7 Automakers plan to add 30,000 charging stations

[len]

Thanks Ray, Should I cancel my 60kWh now… and just enjoy the 40kWh? 🤔 No… I’ll get another color!😉

[Mike-Mars]

Not sure how much difference another 30k stations would make. There are a lot of vehicles in the USA…

[ray-holan]

Hi, Mike. You are smack dab on the $64K question. How many stations do we have now and how many will we need in the coming years. No easy answer. Of course, the promise of 30K stations from this auto industry consortium will help, but how much help is open to debate. Here’s one take on it:

S&P Global Mobility estimates that there are presently around 16,822 Tesla Superchargers and Tesla destination chargers in the United States, along with 126,500 Level 2 and 20,431 Level 3 charging ports.

Note that there’s a difference between counting stations and counting chargers. One station can have one or two chargers or a dozen or more.

[curtis-cibinel]

Most EV charging happens at home. Unfortunately for those without a garage it is very important that apartments, offices and retail spaces implement and maintain level 2. This will be a major requirement in getting EVs past the 60-70% mark. Everyone worries about long trips and DCFC but the infrastructure for it is already not bad (especially for Tesla).

What we need is to be able to charge for 30-120 minutes at 6-10 kw when getting groceries, at the mall, beach etc. If people are easily and consistently able to top up (not much issue for Aptera due to solar) then the idea of 0-100% like gas stations can go away. Level 2 charging needs to be easier and everywhere; understandably businesses need to pass on the cost but we need the system to be simple.

[ray-holan]

Well and wisely put, Curtis. Especially your comment about DC fast charging.