Imagine pulling up to a gas station with your fuel gauge on empty. The warning light is flashing and you’re incredibly anxious. You turn off the engine, step outside, remove the gas cap, and grab the nozzle. That’s when your heart sinks and your blood pressure spikes. The pump is out of order with no indication whatsoever! No sign, no blinking light. A routine transaction has just become a very frustrating ordeal.
That’s what far too many EV owners experience each and every day.
Yes, they’re operating a completely different kind of vehicle. But the letdown that comes from a bad customer experience is universal. And the scenario above is eerily similar to public charging ports across the country that commonly fail to work without notice, leaving EV drivers equally discouraged and dismayed.
It’s absolutely true that expanding our nation’s EV charging infrastructure is important. But installation is only half the battle. The key to widespread electric mobility lies in maintaining reliable charging hardware that’s accessible to as many drivers as possible—while also being intuitive and incredibly easy to use, even for first-time EV owners.
"The key to widespread electric mobility lies in maintaining reliable charging hardware that’s accessible to as many drivers as possible—while also being intuitive and incredibly easy to use, even for first-time EV owners"
To nurture, develop, and promote electric vehicle usage, the following core principles should become commonplace within the eMobility industry:
Compatibility:Charging stations should be built on open standards, ensuring compatibility with every EV model and software provider. Drivers should be able to charge their vehicles regardless of their network or vehicle type—enabling them to easily get in, get out, and get on with their journeys.
Accessibility: Charging stations should be fully accessible to every EV driver. Designs should be ADA-compliant and include displays and charging cables at wheelchair-accessible heights. Display screens should also be readable in any light and from multiple angles.
Predictability:Charging stations should be electronically monitored 24/7. If a station becomes unavailable due to service needs or planned maintenance, the charging apps should be instantly notified, allowing drivers to plan their charging accordingly. This timely information will help eliminate guesswork from the charging process.
Simplicity: Charging stations should deliver an effortless user experience that takes the guesswork out of plugging in. Operational status should also be visually displayed, showing that a charger is on-line, up and ready to go. If service is ever disrupted, drivers should be alerted to select the next working port without having to leave the vehicle.
Adaptivity: Charging stations should be designed from the start to adapt to the future needs of EV charging. Many of the innovations that underpin the mobility transition are still evolving, but one thing is clear—the only constant is change. And the industry should be ready for what’s next.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, the past eight years were the warmest on record—meaning that the steps we can take to nurture, develop, and promote eMobility are the steps that we must take.
Establishing a zero-emission future will depend greatly on the adoption of electric vehicles as a viable alternative to the status quo—which is why it’s so important that we enable all EV drivers to charge with confidence and ease.
By adhering to the core principles of Compatibility, Accessibility, Predictability, Simplicity, and Adaptivity, we can create an infrastructure that meets the needs of EV drivers and encourages the transition to sustainable transportation.
