In a recent experiment, WSJ’s Joanna Stern tested the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in the US by attempting to charge a Rivian R1T at 30 different stations in the LA area, including those operated by EVgo, Electrify America, and EVCS. She encountered several issues, with more than 40% of the stations experiencing problems and 27% of the charging stalls being offline. This highlights the challenges of charging electric cars despite significant investments being made in improving the infrastructure.
The problems Stern faced included broken parts, handshake issues, and payment processing difficulties, all of which contribute to the overall frustration of trying to charge an electric vehicle. While there is optimism about potential solutions such as opening up access to Tesla’s Superchargers and transitioning to a universal standard like NACS, these changes are not yet in place, leaving current EV owners to navigate the existing challenges.
One of the key issues highlighted by Stern’s experience is the prevalence of offline charging stalls, which significantly limit the availability of charging options for electric vehicle owners. This not only causes frustration for drivers but also undermines the reliability and convenience of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Addressing this issue will be crucial for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
The experiment also revealed issues with payment processing, with some stations experiencing glitches or malfunctions that prevented users from initiating or completing the charging process. These technical challenges add another layer of complexity to the already intricate process of charging an electric vehicle and can deter potential EV owners from making the switch.
Despite the challenges faced by Stern during her experiment, there is hope for improvement in the future. By implementing solutions such as opening up access to Tesla’s Superchargers and transitioning to a universal charging standard, the efficiency and reliability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure could be significantly enhanced. However, in the present moment, these barriers continue to hinder the seamless charging experience for EV owners.
Overall, the experiment conducted by Joanna Stern highlights the ongoing challenges and limitations of the current electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the US. While significant investments are being made to improve charging options, issues such as offline charging stalls, broken parts, and payment processing glitches still pose obstacles for electric vehicle owners. Addressing these challenges will be essential for the successful transition to widespread electric vehicle adoption and for creating a more reliable and efficient charging network for EV drivers.