EV concerns: Charging concerns exceed cruising range

These days, most drivers don't worry about whether their electric vehicle (EV) can travel long distances. But when it comes to charging, you're faced with an important question: Will there be a charger available at the next stop? How long does it take to charge? How much does it cost?

Until now, conversations about EVs have largely centered on range concerns, or the fear that the battery will run out of power before reaching the charging station. However, advances in battery technology have come a long way in recent years, and while concerns about EV range are easing, a new concern has arisen: anxiety about charging.

Solve charging concerns

Much of today's charging anxiety is driven by a lack of standardization across existing charging networks. In many locations, EV users must contend with differences in plug types, payment options, communication protocols between chargers, and even charging speeds. What should be a simple task of connecting and charging an EV turns into a complex and confusing experience.

In addition to juggling multiple subscriptions and apps, EV drivers have to contend with less-than-reliable information about charging points. For example, an app may direct an EV user to a charging station where a compatible charger is available. However, upon arrival, the driver discovered that the charger was either broken or already in use by another vehicle. Or maybe the app said there was a fast charger available, but there wasn't, leaving the driver without a charge for longer than expected.

Things like this mean there's a lot for EV drivers to manage. They are trying to understand the price of charging, speed and where charging points are available. That creates a layer of complexity that most drivers have never experienced before.

How can I solve it?

Charging concerns are more than just a headache for EV drivers. It is a major barrier to mass adoption of electric mobility. And this issue needs to be addressed in order for more people to transition to electronic products.

Fortunately, policymakers seem to be paying attention. The Council of the European Union recently adopted new legislation that aims to address many of the current issues regarding charging. The regulation, scheduled to come into force in 2025, will expand charging infrastructure along Europe's major highways, enable payments without apps or subscriptions, and require clear communication of prices and charger availability. .

Location technology companies have an equally important role to play in addressing charging anxiety. First, a solution where the automaker provides the driver with more reliable and useful data on everything related to charging, such as providing directions to his nearest EV charger and charging prices at various stations. It starts with supporting the development of

Embracing the future of driving

Data is powerful, but getting it to drivers is just as important. Your choice is to search a map for multiple identical EV charging stations, or go straight to the nearest 3 stations with a personally selected compatible and readily available fast charger. Either. This is where the EV driving experience is revolutionized by car navigation.

Traditionally, the only function of navigation was to guide the driver to a destination. When driving an EV, drivers need to consider where they need to stop, want to stop, and can actually stop. The goal is seamless mobility, meaning you can just get in your car and hit the road without thinking. Therefore, in the car, location technology providers strive to create user experiences that alleviate these concerns.

Charging concerns are more than just a headache for EV drivers.It is a major barrier to mass adoption of electric mobility.

How those experiences are shaped is heavily influenced by personalization. This would require data from a driver's various CPO or eMSP subscriptions to be integrated with navigation within the dashboard to display current charges for charging stations in the area. Additionally, this means that the transition between in-car technology and other digital touchpoints for other drivers will be smoother, ensuring drivers always have access to the information they need.

While there are still hurdles to overcome to reduce charging anxiety, a more integrated and easy charging infrastructure will lead to a future with enhanced data and tools for drivers to navigate their charging experience. Envisioning promises a bright and inspiring future.