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How Rational Is EV Fast Charging When Most Cars Are Parked All Day?
The notion of fast charging stations has dominated the discussion surrounding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. However, it’s essential to reconsider this approach in light of a crucial fact: most cars are parked for over 22 hours per day.
The emphasis on fast charging is rooted in “gasoline thinking,” which prioritizes the experience of refilling one’s vehicle in under an hour. This mindset has led to a plethora of news and investment activities centered around faster chargers, higher-power batteries, and dedicated EV gas stations.
While everyone would like fast charging if all factors were equal, they aren’t. Fast charging is notoriously expensive, with wiring costs skyrocketing as the power output increases. Moreover, 10-minute charges require megawatts of energy, an expense that’s unlikely to be justified.
In contrast, slow chargers are incredibly cost-effective. These devices consist of little more than a $5 computer, a switch, thick wires, and a plug – making them significantly cheaper to implement. The infrastructure already exists in almost every building worldwide, as electricity is readily available.
Implementing slow charging solutions would allow for the placement of 50-100 slow chargers at the cost of a single fast charging stall. Fast charging stations are often accompanied by significant land costs, which can be further exacerbated by the need for dedicated electrical gear.
The average driver only needs to charge their vehicle for under 2 hours per day, and most EV drivers already have access to charging at home or in their workplace. This means that the need for fast charging is greatly diminished.
In fact, it’s not difficult to envision a world where people don’t even think about wanting fast charging. If we can make slow charging accessible at places people already stop – such as restaurants, shops, and attractions – the majority of EV drivers will have their charging needs met without requiring fast stations.
Source: www.forbes.com
