June 27, 2019
Though electric vehicle systems have grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years, many individuals and professionals struggle to reconcile a number of lifestyle and accessibility changes in order to optimize electric driving. One of the biggest issues that face many prospective owners is the process of charging vehicles. Because electric vehicle battery ranges are still being optimized, drivers may find it difficult to find the appropriate charging company right for them. As more and more charging infrastructure options grow and develop, drivers will have to struggle with each charging membership's specific quirks. However, thanks to recent developments in the United States, it has become easier for drivers to switch between major networks.
Before, electric car owners would have to operate through different RFID dongles or standalone apps in order to activate and pay for their vehicle's charging needs. Now, however, drivers can look forward to a greater degree of accessibility thanks to Electrify America and Chargepoint. The two industry giants have recently reached an agreement that will focus on providing drivers with easier access to EV charging networks, especially for drivers who need to switch between networks according to localized convenience. This roaming partnership will allow immediate access to public chargers through both networks without the need for drivers to register or configure their payment options. Many also hope that such a development will encourage other charging companies to form similar opportunities for their drivers.
This plan is set to begin later in 2019, and it is expected to connect over 30,000 DC and Level 2 chargers from both companies all over the United States. Electrify America, which is an entity that was originally developed by Volkswagen as a major part of the company's settlement with United States regulations regarding diesel emissions, has promised to invest over two billion dollars over the course of 10 years in order to help develop electric education and cleaner energy infrastructure. In addition to the mutual agreement, Electrify America is also expecting to develop close to 500 electric vehicle charging stations, with over 2,000 dispensers to be installed by July 1st.
These developments are being planned with the consumer in mind. With the two biggest electric vehicle charging services in the country coming together to provide drivers with more opportunities to optimize their charging convenience, experts are hoping that the nebulous electric vehicle landscape will continue to change for the better. More and more drivers are interested in working with electric vehicles, but there are still many hurdles that need to be addressed before the electric vehicle market can dominate over the combustion engine. With such infrastructure plans, however, many are optimistic for the future of electric car accessibility.