This Is the Biggest Problem With EV Adoption | WSJ

Summary

The video explores the state of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Los Angeles, highlighting the challenges faced by non-Tesla EV owners. The host visits 30 DC fast charging locations, encountering issues with broken chargers, payment problems, and connection errors. Despite efforts by companies like EVgo and Electrify America to improve the situation, the video emphasizes the need for patience and the use of mobile apps for a smoother charging experience. It also touches on the future of EV charging with Tesla's network expansion and federal funding to enhance the infrastructure.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Los Angeles has a significant number of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, but many encounter issues.
• 🔌 The author visited 30 DC fast charging locations, none of which were Tesla, and found over 100 charging stalls.
• 🛑 At 40% of charging locations, the author faced problems, including broken chargers and payment or connection issues.
• 🚫 27% of the 126 charging stalls inspected were out of order, with signs or errors indicating they were unavailable.
• 💳 Nearly 10% of the stalls had payment issues, often related to credit card processing difficulties.
• 🔌 Connection issues, or 'handshake' problems, where the charger and vehicle fail to communicate, were a major source of frustration.
• 🛠️ ChargerHelp, an LA-based company, works to fix these chargers, often dealing with complex hardware and software issues.
• 🌐 The complexity of communicating with various EV models contributes to the high incidence of connection problems.
• 🔋 Tesla is set to open its charging network to other EV manufacturers from 2024, potentially improving the charging experience.
• 💡 The Biden administration has allocated $100 million for repairing and replacing EV charging infrastructure, alongside a $5 billion program to expand charging sites.
• 🏠 The author advises EV users to charge at home or hotels if possible, and to be patient and prepared for potential charging issues.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of the test conducted in Los Angeles?

The main purpose of the test was to evaluate the functionality and user experience of various electric vehicle charging stations in Los Angeles, specifically focusing on non-Tesla DC fast chargers.

How many DC fast charging locations did the tester visit in Los Angeles?

The tester visited 30 DC fast charging locations in Los Angeles.

What were the three main problems encountered at the charging stations?

The three main problems encountered were: 1) Chargers being out of order, 2) Payment issues, and 3) Connection issues between the charger and the vehicle.

What percentage of charging stalls were found to be out of order during the test?

27% of the charging stalls were found to be out of order.

What was the issue with payment at some of the charging stations?

Nearly 10% of the charging stalls had payment issues, including problems with credit card processing and the need for cash payments.

What is the 'handshake issue' mentioned in the script?

The 'handshake issue' refers to the communication problem between the charger and the vehicle, where they fail to establish a connection despite both being operational.

What was the role of ChargerHelp in the video?

ChargerHelp is an LA-based company that repairs and maintains electric vehicle chargers. They were shown fixing one of the charging stalls in the video.

Why might charging an electric vehicle be more complicated than charging a phone?

Charging an electric vehicle is more complicated because it involves complex communication between the charger and the vehicle's computer systems to negotiate voltage and energy levels, which can be prone to errors and compatibility issues.

What is the significance of Tesla opening up its charging network to other electric vehicle manufacturers?

Tesla opening its charging network to other manufacturers is significant as it could lead to a more standardized and accessible charging infrastructure, potentially reducing the 'handshake issue' and improving the charging experience for a broader range of EVs.

What steps are being taken to improve the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the US?

The Biden administration has opened up $100 million in federal funding for repairing and replacing existing EV charging infrastructure, and there is a $5 billion program to help states build out more charging sites.

What advice does the tester give to electric vehicle owners regarding charging?

The tester advises electric vehicle owners to have patience when charging, to charge at home or hotels if possible, and to use the charging station's mobile app for payments instead of credit cards.

Outlines

00:00

🔌 Challenges of EV Charging in LA

The video explores the state of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Los Angeles, focusing on the challenges faced by users. The narrator visits 30 DC fast charging locations, none of which are Tesla-run, and encounters numerous issues with over 40% of charging locations. Problems range from broken chargers, payment issues, to connection problems between the charger and the vehicle, often referred to as the 'handshake issue'. The narrator also discusses the reasons behind these issues, such as the need for communication between different hardware and software systems, and the reliance on legacy hardware. The video highlights the importance of patience and the use of mobile apps for payments to navigate the current state of EV charging.

05:01

🛠️ Fixing EV Charging Issues

This segment delves into the process of fixing EV chargers, with insights from ChargerHelp, a company that specializes in charger maintenance. The video explains the technical aspects of charger repair, such as power cycling to reset the system and replacing faulty motherboards. It also touches on the complexity of communication between chargers and vehicles, which can be affected by network quality and the need for compatibility with various EV models. The narrator discusses the differences in infrastructure between Tesla's vertically integrated system and the more diverse and complex networks of other charging providers. The video concludes with a look towards the future of EV charging, including Tesla's plans to open its network to other car manufacturers, the potential for hardware upgrades to improve the charging experience, and the impact of federal funding on expanding and improving charging infrastructure.

Keywords

💡Electric Vehicle (EV)

An electric vehicle, or EV, is a type of vehicle that is powered by an electric motor and typically uses rechargeable batteries to store the electrical energy that powers it. In the context of the video, EVs are the central focus as the host explores the challenges and experiences of charging these vehicles in Los Angeles. The video mentions different types of EVs, including a Rivian R1T, and discusses the charging infrastructure that supports them.

💡DC Fast Charging

DC fast charging refers to a method of charging electric vehicles quickly by supplying direct current (DC) electricity to the vehicle's battery. This is in contrast to standard charging, which uses alternating current (AC). The video discusses the host's experience with DC fast chargers, highlighting issues such as out-of-order stations, payment problems, and connection issues, which are all relevant to the theme of EV charging infrastructure.

💡Charging Stalls

Charging stalls are the individual units or bays at charging stations where electric vehicles can be plugged in to recharge. The video script mentions inspecting 126 charging stalls in total and encountering various problems with them, such as being out of order or having payment issues. This term is crucial for understanding the scope of the video's investigation into the state of EV charging infrastructure.

💡Payment Issues

Payment issues refer to the problems that can arise when attempting to pay for electric vehicle charging services. In the video, the host describes encountering payment issues at nearly 10% of the charging stalls visited, such as credit card readers not working or machines only accepting cash. These issues are a significant part of the narrative as they impact the user experience of EV charging.

💡Handshake Issue

The 'handshake issue' is a term used to describe the process where the electric vehicle and the charger must communicate with each other to establish a charging connection. If this communication fails, the charging process cannot begin. The video script uses this term to illustrate the technical challenges of EV charging, where the host experiences connection errors despite successful payment.

💡EVgo

EVgo is a company that operates a network of electric vehicle charging stations, particularly DC fast chargers. In the video, EVgo is mentioned as one of the primary types of charging stations the host visits during the test. The host's experiences with EVgo stations, including both positive and negative aspects, contribute to the overall picture of the state of EV charging in Los Angeles.

💡Electrify America

Electrify America is another company that provides electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including DC fast chargers. The video script mentions Electrify America in the context of the host's testing of various charging stations. The experiences at these stations, including the discovery of newer, more user-friendly machines, are used to discuss the improvements and challenges in the EV charging landscape.

💡Legacy Hardware

Legacy hardware refers to older technology or equipment that may not be as efficient or compatible with newer systems. In the video, representatives from charging companies mention that many of the issues encountered are due to legacy hardware. This term is important for understanding the video's message about the ongoing upgrades and improvements needed in the EV charging infrastructure.

💡Federal Funding

Federal funding mentioned in the video refers to financial support provided by the government to support specific initiatives or projects. In this context, the Biden administration's opening of $100 million in federal funding is discussed as a measure to repair and replace existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This funding is part of a broader effort to improve and expand EV charging capabilities, which is a key theme in the video.

💡Vertical Integration

Vertical integration in the context of the video refers to a business model where a company controls several stages of the production or distribution process. The video contrasts the vertically integrated Tesla charging network with the more fragmented networks of other charging companies. This concept is used to explain the differences in user experience and the potential for improvements in the EV charging sector.

Highlights

Los Angeles and Beverly Hills have many electric vehicle chargers but also experience bad traffic.

Visited 30 DC fast charging locations, none of them run by Tesla, totaling over 100 different charging stalls.

At over 40% of the charging locations, problems were encountered with the chargers.

27% of charging stalls were found to be out of order.

Nearly 10% of the stalls had payment issues, including repeated credit card problems.

The 'handshake issue' where the car and charger don't connect properly was a common problem.

ChargerHelp, an LA-based company, works on fixing the chargers and improving the charging experience.

Technicians from ChargerHelp explained that power cycling the unit can sometimes resolve charging issues.

The motherboard of the charger can sometimes go bad and require replacement.

Poor network connectivity can cause issues in the communication between charger and vehicle.

Tesla is planning to open up its charging network to other electric vehicle brands starting in 2024.

EVgo, Electrify America, and other charging companies are upgrading their legacy hardware to improve service.

The Biden administration has opened up $100 million in federal funding to repair and replace existing EV charging infrastructure.

The EV revolution in LA feels more like a slow, messy evolution with current charging infrastructure.

Home or hotel charging is recommended if possible, as public charging can be inconsistent.

Using the charger's mobile app for payment is suggested over credit cards due to fewer issues.

Transcripts

(lively music)

- Los Angeles.

Good views. Here we are, Beverly Hills.

Bad traffic,

(horns beeping)

so many electric vehicle chargers.

Charger number one, two, three.

From the streets of downtown to the beach in Santa Monica,

11, 19 23, we visited 30 DC fast charging locations,

none of them run by Tesla.

28, 29, 30.

That meant more than 100 different charging stalls.

(chargers clicking)

There was just one little problem.

Yeah, this one's broken.

Broken and also broken.

Okay, many problems.

Come on, you can do it. Connect to the ve...

Error detected.

There's nothing on the screen.

I've tried putting my credit card in every way.

At just over 40% of the charging locations,

I encountered problems.

Yeah, not good.

As the US moves to an electric vehicle future,

LA is ahead of it all, but oh boy, are things a mess here.

What can we learn from it all and can it be fixed?

All right, let's go test a whole bunch of chargers.

Here's how we set up this test.

(upbeat music) (electricity buzzing)

Los Angeles County has more DC fast chargers

than any other place in the country.

So over two days, I tried to go to as many

as I could in a Rivian R1T.

Why the Rivian?

Well, it's awesome

unless you're trying to enter a parking garage.

Okay, duck down.

I'm totally aware that ducking does nothing.

Plus, like the majority of non-Tesla Evs,

it has a CCS charging port.

When you've got that port and you need to charge,

a DC fast charging station,

typically an EVgo

or Electrify America is your best bet,

except those stations, according to my testing,

have three main problems.

Number one, out of order.

(playful music)

I inspected 126 charging stalls in total.

27% of those stalls were just flat out of order.

That is they had a sign

or an error that said charger unavailable, out of service.

So it works.

EVgo, Electrify America

and EVCS all told me that they quickly try

to fix these issues by deploying technicians to the sites.

But honestly, I preferred this issue

because it saved me from the hassle

of trying the charger and then failing.

Which brings me to number two, payment.

(electricity buzzing)

Nearly 10% of the stalls visited had payment issues.

It says cash only. Where would I put cash?

Yes, there were specifically repeated credit card problems.

Why are you beeping at me?

Present card again. (machine beeping)

Okay, nope. Let's see if this will work.

Now it's telling me to swipe the card. Present card again.

Swiping card, present card again. Try another card.

Wiping my other card. Nope, nothing.

EVCS said these issues can arise

because the payment hardware is made

by a different company than the charger.

EVgo said paying by app is a more seamless experience,

and I found that app paying was better for all the chargers.

Some EVs and charging companies

even support plug and charge.

So it just starts charging your account

when you plug into your car.

But you still have to set those apps up.

Why don't you take Apple Pay?

Number three, connection issues.

Even if the payment works,

it is connecting now to my vehicle.

Can you two connect?

Charger meet Rivian. Rivian meet charger.

Connect. Error detected.

This may be the most frustrating one of all,

when the car and the charger don't connect to each other,

what many call the handshake issue.

Basically, when you plug the charger into the car,

the two have to talk to each other

and send information about voltage

and energy levels back and forth.

And a lot can go wrong in this process.

I'll get to more of that soon.

Sometimes the charger will prompt you

with ways to troubleshoot.

Please unplug the connector.

Wait 10 seconds, plug in the connector and try again.

I will try to unplug and replug like a router,

but it doesn't always work.

And to be fair, this handshake issue

isn't just a Rivian thing.

I've experienced this problem on many different EVs.

(lively music)

To find out why this is all such a broken mess,

I met up with ChargerHelp, an LA-based company

that attempts to clean up the mess.

So you fix chargers. - Yes.

- There are a lot of broken chargers.

- Yeah, no, we fix a lot of chargers in LA,

especially with our LA technicians that we have here.

- Sergio, one of the ChargerHelp technicians,

walked me through fixing one stall.

- It shows that it has a fault here.

So a power cycle of the unit,

we can go ahead and hit the breaker to shut it off.

(lever clicking)

- [Joanna] Yep, as simple as turning it off

and turning it on again.

(charger clicking)

- So we're getting the green prompt lights,

which means the charging station is back online.

- [Joanna] But most repairs are not that simple

because again, the car

and the charger are computers that have

to communicate with each other.

- [Sergio] This is the whole motherboard here,

which sometimes goes bad and we have to replace.

- [Joanna] Sergio explained that this set

of cables connect from the motherboard to the charger

to communicate with the car.

It's that handshake I mentioned before.

The charger tells the car how much voltage it can send

and the car says, "Hey, here's how much I can accept."

But that's where things can break down.

- Sometimes the network where you're at,

whichever area you're in, it's poor.

So you have to try it multiple times.

So it actually ends up working,

if you notice, when you try like the third

or fourth time, it ends up actually working.

- [Joanna] And remember, the DC fast chargers I tested

have to communicate with lots of different types

of electric vehicles, which is why things can get

so much more complicated than on Tesla's network.

- So it's one station trying to figure out

how to communicate

with multiple different types of firmware.

Whereas if you have a Tesla system,

it's a vertically integrated where they have a car,

a station, and a payment system that's all together.

(lively music)

- So what's the future of EV charging?

(electricity buzzing)

Starting in 2024, Tesla's opening up its charging network,

allowing cars from Rivian, Ford, and GM,

and others to charge at Tesla stations.

Doesn't fit, at least not yet.

Eventually, those car companies

will also adopt Tesla's NACS charging port.

Will it be total hassle-free charging? I'm not so sure.

Tesla is only used to charging their own cars

and those other DC fast charging stations from EVgo,

Electrify America and more should get better too.

At an EVgo station in Santa Monica,

I got to try out some newer charging stalls.

It says checking cable safety, matching voltage.

This tells you what it's doing.

These new machines are great.

Representatives from each

of the charger companies told me many

of the issues I encountered were because of legacy hardware

and that they are constantly upgrading,

which we actually saw at this Electrify America.

(Joanna knocking)

Knock knock. Is there a charger in there?

Plus, in September,

the Biden administration opened up $100 million

in federal funding to repair and replace

existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

That's in addition to the $5 billion program

to help states build out more EV charging sites,

which should help with the lines.

Excuse me, are you guys almost done charging?

So what did I learn here over the last few days?

Well, if you can, charge at home

or your hotel, yet I met many travelers

and apartment renters who don't have that option.

Really? What I learned is patience.

Have a lot of it when pulling into one of these stations

and understand that this isn't as simple

as plugging your phone into the wall.

Oh, and avoid credit cards whenever possible.

Just use that charger's mobile app.

But if LA is any sign, this EV revolution is going

to feel more like a slow, messy evolution.

Charging. Woo-hoo.

At least that's what it says.

20, we hit 20. You like this dance? It's really cool.