Stopping to charge an electric vehicle is not the same as filling up with gas – Photo: Insider
On a recent trip with an electric car, newspaper reporter Tim Levin insider (USA), had to stop to charge. Charging went smoothly. But then, he realized he needed the toilet.
The problem was that the nearby shopping mall was closed quite late. Finally, he had to do the most undesirable task: finding a bush.
Perhaps, Levin is not the only electric car user in that difficult situation. Generally, petrol drivers do not face this problem, as gas stations have developed to such an extent that they always come with convenient services like toilets, sun and rain covers, snacks and dustbins.
Not every country has these amenities at gas stations, but this is certainly the case in the US. Therefore, lack of facilities at electric vehicle charging stations is also one of the reasons why many people do not like to use new vehicles.
When experts confirm that electric vehicles are the future, charging stations should be even more convenient than gas stations. This is because charging an electric car is not the same as filling up with gas.
Electric car owners are tired of charging their batteries
According to research firm JD Power, drivers are unhappy with services that “waste time” when charging electric vehicles.
Due to long charging times, electric car owners want to use utilities for use while waiting – Photo: Insider
Fully charging usually takes about 30 minutes or so longer than pumping gas. Brent Gruber, director of electric vehicles at J.D. Power, said insider Many respondents complained about not having an awning when it rains, not having a place to sit and rest, or not having something as simple as a dustbin so they could clean their car while charging.
Electric car owners also complain that charging capacitors are too far from places selling food or other things. The plug is often placed in a hidden corner, where lighting is quite low, making it difficult to find the charger at night.
Roav promises to create charging stations that are as or even more convenient than rest stops – Photo: Roav
Charging stations are often built in shopping malls, supermarkets, banks, hotels or any place where parking is available and the land owner is willing to negotiate. Charging stations were initially built only to take advantage of government subsidies, so the choice of locations was not carefully considered.
Therefore, there are two extremes of charging stations: some are extremely convenient, and others do nothing but charge.
Electric vehicle charging stations will soon be more convenient
This is changing, as charging station providers are paying more attention to the features included.
Lorraine MacDonald, founder and CEO of electric vehicle consulting firm EVAdoption, said electric vehicle buyers may soon be able to eat breakfast and use the restroom as more convenience store chains, gas stations and shopping malls are springing up. Commercial centers participate.
Brendan Jones, CEO of station and charging equipment operator Blink Charging, said that while early electric car buyers simply needed to plug in anywhere, today’s buyers have higher standards. Therefore, the company is also looking for more stringent charging station locations.
Tesla’s Supercharger could become a form of “business center” in the future – Photo: Design Boom
Those points should be near places where public toilets and convenience stores are open 24 hours. Additionally, the company will consider shifting 30-40 old stations that are no longer functioning well.
Electrify America is planning “flagship” charging stations that will include lounges with food and shopping services.
Tesla wants to build a 1950s-style restaurant and movie theater at Supercharger. Start-up Rove is building giant charging stations along with supermarkets, coffee shops and 24/7 rest rooms.
