Anywhere there’s an electrical outlet!

BY TIM BENFORD AND RAPP HANKINS OF DRIVE ELECTRIC DAYTON

It is a fact not obvious to non-electric vehicle (EV) owners that every electrical outlet (110v, 220v, or DC fast 480v) is a potential refueling spot for EVs. Electricity is ubiquitous, EVs refuelable by wind, hydro, geothermal, solar, or traditional energy sources. In contrast, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles can only refuel at a gas station licensed to handle and store an inflammable liquid.

Surge in EVSE essential

EV sales are accelerating and are expected to grow exponentially, EV buyers taking personal action to fight the climate crisis, and/or discovering that EVs are safer, faster, more economical, and more fun to drive. 

An exponential increase in EVs will require exponential growth in the availability of locations to charge them. Congress has passed a bipartisan Infrastructure bill that includes $7.5 billion dollars for EV chargers to be deployed across the states over the next several years. Public utilities are beginning to launch EV charger rebate programs that are additive to the VW settlement grant program funds.

It is therefore incumbent upon everyone to understand EV chargers and the factors that affect their location and installation. Specifically, it is essential that business owners and legislators begin planning to locate EV chargers on and around their premises and local areas. Equity issues must be kept in mind as none of us want EV access and EV charging to become the redlining of the 21st Century.

Learn the charging lexicon 

It is important to be familiar with charging level terminology. Level 1 (120v) charging is practical when a charge of approximately 5 mph is acceptable, while Level 2 and Level 3 must be utilized for a faster charge. Most public chargers are Level 2 or Level 3.

Level 2 key siting principles

Level 2 chargers are ideal for local attractions and destinations with high traffic volumes and long dwell times, such as shopping centers, workplaces, recreational facilities, and multi-unit dwellings, especially in charging deserts. Installing Level 2 chargers will build goodwill and loyalty, attract new customers, retain existing customers, increase revenue per customer, and respond to demand. Installation costs will be impacted by the charger’s distance from an available power supply and electrical panel, as well as by the age of the facility involved.

Level 3 DC Fast Charger (DCFC) key siting principles

Level 3 DCFCs should be within one mile of FHWA designated Alternative Fuel Corridors with locations 50 miles apart to support lower range EVs. They should have high traffic volume, access to ample parking, and proximity to restaurants or other publicly available amenities, as well as to  3-phase power or the ability to upgrade. 

The best sites for DCFC corridor sites are highly visible, well-lit, and accessible locations adjacent to highways and proximate to consumer amenities and an adequate utility power supply,

For urban and residential DCFC sites, retail amenities are desirable but not essential. High traffic volume is essential in order to encourasge shared mobility. Access both in and out should be easy, including for medium-duty EVs.

Local DCFC: Factors affecting the equity of EV charging

DC Fast Charging is needed in support of transportation services users (taxis, Uber, Lyft, etc…) and for local fleets used by multi-unit dwelling residents, intercity travelers, and local individual EV owners. DCFC's are particularly essential in underserved communities where charging appliances are limited.

Until local and state governments offer incentives and rebates to install Level 2 chargers at homes or in multi-family units, DCFC's, while expensive, provide an equitable way for new EV drivers to fuel.

Potential public locations

EV chargers can be iistalled at:

• Car washes  

• Churches

• Community centers

• Entertainment venues

• EV service centers

• EV dealerships

• Gas stations

• Grocery chain stores

• Highway rest stops 

• Highway travel centers

• Hospitals

• Hotel/motels 

• Box stores

• Multistory parking garages

• Municipal parking areas

• Museums

• Public libraries

• Public parks

• Public schools

• Restaurants

• Shopping centers and malls

• Small rural villages

• Sports stadiums

• Travel centers on toll roads

• Truck stops

• Universities

• Urgent care facilities

• Veterans association centers

Charger types and electricity pricing

Use Google to search for available chargers, but bear in mind the two main versions: non-networked (i.e., not internet-connected) and networked (internet-connected). With the former, the electricity is provided by the charger owner (unless an ‘honesty box’ of some kind is set up nearby). These so-called ‘dumb’ chargers are less expensive to install and are essential for deployment in underserved areas where a lack of affordable EV charging will inhibit adoption. 

Level 2 and 3 networked chargers capture usage and event data for the benefit of the charger owner. They also enable the EV driver to pay for the electricity at point of sale. As there are some 19 different Level 3 charging networks, if EV owners use more than one network, paying for a charge may involve separate membership account setups and payment methods. However, companies such as Aeon Charge simplify the process, enabling drivers to access any charger with one account.

National and personal security to transition to renewable energy

Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has made it clear that relying on fossil fuels sold by foreign countries makes the US and its citizens very vulnerable, both personally and nationally. Developing our US renewable energy capacity mitigates that risk, helps reduce the nation’s CO2 emissions, and addresses the climate crisis. Anywhere there is an electrical outlet, it is possible to begin to heal the planet and plan for a brighter future.