Charging Anxiety Remains a Barrier to Adoption
Electric vehicle (EV) charging remains a top concern among many North Americans looking to make the transition to an electric car. Indeed, in addition to range anxiety – the fear of not having enough charge to get to a destination – many consumers are also concerned about not being able to find a reliable and fast charger. This is often referred to as “charging anxiety.”
Although range anxiety is essentially a non-issue with many of today’s EVs, which provide a range of over 250 miles (402 km), challenges around public charging still exist. According to a recent study by Cox Automotive, 32 percent of consumers who were considering an EV said that a lack of charging stations in their area prevented them from purchasing an EV. As well, J.D. Power’s recent 2024 Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study found that overall satisfaction for Level 3 DC fast chargers improved, but factors like speed, reliability, and availability of chargers still need to be addressed to accelerate EV adoption.
The good news is that EV charging is getting better each day. Traditional automakers are starting to take a more active role in improving the DC fast charger network and experience.
A Growing Number of EV Chargers
According to the US Department of Energy, there are currently over 66,000 Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast charging stations in the United States. More importantly, within those charging stations, there are over 190,000 charging ports available for individual vehicles in the US alone.
Since the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law announcement in 2021, the number of charging ports in the U.S. has grown by 96 percent, from over 97,000 ports in 2021 to over 190,000 ports in August 2024. Level 2 charging ports increased by 86 percent to over 145,000 in 2024. DC fast charging ports increased by a staggering 260 percent to over 45,000, thanks to the investment by governments, charging companies, and most recently auto manufacturers.
While Level 2 public chargers are a great option, more DC fast chargers are needed along major corridors in order to facilitate travel over longer distances within North America. It will take some time and investment, but the number of public chargers is well underway to reach the Administration’s goal of 500,000 chargers by 2030.
Level 2 vs. Level 3 DC Fast Charging
Public chargers in North America are available as different levels, either Level 2 or Level 3 (DC fast charging). Level 2 uses AC power between 208-240 volts and can usually charge most modern EVs from empty to full in about eight hours, depending on the vehicle, charger, and other factors.
Level 3 DC fast charging, as the name suggests uses DC current and is the quickest way to charge. DC charging speed and time can vary greatly, but on average, many modern EVs can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent state of charge in less than an hour.
What Are the Challenges with DC Fast Charging?
Aside from the number of DC fast chargers needed, there are some challenges that are currently being addressed.
Many EV drivers report issues with the reliability of the non-Tesla Level 3 chargers. Charger “uptime” refers to the percentage of time that a charging station is in operation and ready to successfully charge an EV. This is a key measurement of charger reliability. EV drivers report that chargers are often not functioning properly, down for maintenance, not charging at optimal speeds, or stop charging part way through the charging session. That’s one reason why new chargers installed as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program will have to adhere to the 97% uptime requirement in order for companies to receive funding.
The wide range of networked and non-networked chargers means that EV drivers experience different payment procedures, and sometimes the need to download various apps in order to charge their EVs. Some non-Tesla chargers can operate similar to a Tesla Superchager, and feature Plug and Charge – a feature that allows EV charging just by plugging it in without an app or point-of-sale payment. Unfortunately, not all networks and chargers have this feature.
Unlike Tesla vehicles and the Supercharger network, EVs from other automakers don’t directly communicate with the chargers or the networks. In-car route planning in those non-Tesla vehicles will map out the chargers needed to complete your trip based on the charger’s location and advertised speed. However, unlike Teslas on the Supercharger network, they can’t determine whether a charger is working, occupied, or down for maintenance.
Non-Tesla drivers might need to use apps like Plugshare to help determine if they can successfully charge at the destined charger. Furthermore, when initiating a charging session on-site at the charger, a vehicle may not successfully communicate with the charger. This “handshake” is needed to start and continue a successful charging session.
The current location and layout of many DC fast charging stations also presents some challenges. Many are isolated, poorly lit, and far away from amenities. This sometimes presents some security concerns while charging. With the increasing number of electric pickup trucks and large SUVs entering the market, it’s becoming evident that the current layout of some charging stations doesn’t accommodate larger vehicles and trailers.
DC fast chargers also currently have a mix of three different connectors – CHAdeMO, CCS, and the Tesla (also referred to as the J3400 or NACS) connector. While CHAdeMO is disappearing in North America, the majority of non-Tesla vehicles are equipped with the CCS connector. Adapters are the current solution as the industry converges to the Tesla-style connector over the next few years.
Tesla Supercharger Access
In the world of DC fast charging networks, Tesla’s Supercharger network remains the benchmark. Tesla has been building its own charging network to support its EV sales since 2012. The locations, breadth of the network, vehicle interface, and reliability are unmatched by any of the larger charging networks. As one of the largest charging networks in the US with over 2,200 Supercharger stations and over 27,000 charging ports, the Tesla Supercharger network represents nearly 60 percent of all the DC fast charging ports in the US.
Until recently, the Supercharger network was exclusively available to Tesla owners in North America. In 2023, Tesla officially announced that it would open its network to other automakers. Rivian and Ford were the first automakers to gain access to the Tesla network in 2024. GM recently announced that it also gained access for its EVs. Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, and Polestar are among the next round of automakers which will gain access, with the remainder of automakers leading up to 2025.
Ionna Charging Network
Unlike Tesla, many of the traditional automakers initially decided to focus only on the vehicles, leaving the charging infrastructure to government and the charging companies to figure out. However, recently many legacy automakers are starting to take a more active role in the deployment of public EV chargers.
The new Ionna Network was founded by eight legacy automakers in 2023. BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and most recently Toyota, formed a consortium to invest over $10 billion from 2025 to 2030 with the goal of building 30,000 DC fast charger stalls by 2030 – potentially more chargers than Tesla and Electrify America.
The Ionna network also aims to make EV charging more convenient, accessible, and reliable for vehicles equipped with a CCS and NACs port. Instead of an isolated charging station, Ionna aims for its network to be more like a destination site with restrooms, food service, retail operations, digital integration, canopies, and leisure activities.
Vehicle-to-charger integration and communication will also be possible using an automaker’s in-vehicle and in-app experiences. This will make in-car route planning and navigation more precise for longer road trips with the ability to relay charger status when in route to the charger. It will also help facilitate the vehicle-to-charger handshake for more successful charging sessions.
How Automakers Are Helping EV Charging
Initially, many automakers like GM, Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota just offered free charging on a major charging network, like EVgo or ChargePoint, when purchasing one of their EVs. However, recently, many automakers are engaging with established EV charging networks on individual projects to improve the consumer experience.
Mercedes-Benz is exploring DC fast charging stations in major hubs, city centers, major routes, and select dealerships. The company plans to build over 2,500 DC Fast Chargers in 400 hubs by 2027. It also plans to be able to deliver up to 400kW at every charger – the fastest in North America. Owners will be able to enjoy amenities, refreshments, lounges, and visit retailers while their EV is charging. Mercedes-Benz owners will be able to reserve chargers and pay using their Mercedes Me Connect app ahead of time and be able to use Plug and Charge at every charger. Starbucks and Mercedes-Benz recently announced DC Fast Charging available at 100 Starbuck locations in the US, with the first ones located along the Interstate 5 (I-5), a major corridor to Canada and Mexico.
GM has had a partnership with EVgo since 2022. Together with EVgo, one of the largest networks in the US, GM began to install DC fast charging stations at Pilot and Flying J locations across the US along major corridors. The companies also recently announced another project for 400 additional charging stalls in major metro areas across the US, that will feature 350kW chargers, canopies, pull-through stations, lighting, and security. Flagship stations will be located near a diverse set of amenities, including shopping, dining, coffee shops, and other services.
Volkswagen Group of America (which includes the Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and upcoming Scout brands) established the Electrify America network in 2016. Today, it is one of the largest DC fast charger networks in the US. and has provided discounted charging rates or free charging for owners of BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, VinFast, Volvo, and VW vehicles. It’s expanding with new and more reliable hyper-fast 350kW charger stations located near shopping, dining, and entertainment. Electrify America is also rethinking the design of its charging station locations with its new flagship EV charging hub in San Franscisco. It’s an indoor station with 20 charging stalls, complimentary Wi-Fi, restrooms, lounges, workstations, meeting spaces, security, and other amenities.
Conclusion: A Better Charging Experience for Consumers
All these investments in the North American DC fast charging networks will benefit current EV owners, help increase electric vehicle adoption, and provide a better charging experience.
The increasing number of DC fast chargers that are expected over the next few years will make it easier for EV drivers to drive on longer road trips, reduce charger congestion, and offer more options for charging their EV. It will also help alleviate both range and charging anxiety.
Vehicle-to-charger integration means that non-Tesla vehicles will be able to experience more precise and real time route planning that many Tesla owners enjoy today. It also means that vehicles will better communicate with the charger on-site when initiating a charging session handshake, for a smoother charging process without using an app or payment method.
Pull-through charger stalls will allow the increasing number of EVs with trailers to charge with ease. More high-powered 350kW and 400kW chargers will provide faster charging. Canopies, lighting, indoor options, and security will allow drivers to charge safely while enjoying the on-site or nearby amenities.
DC fast charging in North America is not without its challenges. But this is improving rather quickly. Traditional automakers have joined Tesla and major charging networks in rethinking the way EV owners charge at charging stations. It will take time, but as the automotive and charging industries work together, EV drivers will benefit from a much better charging experience.
