As EV adoption continues to increase, congestion at popular EV charging stations is a growing frustration for EV drivers, and a new challenge for Charge Point Operators (CPOs). According to the IEA, 14 million new electric cars were registered globally in 2023, bringing the total number of EVs on the road to 40 million. As EV sales continue to increase, it has outpaced the necessary charging infrastructure required to keep drivers moving, resulting in crowded charging stations with longer lines to charge.
In the United States, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has estimated that in 2030, there will be a need for more than 1.2 million publicly available charging ports, including fast chargers and level 2 chargers across highways, within various communities, and other public access locations. As of August 2024, there are currently 194,000 charging ports available to drivers. Demand for the continued build-out of EV charging infrastructure across Europe is similar, where 3.5 million charging ports should be installed by 2030 according to the European Commission. This target reflects an installation rate of 410,000 public charging points yearly.
As this necessary infrastructure continues to be built out globally, poor manners by drivers utilizing public charging ports are emerging. The top concern has centered on drivers leaving their car plugged in long after optimal charging is complete, and consequently adding further congestion to already crowded charging stations.
How will Charge Point Operators (CPOs) Solve Congestion and Poor Driver Etiquette?
Some CPOs are considering charging limits as a potential solution, cutting off power at 85% charged vs. 100%. However, that tactic won’t work for all charging stations, as highway charging sites are not able to enforce such limits as many drivers will require 100% battery range in order to reach their next destination on longer road trips.
However, there are alternative solutions available to CPOs as they navigate this new challenge. These solutions include:
- Utilize an optimized EV charging mobile app for drivers to provide real-time communication
- Maximize charger availability and stability with 24/7 network monitoring
- Impose penalties for EV drivers who leave their vehicles unattended
Solution 1: Utilize an Optimized EV Charging Mobile App for Driver Communication
Self service tools for drivers, such as mobile apps, help to empower drivers to plan ahead and enhance their charging experience. When drivers have the tools they need to identify charging locations before they require charging, they can get access to real-time charger availability and details on the areas with more or less congestion along their route. Mobile apps for drivers can also offer the ability to reserve a charging port ahead of time, further placing control of the experience into drivers’ hands. By overseeing the charge process (in addition to all billing details, payment methods and transactions), drivers have the information they need to plan their time accordingly while their vehicle charges.
Driivz customer EVgo further communicates with its drivers about the issue of unattended vehicles, sharing best practices in order to prevent such scenarios as well as tips on how to navigate encountering an unattended electric vehicle. This EV charging education can live in mobile apps alongside charger locations and payment details, allowing for continued reminders on the best practices.
Solution 2: Maximize Charger Availability and Stability
Operational excellence is a priority for CPOs looking to get ahead of driver congestion at charging stations. With more EV drivers on the road, they will require 24/7 availability of every charger network they encounter. For CPOs, monitoring the network health will be critical in order to quickly identify issues that need resolving. Future-proof technologies are emerging to help CPOs auto-detect and self-heal charger issues, remotely and automatically. The ability to mitigate charger issues off-site can minimize the need to send out field technicians for maintenance, greatly speeding up the process to address technical issues, and ultimately keep drivers moving. The less technical issues drivers experience at charging the stations, the more satisfaction they’ll report with each visit, while moving through the station more quickly to allow for new drivers to enter.
Solution 3: Impose Penalties, known as Idle Fees, for Unattended Vehicles
Penalties are emerging as another solution in order to promote better EV charging etiquette and avoid congestion. Labeled an ‘idle fee’, the additional charge occurs when a charging session has stopped but the vehicle remains connected to the charger. More EV charging stations are including the fee to ensure idle vehicles do not delay new customers from starting a new charging session. The idle fee has ranged from $0.40 to $1.30 per minute depending on the charging station.
The effectiveness of the penalties, or idle fees, are still being researched. However, early research reports, such as those from Wolbertus and Gerzon (2018) have shown idle fees can be effective and result in more efficient use of charging ports. As drivers are educated on the fees attached to leaving their cars, CPOs help to deter those from leaving their vehicle behind for long periods of time.
Addressing EV driver congestion will allow CPOs to lead in the e-mobility landscape
EV charging infrastructure continues to be built to meet the increase in electric vehicles on the road through federal programs, such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which is part of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure investment plan in the United States. While CPOs may view EV driver behavior difficult to manage as congestion builds at charging stations, solutions exist to get ahead of the problem.
Securing charger stability and availability is the first solution to get ahead of increased driver traffic. Communication and real-time updates on the charging process through branded, customized mobile apps put drivers in a place to better monitor their progress. Idle fees exist as the final solution to encourage oversight on the charge process.
As the energy transition continues globally and gas-powered vehicles are phased out, ensuring EV drivers – and those considering EVs – have a positive experience with charging stations will be important. As PEW Research noted, those who live close to public charging infrastructure are much more likely to consider purchasing an EV in the future. Addressing congestion at each of these locations will continue to bring positive sentiment towards the electric vehicle market.
