Electric vehicles are increasingly gaining prominence in the automotive industry, thanks to technological advancements that make them a compelling choice for consumers. Significant progress has been made in enhancing their accessibility and convenience.
“The number of charging stations has skyrocketed, and for most people, there is a level 3 charger within a few miles of their home,” said Naymon Frank, a site development manager at EVgo Fast Charging. He has worked there for four years and previously spent five years at Tesla.
A key factor contributing to the increased accessibility of electric vehicles is the expansion of charging infrastructure. Previously, the limited availability, price, and distance between charging stations deterred many potential users, particularly those who frequently undertook long journeys. Today, the growing network of charging stations, coupled with advancements in charging speed, has significantly improved convenience and alleviated concerns related to range and accessibility.
“Also, the ability to use websites like Plugshare or Google Maps to find a charger has made things a lot easier,” Frank mentioned.
Gas stations are everywhere, providing widespread access for drivers of gasoline vehicles. In contrast, electric vehicle charging stations are less prevalent, though efforts are underway to enhance their availability. Platforms such as Google Maps now help someone find the location of charging stations nearby, significantly improving ease of access. Additionally, many charging network providers offer dedicated apps that allow users to locate nearby stations affiliated with their preferred provider. These advancements greatly enhance the convenience of charging, addressing a previously notable difference between electric and gasoline vehicles.
The front trunk is another advantage of electric cars, which makes them more popular. “Due to the lack of transmission and typical gas engine mechanical parts, EVs have much more usable storage,” said Frank. This is just one of the compelling advantages electric vehicles offer, particularly regarding storage capacity. Models such as the Rivian R1T feature a front trunk, or “frunk,” resulting from the absence of a traditional internal combustion engine and transmission. This innovative design provides additional storage space under the hood unavailable in gasoline-powered vehicles, enhancing functionality and practicality for family use.
“One big piece of advice I would give someone buying an electric car is to have access to home or work charging,” says Frank. Access to home charging makes owning an electric car much more convenient. By plugging your car in at night, you can have a fully charged and ready-to-go vehicle for the next day.
Electric vehicle charging technology has advanced significantly, with charging times improving from 4-10 hours to as little as 20 minutes. Despite these advancements, several challenges remain, particularly concerning adaptors. Electric vehicles utilize a range of adaptors, and there is ongoing debate among companies about which standard is the most efficient. Developing a universal adaptor could streamline the process, eliminating the need to search for compatible charging stations or providers.
Many stations have been built around the globe, with California having most of them within ten minutes of each other. However, there are still issues with advancing charging stations. “One big issue is adapting our ancient electrical grids to allow for more Level 3 charging sites,” said Frank.
A Level 3 charging station offers faster charging capabilities, enhancing convenience for users. However, this type of charging station demands significantly higher power levels. Consequently, there are numerous situations where the installation of a charging station is hindered by insufficient local power. While utility companies are actively working to address this issue, progress has been gradual.
“I don’t think we will see full EV adoption until we see the price of the EVs come down and become attainable to people who can afford 20 to 30-thousand-dollar vehicles,” Frank says.
An additional key advantage of electric vehicles is their extended lifespan. Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, electric cars lack numerous mechanical components, resulting in minimal mileage, impacting their longevity. This design advantage contributes to their higher durability and reliability than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. “I think as the used market continues to grow and prices come down, you will see many more people adopting EVs because they are a cheaper, safer, and better way to travel,” said Frank. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to see the adaptation and better accessibility of electric vehicles.
