Summary
- Shell Recharge, EVgo, and Blink charging stations are reported to have reliability issues for EV drivers
- Tesla Superchargers and Rivian Adventure Network are rated as the most reliable charging stations in the U.S.
- Glitchy payment systems, broken hardware, and slow charging speeds are the most common issues faced by EV drivers at charging stations
- Tesla and Rivian have better reliability due to owning and controlling the full software stack of their charging stations
- Charging networks need to improve transparency, accountability, and collaboration to enhance the reliability of public charging stations
Article
Issues with Public Charging Stations
EV drivers in the U.S. reported encountering problems nearly half the time at Shell Recharge stations, EVgo, and Blink charging stations. The common issues involved payment systems and broken hardware. In contrast, Tesla Superchargers and the Rivian Adventure Network have been noted for their high reliability among public charging stations.
Reliability Rankings of Charging Networks
The Consumer Reports study surveyed 1,230 owners of fully electric cars and plug-in hybrids to rank charging networks based on driver feedback. The Tesla Supercharger network continues to lead with only 4% of charging sessions reported to have issues. Rivian, despite having a smaller network, closely follows Tesla in reliability with only 5% of charging sessions experiencing problems.
Challenges with Shell Recharge and EVgo Stations
Shell Recharge and EVgo stations were found to be the least reliable in the study, with drivers experiencing issues in nearly half of their charging sessions. The problems ranged from glitchy payment systems to broken hardware. While Electrify America and ChargePoint performed better, the study suggests room for improvement across all public charging networks.
Factors Affecting Charging Station Reliability
Charging speeds may vary depending on the vehicle and power requirements, but issues related to broken hardware and payment systems are attributed to the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) providers and charge point operators (CPOs). A lack of collaboration among different providers could hinder the diagnosis and resolution of charging station issues.
Solutions for Charging Network Operators
To improve reliability and customer experience, charging network operators are urged to enhance transparency, provide real-time station data, and address issues promptly. Tesla and Rivian’s successful charging networks are attributed to their in-house design, manufacturing, and operation of charging stations, leading to seamless integration with their vehicles.
Tips for EV Drivers
While improvements are needed on the part of charging companies, EV drivers can enhance their charging experiences through planning and practice. Utilizing community-based apps like PlugShare for real-time station availability information and ensuring proper battery preconditioning can optimize charging efficiency. Additionally, investing in a Level 2 home charger can meet most of the daily driving needs, as a majority of EV charging occurs at home according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
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