Electric vehicle charging stations play a crucial role in supporting the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. However, with the increasing demand for fast chargers, wait times have become a common issue for EV owners. In an effort to reduce congestion and shorten wait times, Electrify America has introduced a new “Congestion Reduction Pilot” program. This program aims to encourage EV owners to quickly move their cars off chargers once they reach an 85% state of charge.
### Introducing the “Congestion Reduction Pilot” Program
Electrify America’s pilot program will implement a state of charge limit of 85% at selected charging stations, starting with 10 stations in California. Once an EV reaches the 85% state of charge, the charger will automatically stop charging, and a 10-minute grace period will begin. If the car is not removed from the charger within the grace period, idle fees will apply. The primary goal of this program is to free up chargers for other users once the EV has completed its bulk charge.
### Benefits of the State of Charge Limit
Most electric vehicles experience a significant reduction in charging speed after reaching around 80% state of charge. For instance, while the 10-80% charge on a Kia EV6 may take approximately 16 minutes on a fast charger, the final 80-100% charge could take an additional 15-20 minutes due to slowing charge rates. By limiting charging to 85%, Electrify America aims to prevent unnecessary clogging of charging stations, thereby reducing wait times and frustration for users.
### Considerations for Road Trips
While the 85% state of charge limit may inconvenience some users on long road trips, Electrify America has taken steps to address this concern. The selected pilot stations are high-utilization locations that are not typically used for road tripping. Factors such as station distance and utilization statistics were considered to ensure that users needing a full 100% charge can find alternative charging options within a reasonable radius.
### Enforcement of the State of Charge Limit
Electrify America is strict in enforcing the 85% state of charge limit. Charging sessions will not commence if an EV’s state of charge exceeds 85%, and attempting to plug back in after reaching the limit will also be prohibited. There are no exceptions for manufacturer-backed charging plans or any other loopholes. The purpose of this enforcement is to ensure fair access to fast chargers for all users.
### Implementation and Future Expansion
The “Congestion Reduction Pilot” program is set to begin this month at selected Electrify America charging stations. The list of participating stations will be regularly updated based on station performance and customer feedback. Electrify America may expand the pilot program to additional stations in the future as it evaluates the effectiveness of the state of charge limit in reducing congestion and wait times.
In conclusion, Electrify America’s “Congestion Reduction Pilot” program represents a proactive approach to addressing the challenges of EV charging congestion. By implementing an 85% state of charge limit at selected stations, the program aims to improve charging efficiency, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall EV charging experience for users. Through thoughtful considerations for road trips and strict enforcement of the charging limit, Electrify America seeks to create a more seamless and equitable charging ecosystem for all electric vehicle owners.