EV Power Pulse Issue #17

Current EVents

EV Industry Updates

Tesla to earn billions from partnerships with automakers and charging networks

In the ever-evolving landscape of EV charging infrastructure, Tesla is strategically fortifying its network dominance. Tesla’s decision to open its Superchargers to non-Tesla EVs not only boosts Tesla's charging revenue potential but also reflects a shift toward industry collaboration—a trend we’re seeing increase across the EV sector. 

The once-exclusive Tesla charging network is now evolving into an essential resource for various EV manufacturers, transcending its original purpose of serving only Tesla owners.

Ford has become the first automaker to join the Supercharger network, with Rivian, General Motors, Volvo, and Polestar soon to follow. Ford now has access to 15,000+ Tesla Superchargers, which more than doubles the fast charging options on their BlueOval Charge Network.

According to AutoForecast Solutions, the decision to open Tesla’s Superchargers to non-Tesla EVs could result in a significant windfall for Tesla. They project annual charging revenue to reach $6B to $12B by 2030. The opening of Tesla’s network brings other financial benefits, including environmental credits and charging session fees, further solidifying Tesla's position as the charging infrastructure leader.

I believe Tesla's choice to extend access to its Superchargers beyond Tesla EVs isn't merely about increasing accessibility. It's a calculated move that will allow Tesla to generate significant revenue and cement Tesla's position as a central figure in the continuously evolving charging infrastructure landscape. 

–Steve

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Power and Policy

The ChargeX Consortium’s EV network improvement plans

As the EV market expands, it’s becoming increasingly evident that a diverse range of infrastructure needs across the US must be addressed. The ChargeX Consortium, a government-funded initiative, has emerged as a pivotal player in addressing the challenges that hinder the widespread adoption of EVs.

The ChargeX Consortium brings together approximately 80 stakeholders from the EV industry, including national laboratories like the Idaho National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. 

John Smart, the director of the ChargeX Consortium, emphasizes the critical nature of their work, stating, "We need to work as quickly as possible to avoid precluding people from adopting EVs." As vehicles remain on the road for extended periods of time, every purchase of an ICE vehicle postpones the introduction of an EV replacement in the market by more than a decade. 

A core challenge identified by ChargeX is the absence of a standardized language within the industry related to charging issues. ChargeX is working to resolve this by establishing shared terminology and definitions. For example, the term "uptime," meaning the availability of public EV charging stations, currently lacks clarity regarding the chargers compatible with various EV modes. ChargeX is working to introduce metrics and terminology that will provide easy-to-understand and comprehensive measurements for evaluating the charging experience.

Another challenge is the frequent failure of charging stations to initiate payments, forcing EV drivers to manually disconnect and reconnect the charging plug to reset the session. ChargeX is actively tackling this issue by developing logic that allows stations to automatically retry the connection, eliminating the need for physical intervention. On March 5th, ChargeX released its initial set of recommendations aimed at improving the EV charging payment experience.

The ChargeX Consortium has laid out a clear plan to address everyday consumer challenges and a commitment to achieving measurable outcomes by 2025. I’m optimistic the Consortium's efforts will significantly enhance the accessibility, reliability, and user experience of public charging. 

–Rob 

Emerging EV Tech

Gravity opens fastest public EV charger in US

Google-backed EV infrastructure startup Gravity Mobility recently unveiled its fast charging solution in the United States. Their cutting-edge technology enhances the speed and efficiency of EV charging, catering to fleet consumers. By offering fleet operators access to Gravity's 500 kW chargers in New York City, the company aims to provide unparalleled convenience and reliability.

What distinguishes Gravity's chargers is their exceptional speed and efficiency. Their products charge at a rate of 2,400 miles of range per hour or 200 miles in just five minutes, redefining the definition of fast charging. The company has the capacity to manufacture and deploy thousands of these high-speed chargers each year. Additionally, Gravity is already planning to launch additional sites beyond the initial deployment in Midtown Manhattan.

Gravity's commitment to national expansion is evident, with plans to secure additional funding later this year. CEO Moshe Cohen doesn’t hold back when discussing the company’s growth potential, stating, "If you look at how many (Tesla) Superchargers are added per year, we can add that many or more to grow our network. There's nothing blocking that."

A notable characteristic of Gravity's chargers is their sleek and compact design, reminiscent of a carry-on suitcase. This deliberate design choice prioritizes portability and efficiency while maintaining high charging power.

Presently, the majority of EVs are limited to a charging speed of 350 kW. Gravity's chargers surpass this threshold, boasting speeds of up to 500 kW. This places them squarely in competition with other industry players like ChargePoint, which recently introduced a product capable of simultaneously charging two vehicles at speeds of up to 500 kW. 

We believe Gravity Mobility is emerging as a disruptive force in the charging infrastructure sector. Their focus on delivering high-speed, efficient, and compact charging solutions shows their dedication to meeting the changing needs of the EV industry. Keep an eye on Gravity Mobility as they pave the way towards a faster, more accessible charging future.

–Steve and Rob

How to further connect with us

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Until next time, stay charged!
- Steve and Rob