maximum charging capacity of 220 kW, was further limited by the station, delivering only 50 kW. As a result, the seven-hour road trip became two hours longer due to the slower charging. This issue is not unique to Wyoming or Rivian vehicles. According to Stable Auto, which assists in planning new charging infrastructure, the average charging speed at US public stations that promise 100 kW or more was only 52 kW in 2022. This discrepancy, primarily due to the complexities of battery power, leaves many drivers unsure about when and why their charging is being throttled. David Slutzky, chairman and founder of Fermata Energy, a company developing vehicle-to-grid charging systems, explained that fast-charging infrastructure is not fully developed, and most stations reduce the charging speed quickly. There are several reasons why even the most advanced public chargers rarely deliver maximum power. Unlike filling a gas tank, battery charging involves intricate chemical processes, with both internal and external factors affecting speed. For example, not all EVs can charge at high speeds. Of the 55 electric models available in the US, half can charge above 200 kW, while only five reach 350 kW. Additionally, extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can slow charging to protect the battery. As the battery approaches full capacity, charging naturally slows down to prevent overheating, a process similar to how smartphones and laptops charge. Each vehicle has its own unique charging curve, though automakers are often reluctant to disclose these details. For instance, Tesla vehicles have steeper charging curves, which means the fast charging phase is relatively short.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Land Acquisition Begins for Rs 180 Billion Bihar Expressway

The Revenue and Land Reforms Department of Bihar has commenced land acquisition across six districts—Vaishali, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Madhepura, and Purnia—for the Patna–Purnia Greenfield Expressway project, according to the Times of India.This follows official approval and a directive from Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar Singh, instructing district magistrates to begin preliminary notifications in consultation with the Central Valuation Committee.Designed to reduce the travel time between Patna and Purnia from over seven hours to just three to four hours, the expressway..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Delhi Clears Rs 240 Billion Plan To Ease Traffic Woes

In a major move to tackle Delhi’s long-standing traffic congestion, the Centre and the Delhi government have jointly approved nine major infrastructure projects worth Rs 240 billion. The projects, aimed at easing commuting, reducing pollution, and improving connectivity, include new tunnels, flyovers, metro line extensions, and arterial roads.Authorities confirmed that work will begin in phases this year, with all projects slated for completion by 2027. These developments target Delhi's worst traffic bottlenecks while significantly strengthening public transport.Among the most awaited upgrad..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

GMDA Fines Contractor Rs 9.9 Million for Road Repair Delays

The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has imposed a penalty of Rs 9.9 million on a contractor based in Hisar for delays in the special repair of nine major sector roads across the city. Officials stated that this is the second such penalty, with a previous fine exceeding Rs 10 million already levied against the same contractor for delays in repairing 13 other critical roads, including Major Sushil Aima Road in Palam Vihar and roads in Sector 9 and 9A.A senior GMDA official confirmed that the authority took serious note of the delays and issued a formal penalty notice on 11 Jul..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?