Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the United States faces significant distribution challenges. As EV adoption grows, so does the demand for charging stations, necessitating more efficient and widespread distribution of charging infrastructure. Blink Charging is looking to help build out this much-needed infrastructure.
A primary challenge is the disparity in charging station availability between urban and rural areas. Cities and semi-populated areas often have a decent number of charging stations, while rural areas lack sufficient infrastructure. This accessibility gap in rural America presents a significant opportunity for companies like Blink Charging to expand their network and provide charging solutions in underserved regions.
Another critical issue is the strain on the power grid caused by the increasing number of EVs needing to be charged. In some cases, townships have restricted the installation of charging stations due to concerns about the grid's capacity. This highlights the need for upgrades and improvements to the power distribution infrastructure to support the growing demand for EV charging.
The lack of EV infrastructure is identified as the number one reason why people do not buy electric vehicles. This underscores the urgent need for companies like Blink Charging and others in the industry to accelerate the installation of charging stations to meet the growing demand for EV charging options.
Addressing these challenges requires a broad perspective. While upgrading the power distribution infrastructure is essential, it is also crucial to explore innovative solutions such as microgrids and battery storage to enhance the resilience of the grid and ensure reliable charging options for EV owners.
The complexity of the EV charging infrastructure challenges, particularly in terms of distribution, underscores the need for collaboration between stakeholders, including utility companies, government agencies, and private sector companies like Blink Charging. By overcoming these obstacles and implementing sustainable solutions, the EV industry can continue to grow and thrive, paving the way for a more sustainable transportation future.
Level 2 charging stations play a critical role in the overall EV charging infrastructure. Despite 90% of all charging events happening on Level 2 charging stations, the industry focus tends to be more on DC fast chargers. This discrepancy in focus could hinder the widespread adoption of EVs and the development of a robust charging infrastructure.
Level 2 chargers are a crucial component of the EV charging network due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation compared to DC fast chargers. They are more accessible and feasible for widespread deployment, especially in residential areas where EV owners can conveniently charge their vehicles overnight.
The average personal use vehicle in the United States sits idle for 90% of the time, highlighting the potential for overnight charging at home with Level 2 chargers. This model of charging aligns with the lifestyle of many EV owners who can plug in their vehicles at night and have them fully charged and ready to go in the morning.
In conclusion, Level 2 charging stations play a critical role in the development of a robust EV charging infrastructure. By prioritizing the deployment of Level 2 chargers and addressing the challenges of distribution and accessibility, the EV industry can overcome barriers to adoption and pave the way for a more sustainable transportation future. Blink Charging is focusing on making these chargers more accessible so more users can and will consider EVs.
Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.
Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.
Todd is the CEO of RawVoice / Blubrry - a podcast media company that represents 105,000 Audio and Video podcasters in which his company provides advertising opportunities, media distribution/hosting, podcast media statistics and other services. He is a podcast advertising specialist. Executing podcast advertising deals with a variety of national vendors for the past 13 years. Todd was responsible for bringing GoDaddy into the Podcast Advertising Space as one of the first podcast advertisers in 2005.
