This Is the Biggest Problem With EV Adoption | WSJ

The Wall Street Journal

15 Nov 202308:24

Summary

TLDRThe 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.