No More Broken Chargers? New Data Reveals Significant Improvements in Public EV Charging Since 2021
While chargers being out of service or malfunctioning is still the number one cause of failed public charging attempts, the improvement comes at a significant time. According to EV charging recruiter EVBoosters, the number of available charging stations has doubled across the U.S. since 2020, underscoring the importance of charge point operators providing consistent functionality—a goal that's also in their best financial interest. EVgo charger utilization also reached 24% in Q1, up 15% from two years earlier.
Volvo EV SUV at Tesla Supercharger. —
Source: Volvo
Factors influencing the jump in public charger performance
An increasing number of public EV charging providers are placing service quality before expansion through work like maintenance and repairs, partially because President Biden's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program requires federally-funded chargers to be available and functioning 97% of the time. J.D. Power's data didn't highlight how many federally funded stations meet this 97% requirement, but EVgo users successfully charged 95% of the time during Q1. EVgo's success rate is partially attributed to upgrading, replacing, or decommissioning chargers at over 600 locations and in more than 20 states since 2022. Charge companies like Electrify America implemented idle fees and policies to reduce wait times, resulting in a 50% demand increase within their network, according to Automotive News.
EV smartphone apps see room for improvement
On the flip side, EV drivers are using charging companion mobile apps more than ever, but are experiencing connectivity issues, lagging remote command speed, and inconsistent feature performance, according to J.D. Power. Nearly one-third (32%) of non-Tesla app users use their EV app during every drive, up from 17% last year. EV drivers primarily use apps for charge monitoring, pre-conditioning, and route planning. Regarding connectivity, 37% of non-Tesla EV app users face issues with losing connection or delayed updates, a slight improvement from last year's 40%. However, many drivers aren't utilizing all of the features within those apps. Despite more than 70% of app users saying they want charge scheduling, trip planning with charging stops, and in-app payment, 43% of non-Tesla app users haven't scheduled a charge. Over 90% of EV app users prioritize features such as vehicle status and remote updates/diagnostics.
The charger plugs of an EVgo charging station in Vienna, Virginia, February 13, 2023. —
Source: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
Final thoughts
While public EV charging isn't perfect in America, J.D. Power's recent data shows the industry is improving. This positive trend is likely to continue, given that charge point operators can become eligible for federal funding with high-efficiency rates. Additionally, any malfunctions cost them money, especially with the public's rising usage rate. Tesla's app ranks highest overall for user satisfaction, scoring 864/1,000. Mercedes-Benz and My BMW follow, ranking at 839/1,000 and 833/1,000, respectively. Still, states are navigating hurdles for public charging infrastructure growth, with plans for new federally-funded stations on hold as the Trump administration's Transportation Department and Federal Highway Administration reevaluate the program from Biden's presidency.
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