A Barrage of New EV Models Requires More Infrastructure

According to a recent article in Forbes, Americans will purchase approximately two million EVs in 2022. Dr. Shelley Francis, co-founder, and director of EVHybridNoire notes that demand is increasing “as public perception of the technology shifts from novelty to mainstream,” thanks primarily to the plethora of new EV models hitting the market and a rapid expansion of infrastructure spearheaded by fast-charging network operators like EVCS.

As we’ve noted in the past, the large influx of new EV models is partly due to the hearty embrace of electric mobility technology by almost every major automaker on the planet, several of whom have announced their intention to phase out ICE manufacturing altogether within the next decade. Consumers are seeing a confluence of established brands like Audi, Volkswagen, and Ford with innovative new EV-only manufacturers like Polestar, Tesla, and Lucid Motors. Whether it’s the sporty Audi A6 e-tron, the rugged Ford F-150 Lightning, the luxurious Lucid Air, or the more economical Kia EV6, it seems the marketplace really does have something for everyone.

Also propelling the surging demand for these new EVs is a sui generis suite of features coveted by discerning young buyers who are looking for a unique driving experience. Examples abound. The Polestar 2 (and soon 3) with its origami-inspired headlights controlled by a front camera that can detect oncoming drivers and adjust brightness in real-time. The Mustang Mach E with its front trunk, or “frunk,” and Co-Pilot360 Assist that combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering to reduce fatigue. Or the VW ID4’s voice-operated panoramic roof and ultra-efficient electric-resistance heater.

It’s true that EVs typically cost a little more upfront than their ICE counterparts, but this is largely due to the fact that the former come better equipped, with features otherwise considered “luxury” in the ICE version offered standard on the EV model. However, when also factoring in tax subsidies and rising gas prices, the ultimate cost to EV owners over the life of their vehicle is often considerably less than for ICE owners.

What does rapidly growing EV sales mean for charging infrastructure? Well, when combined with recent legislative victories and the deluge in new government funding, we believe 2022 is poised to see a huge uptick in publicly accessible DC fast chargers. The Golden State alone recently approved a $437 million fund to build over 40,000 charging ports, the largest-ever program of its kind, and according to McKinsey & Co’s recent report, energy demand for EV charging could top 53 billion kWh by 2030, an increase of about 20-fold.

As EV adoption continues to grow, going to a store, restaurant, café, theater, or sporting event will become a multi-purpose experience. People will charge up while they shop, eat, and get entertained. Chargers will necessarily become more abundant at such venues. Moreover, our symbiotic relationship with automakers means we will continue to improve our technology in tandem with the newest and hottest EVs. As such, we foresee a future where things like V2G, adaptive demand response, and faster charging times are the norm.

Bottom line: no matter what model EV we’re talking about, EVCS is committed to making the driver’s experience an exceptional one. Our charging ports work with every known EV model on the road, our monthly subscription plan is suitable for any budget level, our easy-to-use mobile app allows drivers to quickly find available chargers on our network and our customer service is second to none. So, bring on the coolest, sleekest, gnarliest new EVs you can imagine! We’re ready for all of them!

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Recap of “Today, Explained” Podcast: It’s Electric!

Recently, we listened to Vox’s Umair Irfan discuss on his Today, Explained podcast how Norway has been trailblazing in the world of electric mobility and what strides the US can make to follow suit. We not only found the episode a fascinating exploration of how our Scandinavian friends serve as both innovators and motivators, but it elucidated ways in which EVCS can and has been working toward similar goals within the US. Below are some of the key takeaways from the podcast as well as how it relates to what we’re doing here and now.

EVCS Fast Charging Network to Use 100% Renewable Energy (Newsire)

One of the most common criticisms foisted on the electric mobility industry is that EVs are not technically carbon neutral since the electricity needed to power them is generated through fossil fuels, including coal and natural gas. This argument is not without merit and presents those of us in the EV infrastructure sector with yet another lofty goal – true carbon neutrality through electrical grids powered by renewable energy sources like wind and solar. And our most recent press release discusses how we at EVCS are doing just that.

EVCS Secures Credit Facility with Macquarie Group (Newswire)

We recently employed PR firm Firecracker to help us get the word out about all of the wonderful things EVCS is doing to make an all-electric future a reality. One major step toward this goal was our securing a credit facility that would allow for accelerated expansion of EV infrastructure, giving us confidence that the financial support required would be available when we needed it. Our PR team then went to work, drafting the following press release that outlines the particulars of this momentous achievement:

Installation of the Month (April 2021): Hilton Hotel & Plaza San Gabriel

Hilton is one of the most recognizable and respected organizations in the world. They own 18 different brands and more than 6,400 properties in 119 countries. Since 1925, they’ve been a model of the hospitality industry – synonymous with customer relations, integrity and innovation, which extends into areas like sustainability and the environment. Their website’s “Corporate Responsibility” page cites a commitment to fighting climate change, stating: “We seek to operate and grow sustainably, reducing our consumption of natural resources… We are proud to have set carbon reduction targets aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement.” And they continue to back up this commitment, including recently asking us to install EV charging banks at one of their key Los Angeles locations.

Analysis of Biden’s Infrastructure Plan

President Biden finally held his first official press conference last Thursday, March 25th, wherein he addressed his $2.2 trillion infrastructure bill, albeit from a high level that was light on details. What we do know is that the legislation will include $174 billion dedicated specifically to incentivizing EV manufacturing, the building of charging networks, tax credits for EV purchasers, and the development of alternative fuel technologies. The goal, Biden says, is to have a minimum of 500,000 EV charging stations installed across the country by 2030.