Public EV chargers in the US are often not living up to their promised speeds, averaging about half their maximum capacity. This discrepancy risks hindering the adoption of electric vehicles. According to a recent report by Bloomberg, this issue is widespread and not specific to any particular region or EV brand.

The Reality of Public EV Charging

For EV drivers, public charging stations are a lifeline, especially on long road trips. However, the experience often falls short of expectations. For instance, a Rivian R1S driver found that a 350 kW charger in Rock Springs, Wyoming, only delivered 50 kW, significantly extending their travel time.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Data from Stable Auto shows that in 2022, the average delivered charge at US public stations promising speeds of 100 kW or higher was only 52 kW.

David Slutzky, chairman and founder of Fermata Energy, puts it bluntly: “The reality is we really don’t have a fast-charging infrastructure today.”

Factors Affecting Charging Speeds

Several factors contribute to the gap between promised and actual charging speeds. The chemical complexity of battery power means that both internal and external factors can slow down charging. For example, only half of the 55 electric models available in the US can charge above 200 kW, and just five can charge at 350 kW.

Temperature also plays a role. Extreme heat or cold can damage lithium-ion batteries, so automakers program their cars to slow the charge in certain conditions. Additionally, charging naturally slows as the battery approaches full capacity to prevent overheating.

Charging networks themselves can also limit electron flow. On hot days, the local grid might be maxed out, or the charger’s hoses may be close to overheating. Many stations split power between cars, reducing the charging speed for each vehicle.

The Impact on EV Adoption

The discrepancy between expected and actual charging speeds can be confusing for consumers and may hinder EV adoption. Sara Rafalson, executive director of policy at EVgo, acknowledges an “education gap” between what consumers expect and what they experience at charging stations.

Anthony Lambkin, vice president of operations at Electrify America, notes that there is still a “discrepancy between what the customer is expecting and what they’re seeing at the site.”

This mismatch is reflected in consumer surveys, where public charging speeds often rank low.

Blick in die Zukunft

Despite the current challenges, there is optimism that the speed gap will narrow. Charging networks are building faster and larger stations, and automakers are increasing the maximum charging rates of their vehicles. Electrify America, for instance, has been building stations capable of 350 kW since the end of 2022.

In the meantime, EV drivers like Jacob Espinoza have developed strategies to cope with the unpredictability of public charging. Espinoza uses a three-part checklist before setting off on road trips, including checking route-planning apps and crowdsourced charger reviews.

Recent Developments in EV Charging

While challenges persist, there have been significant advancements in EV charging technology. Zeekr, a Chinese EV manufacturer, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking ultra-fast charging LFP battery for its new 007 sedan. This battery can charge from 10-80% in just 10 minutes and add over 480 miles of range in 15 minutes, potentially addressing one of the main concerns for EV adoption: charging time. To support this technology, Zeekr has developed V3 fast chargers capable of delivering up to 800kW charging speeds.

However, it’s important to note that charging infrastructure remains a significant hurdle in many regions. A recent survey by AAA Northeast revealed that charging infrastructure is still a primary obstacle to EV adoption in the northeastern United States. Despite these challenges, areas like Long Island are leading in EV adoption, with over 62,000 registered electric vehicles. This highlights the importance of continued investment in charging infrastructure and education about EV capabilities to accelerate adoption rates.

EVXL’s Take

The challenges with public EV charging underscore the need for continued investment and innovation in charging infrastructure. As more drivers switch to electric vehicles, it’s crucial that charging stations deliver on their promises. The discrepancy between advertised and actual charging speeds can be frustrating, but it’s a solvable problem. As charging networks expand and technology improves, we can expect to see faster and more reliable charging experiences.

For more insights into the EV industry, check out our recent articles on Tesla und Lucid, where we explore the latest developments in electric vehicle technology and infrastructure.

What are your thoughts on the current state of public EV charging? Have you experienced discrepancies between promised and actual charging speeds? Share your experiences in the comments below.