EV Power Pulse Issue #28

ChargerHelp! report finds uptime data issues, rural and urban EV charging gap widens, and 3V Infrastructure launches.

Author

Steve Taylor
August 17, 2024

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Hi everyone,

Here are today’s stories:

  • ChargerHelp!’s latest report finds inaccuracies in EV charger uptime data.

  • CivicPulse explores the widening gap in EV charging access between urban and rural areas.

  • 3V Infrastructure launches to bring more Level 2 chargers to multi-family housing and hotels.

Enjoy this morning’s issue. 

–Steve 

Current EVents

EV Industry Updates

A recent report from ChargerHelp! has uncovered a significant gap between software-reported reliability and the real-world performance of public EV chargers in the U.S. The study, which analyzed over 19 million data points collected in 2023, reveals some striking findings.

When ChargerHelp! technicians inspected 4,800 charge points, they found that more than 10% of those listed as operational were, in fact, unable to complete a test charge. This discrepancy is not isolated to individual charge points. Paren, a data aggregator, estimates that the actual uptime for major U.S. public fast-charging stations averages around 84% — well below the 92% average self-reported by the stations themselves.

These findings are consistent with smaller-scale studies and surveys that have repeatedly highlighted a gap between the reliability claimed by charging providers and the reality experienced by users. For example, a 2022 study in the San Francisco Bay Area found that only 73% of non-Tesla public chargers could maintain a charge for more than two minutes.

The report also explores the complex nature of charger failures. While most problems diagnosed by technicians involve damaged cables and internal electronics, issues related to communications, software, and technology integration are more difficult to identify and resolve.

Perhaps most concerning is the large number of issues categorized as “unknown,” which likely includes payment-processing difficulties—a common reason for failed charging sessions.

Steve's Take:

The fragmented nature of our public charging infrastructure is a key factor behind these reliability challenges. With more than 189,000 public charging ports in the U.S. managed by various companies, we are dealing with a patchwork of technologies that often don’t integrate seamlessly. This lack of standardization is a major obstacle to delivering a consistent and reliable charging experience for EV drivers.

The report also highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to charger deployment. Simply installing chargers isn’t enough; we must have robust plans in place for maintenance, repair, and ongoing software updates. This includes training technicians who are equipped to address both hardware and software issues—a critical point emphasized by ChargerHelp! CEO Kameale Terry in the report.

As the EV market continues to expand, addressing these reliability issues will be critically important. Companies that can provide consistent and dependable charging experiences will be well-positioned to lead in the years ahead.

–Steve

Power and Policy

A new report from CivicPulse, Stanford University’s Bill Lane Center for the American West, and the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy reveals an increasing disparity in EV charging infrastructure between urban and rural areas in the United States. The study, which includes a survey of local officials and an analysis of federal funding patterns, suggests that current public sector investments may be exacerbating this divide rather than addressing it.

The report’s key findings show that local governments in the largest population tercile were seven times more likely to have applied for funding compared to those in the smallest population tercile. Additionally, governments in the most liberal areas were five times more likely to have sought funding than those in the most conservative regions.

The study also highlights that the first round of the Federal Highway Administration’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program allocated 85% of its local grants to the most urban and liberal counties in the country. This distribution pattern could further widen the existing gap in charging infrastructure between urban and rural areas.

The report also identifies a “path dependency” effect, where local governments with existing charging stations are more inclined to pursue further infrastructure development due to their accumulated technical expertise. This self-reinforcing cycle could leave rural areas increasingly disadvantaged in the rollout of EV infrastructure.

Rob's Take:

The growing urban-rural divide in EV charging access could significantly hinder the nationwide adoption of electric vehicles. The path dependency effect mentioned in the study is particularly concerning, as it indicates that without targeted intervention, the gap in EV infrastructure between urban and rural areas could continue to widen. This issue not only complicates the practicalities of EV adoption but also risks deepening political divides over clean energy initiatives.

To address this challenge, federal and state policymakers must reevaluate their funding allocation strategies. It is crucial to provide technical assistance and application process support to rural and smaller local governments, helping to level the playing field and ensure a more equitable distribution of EV charging infrastructure.

The findings also highlight the need for a more strategic approach to EV infrastructure planning. Instead of focusing investments solely in areas with existing demand, there should be a forward-looking strategy that anticipates and stimulates EV adoption in underserved regions.

Bridging the urban-rural divide in EV infrastructure is not just a matter of equity; it’s essential for creating a robust, nationwide system that supports widespread EV adoption across all communities.

–Rob 

EV Start-up News

3V Infrastructure, a newly launched EV charging infrastructure company, is on a mission to accelerate widespread access to EV charging by focusing on Level 2 chargers for long-dwell locations, such as multifamily housing and hotels.

Backed by $40M in funding from an affiliate of Greenbacker Capital Management, 3V Infrastructure is committed to eliminating the upfront and ongoing costs typically shouldered by real estate portfolio owners and managers. Aubrey Gunnels, co-founder and CEO of 3V Infrastructure, notes, “Although property owners are aware of consumer demand for more chargers, they face several complexities, including the initial and ongoing costs, selecting a reliable solution, and choosing trustworthy installers.” 

The company’s strategy is grounded in the unmet consumer need for EV charging at long-dwell properties. While 27% of apartment tenants are interested in EV charging as an amenity, only 5% of rental properties currently offer charging, revealing a significant market gap. Similarly, 20% of hotel guests express a need for EV charging during their stays.

3V Infrastructure plans to partner with owners of large real estate portfolios, specifically targeting long-dwell properties. The company will manage every aspect of EV infrastructure deployment, from permitting to maintenance, ensuring a seamless experience for property owners and meeting the growing demand for EV charging access.

Steve's Take:

EV infrastructure at apartments and hotels is no longer a luxury—it’s rapidly becoming a necessity due to rising consumer demand and the need for competitive differentiation. More travelers now expect EV charging options as standard amenities, similar to how Wi-Fi has become ubiquitous in the past decade.

This shift presents significant revenue opportunities for property owners. We’ve seen initiatives like Airbnb’s partnership with ChargePoint, Hilton’s plan to install 20,000 charging points, and Marriott’s collaboration with EV Connect. 3V Infrastructure’s model could further accelerate this trend by removing the barriers of upfront costs and operational complexities for property owners.

By integrating EV charging, hotels and apartment complexes aren’t just meeting current market demands; they’re future-proofing their properties. As EV adoption continues to surge, properties without charging options risk losing their appeal to both residents and guests.

However, the success of this model will hinge on how quickly 3V can scale and how effectively they can forge partnerships with property owners. If successful, 3V Infrastructure could play a pivotal role in making EV ownership more accessible and convenient for a wider range of consumers.

–Steve

Featured EV Industry Jobs

You can find more EV industry jobs here. If you’d like your role to be featured in this newsletter, contact us here to discuss.

EV INDUSTRY STAT OF THE WEEK

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation stated that between June 1 and June 30, 3,000 charging ports came online, increasing the US charging network by 1.6%. As of July, there are 189,000 ports across 70,000 locations in the US.

EV Charging the News

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Until next time, stay charged!
- Steve and Rob

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