EV Charging Availability: Myths Busted
By: Eric Melchor
Tags: Ev, Electric Car Charging, Electric Vehicles, Ev Charging, Electric Car

Where or how to charge up your EV is no longer a problem.

Are you one of 40 million Americans thinking about switching to an electric vehicle (EV) for their next car? Maybe you still have some questions or doubts.

For instance, EV naysayers are quick to claim that charging is a huge problem. They tell you to figure in hours of wait time every time you need a charge — if you can find a port with the plug that fits your particular car and if no one’s in front of you already waiting.

The good news is that recent improvements in EV charging station availability and technology make it super easy to charge and go — almost as fast as you can say EV.

Here you’ll learn that five common myths about EV charging anxiety are just plain false today. And you’ll find loads of tips to make finding EV charging station availability effortless.

EV Charging at Home

First off, all five of the myths dispelled below can be rendered null and void by considering two simple facts:

1. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the United States Department of Energy, 80% of all electric car owners charge at home.

2. The U.S. Census Bureau’s latest survey reports that the average home-to-work commute time is 26.6 minutes which, depending on driving speed, could mean 20–40 miles behind the wheel each way for most Americans.

Because EVs today can travel about 250–300 miles on a single charge (varies depending on car make and model, driving conditions, speed at which you travel, battery age, etc.), most EV owners never worry about having to find a public EV charging station nearby.

Granted, range anxiety and charge availability may have been an issue when EVs were first invented in 1832. Or even just 10 years ago when EVs regained their popularity due to growing concerns about reducing car emissions in the face of climate change and went about 85 miles on a single charge.

But it’s not true any more.

All you have to do is make sure you “fill up” at home when you need to. If you’re commuting short distances or running errands close by, you could easily go for days or even weeks between charges at home.

It’s actually not that different from checking the gas gauge on a gas-powered car. You’re probably already used to doing that. Only difference is: With an EV, you don’t have to hold your breath over the noxious fumes at the filling station.

With an EV, you can leave home every day on a “full tank” — if you so desire — for peace of mind. No stops at the gas station. Just recharge while you’re sleeping.

Today, many states or local jurisdictions are rewriting their building codes to guarantee that new homes, apartment complexes, and commercial centers come equipped with the charging outlets for EVs.

For urban dwellers with on-street parking, charging at retail locations or restaurants while you shop or dine is your best option. In fact, experts predict that much more charging station infrastructure will become available in the near future around shopping and dining hubs.

So it’s no surprise that Tesla recently announced their focus on apartment complexes.

But, what if, despite your best intentions, you’re out and about in need of a charge? No need to panic. Here are the EV charging station availability myths…busted.

Myth #1: There are no or very few places to charge my EV

In the past few years, EV charging station companies have been popping up all over. You can find the latest figures state by state on the website of the U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center.

According to that source, as of November 30, 2020, there were 28,486 EV charging stations with a total of 94,455 charging ports available all across the nation.

Here’s a breakout from that database of the three station types currently available in the USA (followed by their respective charging rates in parentheses):

Level 1: 1,437 (3–5 miles/hr.)

Level 2: 76,146 (12–75 miles/hr.)

DC Fast Charging (DCFC): 16,824 (100–300 miles/hr.)

Levels 1 and 2 provide electricity in the form of alternating current (AC) that your vehicle converts to the direct current (DC) it needs to operate. DC fast charging supplies extremely high-voltage direct current to your battery. Not all electric vehicles on the market today accept DCFC.

If you’re planning a long trip where you will need to recharge along the way, there are currently several EV charging station companies with nationwide locations. Here are a few of the major ones:

● ChargePoint

● EVgo

● EV Connect

● Blink Charging

● Electrify America

Right now, Tesla restricts access to its vast network of charging stations to Tesla car owners only. (Although this may be changing — at least in some countries.)

Individuals driving all other EV car makes and models should consult with at least a couple of companies for charging availability, costs, and fees along your proposed route. Then, maybe from a quick spreadsheet you put together, compare and save.

Myth #2: Charging stations are too far apart

Between the growing number of electric car charging station companies and their ever-expanding networks all over the country, it’s almost a sure bet that you’d be able to find a charge if you needed one.

It may take some planning your route in advance. You’d be smart to purchase a charging subscription or two before you hit the road — or at least register with a couple companies. Some accept credit cards but others may require their own card. Check before you go!

Better safe than sorry.

But, these are really just logistical details that you can deal with. When worked out early, your trip should go smoothly.

But…what if it doesn’t?

Say you’re on a cross-country road trip in your new electric car, lost in the middle of nowhere. You have a charged smartphone but you’re out of range. And you have only 100 miles of charge remaining in your car’s battery. What do you do?

No doubt this is any driver’s nightmare — even if you had a gas-powered car.

Hopefully, before you packed, you’d make sure you had the Level 1 charger that came with your EV when you bought it. You can use it to recharge in an emergency using any standard 120-volt electrical outlet — like at a motel or a small town corner store that you recall passing 50 miles ago before you got lost.

Of course, recharging completely on Level 1 will take a long time, so definitely try to avoid this situation!

Alternatively, you’d have to wait for someone to drive by and hope they’d stop to assist — or at least direct you to somewhere nearby with cell phone reception.

Then when you get internet access, try these suggestions (in no particular order):

● Get on the apps from the companies listed above to find out if there’s an EV charging station close enough to get to. (Hopefully, you installed the apps and registered before you left home.)

● Call customer service at those charging station providers to see if there’s a port suitable for you close to where you’re located, and if it’s currently unoccupied. (You may be able to find all this out from the app without placing a call.)

● Put out a call to help on social media — EV drivers are among the most helpful people on the road!

● Contact local automotive stores or EV car dealerships to see if they sell the Level 1 charger you can use from any electrical outlet.

Unfortunately if you’re stuck, purchasing a Level 2 charger — like the one you use at home — while you’re on the road won’t help. You need an electrician to install it, and they won’t do it without the permission of the owner of the building where you want to use the electrical outlet (like a motel or convenience store).

Tip: Some auto clubs and car insurance companies offer an EV recharge service in their plans. It works much like their flat tire roadside assistance. If you intend to make many long-distance trips with your electric vehicle, it’s worth it.

Myth #3: I never know if a charging station will have the plug I need

Anti-EV folks may try to convince you that unless all electric cars come with a universal plug that’s compatible with all charging ports, it’s a problem. And a good enough reason never to buy an EV.

Fortunately, Level 1 and Level 2 plugs for EVs sold in America use the same “electric vehicle conductive charge coupler” named J-1772. (The one and only exception is Tesla, but they sell an adapter for use with the J-1772.)

For DC fast charging, there are two main types of chargers: the CHAdeMO and the CSS (Combined Charging Standard). The CHAdeMo is used on Asian EVs, while U.S.-made and German cars use the CSS. Tesla has its own unique DC fast charger plug.

There are a few basic points to keep in mind about plugs and adapters when you’re on the road:

1. Charging stations may have many more CHAdeMO ports compared to CSS ports, so if your car takes CSS, plan ahead for sure.

2. Tesla charging stations are for Tesla cars only.

When in doubt, call or text the charging station company ahead of time to confirm that a port you can use is at a specific location on your route.

Tip: Before hooking up to any charging port, make sure:

● The cable isn’t frayed. (You don’t want to get shocked by accident!)

● There aren’t any cobwebs, cocoons or insects (dead or alive!) inside the plug.

● The inner gaskets and connection points are intact and in good shape.

If you spot any irregularities, be a courteous EV driver and call it in for a repair. The next person to use the station will thank you.

Myth #4: I can’t be sure if the charging station I need will be occupied

There are many apps that will let you know what’s available for charging your EV at any given moment. Do your research before you head out and choose the best one for you.

One of the most popular is Plugshare. From its app, you’ll get real-time information on charging stations owned by different companies. When you become a member, you’ll get alerts when chargers compatible to your vehicle become open. Plus a whole lot more!

Besides charging station apps providing the latest information on availability, Google Maps offers this real-time service as well.

If you’re traveling long distance, be sure to:

1. Install several charging station company apps on your phone — or at least something like Plugshare.

2. Check for port availability ahead of time.

3. If possible, make a reservation for the port you need.

4. Show up on time and hook up.

5. If you step away to shop or dine out, be sure to return at the estimated time to remove your vehicle once it’s fully charged. (Check the company’s app to see progress to completion.) Note: Some companies give you a short grace period before they start adding late fees to your bill.

6. Cancel your reservation as far in advance as possible if you need to. You never know — someone else may need that particular port.

Tip: There are many blogs and social media accounts expressly devoted to providing EV owners with charging station information, including charging at private homes. Don’t hesitate to get in the loop! You never know when you might need it.

Myth #5: EV Charging takes too long

The best way to charge your electric vehicle is with a slower charge overnight. By contrast, fast charging too often can damage your battery.

But if you’re in a rush, fast charging may be your only option.

Fortunately, fast EV charging is widely available now and expanding rapidly all over America. But, remember to make sure your EV can handle it before connecting, because not all can.

Currently, for some EVs, you can get a 80% charge in 30 minutes.

And price? Compared to the cost of a full tank of gas, you will most likely pay significantly less — up to $15,000, in fact — over the entire time you own your EV (15 years on average).

Wrap Up on EV Charging Station Anxiety Myths

Driving an electric vehicle without worrying about charging station availability is becoming easier all the time.

Although the huge majority of EV drivers fill up at home overnight with plenty of juice for up to 250+ miles, (depending on the vehicle), you could still find yourself — however unlikely — far from home in need of a charge.

At those times, it’s good to know that there are a growing number of charging station companies with locations all over the USA. A fast charge is literally just an app away on your phone.

With a wide network of EV charging station availability and a little planning, you’ll never look back after making the switch from a gas-powered to an electric car.

If you like this story, follow me and check out my free ‘How Energy Efficient Are You?’ quiz at EricTheEnergyBuff.com.

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