EVPowerPulse Issue #29

Steve's Take:

The partnership between Blink Charging and EVSTAR tackles a crucial challenge in the EV charging industry: ensuring the reliability and longevity of charging infrastructure. I believe this collaboration could have significant implications:

-Increased Adoption. By offering protection against unforeseen issues, this warranty program may encourage more businesses and property owners to install EV charging stations.

-Industry Standard-Setting. If successful, this warranty model could set a new industry standard, prompting other charging station manufacturers and operators to introduce similar programs. This could lead to improved overall reliability and greater customer confidence across the industry.

-Competitive Advantage. In an increasingly competitive market, Blink’s comprehensive warranties could serve as a key differentiator, swaying customer preferences and decision-making in their favor.

-Enhanced User Experience. By improving the reliability and maintenance of charging stations, this partnership could lead to a better experience for EV owners, further driving the adoption of electric vehicles.

-Risk Mitigation for Investors. The warranty program could attract more investment in EV charging infrastructure by reducing the perceived risks related to station maintenance and longevity.

This strategic partnership not only addresses current industry challenges but also lays the foundation for a more resilient and dependable EV charging network, accelerating the transition to electric mobility.

Rob's Take:

The Biden Administration's $521M investment in EV charging infrastructure is a significant leap forward in the push for transportation electrification. The initiative addresses key barriers to widespread EV adoption and aims to significantly transform America's automotive landscape.

One of the program's most promising features is its focus on urban accessibility. By prioritizing "last mile" infrastructure in urban areas, the initiative brings charging solutions closer to where people live and work. This strategy could dramatically increase EV appeal in areas with limited off-street parking, addressing a major hurdle for potential urban EV owners.

Equally important is the $200M dedicated to fast-charging along major corridors. This investment aims to complete the "EV backbone" of America's highways, potentially swaying consumers who are considering long-range capable EVs but have concerns about long-distance travel.

The program's potential to catalyze network effects is particularly exciting. As charger availability increases, it could boost consumer confidence in EVs. This, in turn, may lead to higher EV adoption rates, attracting more private investment in charging infrastructure. The result could be a virtuous cycle of growing demand and expanding infrastructure, accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.

However, the success of this initiative hinges on several critical factors. Implementation efficiency is paramount - the speed and effectiveness with which states deploy these funds will be important. A smooth and rapid buildout would go a long way in demonstrating the viability of federal investment in transportation electrification.

The program's impact on consumers will also be a key measure of its success. If it effectively addresses and alleviates charging concerns, it could drive up EV sales across diverse demographics.

Additionally, the initiative's ability to stimulate additional private investment in charging networks and create sustainable business models for charging operations will be crucial for long-term success.

This investment has the potential to be a tipping point for EV adoption in the US. By simultaneously addressing urban charging needs and long-distance travel concerns, it targets two major obstacles to widespread EV acceptance.

If successful, this program could silence critics of federal investment in transportation electrification and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable automotive future, marking a significant milestone in America's journey towards clean transportation.

Steve's Take:

The introduction of SAE's J2954 standard for wireless EV charging has the potential to address several barriers to EV adoption, particularly around charging convenience.

The simplicity of "park and charge" could make EV ownership more appealing to a broader range of consumers. By eliminating the need to physically plug in a vehicle, this technology could make charging as effortless as parking, and it could reduce incidents of charging station vandalization.

The technology’s efficiency rates (up to 93%) are on par with many wired charging solutions. This suggests that the broad adoption of wireless charging can be achieved without sacrificing energy efficiency, a critical factor in preserving the environmental advantages of EVs.

Additionally, the compatibility of this system with autonomous vehicles could accelerate the development and adoption of self-driving EVs. The ability for a vehicle to automatically park itself in perfect alignment with a wireless charger could be a key feature for future autonomous ride-sharing or delivery services.

However, it's important to note that widespread implementation of this technology will require significant infrastructure investment. Parking lots, street parking, and even highways would need to be equipped with these charging systems. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for cities, businesses, and charging network operators.

EV INDUSTRY STAT OF THE WEEK

According to Bloomberg, there are now 26 electric vehicles for every public charging station in the U.S., leading to growing concerns about charging station congestion. With stations occupied around 20% of the time, the availability of charging infrastructure is becoming a significant challenge.