EV Power Pulse Issue #5

Current EVents

Power and Policy

Biden-Harris Administration to Invest $100 Million for EV Charger Reliability

Just over a month ago, the J.D. Power 2023 US Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study laid out several deficiencies of the existing US EV charging infrastructure. The Biden-Harris administration responded quickly to those findings by launching the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator program.

This initiative, part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, offers up to $100M to fix or replace dysfunctional EV chargers. Initial funding focuses on enhancing existing charger reliability—an important first step, as 20% of US EV drivers have come to and left charging stations without a charge.

Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Executive Director Gabe Klein highlighted the need to develop the EV charging workforce, track charger reliability metrics, and work with industry players to create a more efficient, reliable charging experience.

"We know that people expect public EV chargers to work the first time, every time,” he said.

These investments will complement private sector efforts and create valuable jobs across the nation. With an increased focus on maintenance, the federal government is making smart moves toward building a more broadly accessible and reliable EV charging infrastructure.

Eligible applicants can find details in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, with applications due by November 13, 2023.

–Rob

EV Industry Updates

Expanding EV Charging Infrastructure at Commercial Real Estate Sites

Commercial real estate sites are emerging as key players in the expansion of the US EV charging infrastructure. Over the last three weeks, Marriott, Hilton, and Walmart have announced plans to install thousands of EV chargers at locations around the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Most recently, Marriott International joined forces with EV Connect to streamline the installation and management of EV charging stations at up to 6,000 of their properties in the US and Canada. With 14 million EVs projected to be on the road by the end of 2023, Marriott's decision to offer reliable charging infrastructure is a forward-thinking route to better serve its customers. The move also keeps Marriott in lockstep with its competitor, Hilton.

On September 7, just two weeks before Marriott’s announcement, Hilton shared the news of their partnership with Tesla. They plan to install 20,000 EV charging stations at 2,000 Hilton properties across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Both Hilton and Marriott are addressing an emerging consideration amongst travelers, especially business travelers—the availability of EV charging stations.

With hotel locations scattered along highways and throughout major cities, these hotel partnerships will be significant contributions to our EV infrastructure. The hotel giants aren’t alone in adopting this strategy, though.

Walmart intends to build EV charging stations at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations throughout the U.S. by 2030. 90% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart or Sam’s Club. By offering accessible charging infrastructure, Walmart goes a long way toward addressing the range and charging anxiety many EV drivers experience.

It's evident that the commercial real estate sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of EV charging infrastructure in the US. The combined efforts of these industry giants demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, customer convenience, and a better EV experience for all.

–Steve

EV Workforce Insights

Siemens to invest $30M to train U.S. EV charger technicians

In an encouraging EV industry development, the Siemens Foundation announced a $30M, 10-year investment in EV charging workforce development within the US. Their announcement came about a week before the Biden Administration’s $100M investment announcement in EV charger reliability. The two moves aim to rapidly ramp up technician training just as EV charging stations need them most.

Siemens is collaborating with partners like the North Carolina Business Committee for Education and the Michigan-based Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) to equip a diverse workforce with the skills needed to build, install, and maintain our EV infrastructure.

EVITP has already trained and certified thousands of technicians across the US and Canada, but these technicians are primarily focused on the installation of EV equipment, including charging stations. It’ll be worth tracking how their program evolves to better address the state of disrepair at many public charging stations.

A critical piece of this initiative is its emphasis on training individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities. Steve and I believe the EV charging sector offers a pathway to secure, well-paying, and enduring careers for people who often lack access to those opportunities.

David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation, noted, "Making sure that we have a reliable (charging) network is part of ramping up EV manufacturing in this country.”

Their focus on developing EV charging technicians is a strong step in the right direction.

–Rob and Steve

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Until next time, stay charged!
- Steve and Rob