EV Charging Station Frustrations
As we usher in the new wave of technological advancements, electric vehicle charging stations are becoming ever more prevalent. However, while they promise a cleaner future, these terminals still leave much to be desired. From inconsistent infrastructure to broken chargers and confusing networks that leave drivers confused, here are reasons why not all charging stations are equal.
Incompatible Connectors
Not every charging station is the same, and not all electric vehicles use the same power adapter. Drivers may arrive at the charging station only to find out that they have the wrong type of connector. Incompatibility among adapters remains a major issue for electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts, as universal standards have yet to be established.
Broken or Offline Chargers
A common complaint from electric vehicle owners is that they will arrive at a terminal only to find that it is out of order. While charging stations can be few and far between as is, this leaves drivers feeling frustrated and neglected.
Slow Charging Speeds
Not all terminals offer fast charging. This can be particularly frustrating for drivers who are in a rush and need to be at their destination on time. Some charging stations only offer Level 2 speed availability, which can take several hours to charge from a completely empty state.
Crowded Stations
As electric vehicles become more common, their charging stations have become more crowded. This can be especially challenging for those who cannot wait in line for a long time to charge. The demand has grown, but the infrastructure has yet to keep up.
Poor Charging App Integration
Different charging stations will often use different apps, as there is no universally available option. Many stations require different payment setups, separate accounts, and membership plans. This can be confusing to drivers who are used to regular fueling configurations. And in the age of convenience, having to fiddle through multiple applications feels outdated.
Hidden Fees
In the electric vehicle world, drivers struggle to predict costs and compare rates. This is due to charging costs varying significantly from station to station. Another aspect is that different terminals work out their costs differently. Some charge by kilowatt-hour, others by time, and some even by the duration of idling.
Limited Amenities Nearby
Unlike traditional gas stations, many electric vehicle charging terminals are located in rather inconvenient and desolate areas. Charging can take up to hours, depending on the location, and without bathrooms, food, or shelter, the lack of comforts can seriously affect traveling.
No Real-Time Availability Information
Unfortunately, when it comes to real-time information regarding a charging station's availability, the technology isn’t quite up to speed yet. Delayed updates and a lack of real-time data is cause for inconvenience. Some apps will indicate that a terminal is available, but drivers often report that they will arrive only to find that the station is in use.
Poor Lighting and Safety Concerns
With electric vehicle charging stations often being located in inconvenient and isolated areas, charging up at night can pose a serious safety concern. Terminals are not regularly designed or thought of with safety in mind, and this causes many electric enthusiasts great discomfort.
Inefficient Charging Layouts
From awkwardly placed charges to short cables and tight parking spaces, not every station is designed ergonomically. This is especially difficult for larger electric vehicles. An unconventional charging layout can make even a functioning charging station a source of frustration.
Lack of Uniform Standards
One of the biggest problems plaguing the electric vehicle world is the lack of consistency between charging networks. From varying payment methods to different charging speeds and signage, it can all be quite daunting for new EV owners. Without more standardised systems available, this often leaves drivers feeling like they are constantly guessing how their next charge will go.
