EV Drivers are Demanding More Reliable EV Charging Infrastructure
As the public electric vehicle (EV) charging networks expand across Canada, ensuring reliable and efficient charging infrastructure becomes paramount to deliver a seamless and safe experience for drivers. However, recent studies have highlighted the issue of reliability in EV charging stations. A University of California Berkeley study discovered that less than three-quarters of the chargers investigated in nine counties of the Greater Bay Area were functioning correctly. Furthermore, anecdotal evidence and surveys, such as the one conducted by Plug In America, indicate that at least a third of EV owners express concerns about charger reliability. These findings underscore the pressing need for the industry to address and improve EV charger station reliability.
To delve deeper into the challenges surrounding uptime and EV charger reliability, Electric Autonomy Canada hosted a webinar panel discussion regarding strategies to ensure consistently reliable and accessible charging infrastructure for EV drivers and debated the need for a charging uptime standard in Canada. All panelists unanimously agreed that charger reliability is of "high priority" and "mission-critical" importance. They emphasized that maintaining chargers' operational status is not only essential for creating a positive user experience but also crucial for operators to establish a good reputation and generate profits from the charging infrastructure.
Addressing this gap, the CSA Group, an organization that develops accredited standards across various sectors, is actively working on developing codes and standards to support the deployment of EVs and charging infrastructure. Brent Hartman, director of fuel and transportation standards at CSA, outlined their focus on performance, interoperability, accessibility, reliability, and availability related to charging equipment. The CSA Group plans to release a guideline addressing these issues and is also initiating work on a standard specifically for reliability in 2023. Establishing standards involves bringing together key stakeholders and experts to support the development process. Additionally, various factors, such as defining reliability, determining acceptable levels of reliability, monitoring chargers, and reporting uptime, need to be considered. Harmonizing the standard with other jurisdictions, particularly the US, is also an essential aspect of the discussion.
One important step is to look to examples that have made notable progress in charger reliability, such as New York City, where uptime rates between 99% to 100% have been achieved. Further investigation reveals that the key to achieving such high levels of reliability lies in active maintenance rather than merely installing chargers and neglecting them. Collaboration and partnership among stakeholders play a vital role in the industry's success. While reliability is the focal point of the current discussion, it necessitates a collective effort rather than a brand-specific strategy.
HoneyBadger Charging stands at the forefront of ensuring reliable EV charging infrastructure, with chargers that undergo rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure their optimal performance and long-term reliability.
One of the key advantages of choosing HoneyBadger chargers is the comprehensive suite of complementary services and maintenance offered at zero additional costs. Our dedicated team of EV technicians, electricians, and experts at HoneyBadger takes care of all aspects of the charging infrastructure. From conducting thorough site assessments to determining electrical infrastructure upgrades and handling seamless installations, HoneyBadger's experienced professionals handle it all, ensuring a hassle-free experience for both properties and EV drivers. By providing these services at no extra charge, HoneyBadger aims to set a new standard for customer satisfaction and peace of mind.