Electrify America Launches “Congestion Reduction Pilot” Program to Reduce Wait Times at Charging Stations
Electrify America recently unveiled its “Congestion Reduction Pilot” program in an effort to alleviate long wait times at its charging stations. The company aims to achieve this by implementing a state of charge limit of 85% at selected stations, starting with ten locations in California. Once an electric vehicle (EV) reaches this limit, the charger will automatically stop charging, and a ten-minute grace period will begin. If the car remains connected to the charger after this grace period, idle fees will be applied.
The rationale behind this program is to encourage owners to move their vehicles from fast chargers once they have completed their “bulk charge.” Currently, most EVs experience a significant decrease in charging speed beyond 80% state of charge. For instance, on a fast charger that operates at its maximum charge rate, it takes approximately 16 minutes to charge a Kia EV6 from 10% to 80%. However, the time required to reach full charge (80% to 100%) increases to at least 15-20 minutes due to the reduced charge rate. This inefficiency leads to unnecessary congestion at charging stations, resulting in frustration for those waiting in line.
While the program aims to reduce wait times for most users, it does acknowledge that certain situations may require a complete charge. Therefore, the selected pilot stations are strategically located at high-utilization locations that are not typically used for long-distance road trips. Electrify America considered the distance between stations and station utilization statistics when choosing these locations. Thus, individuals who require a full 100% charge can find alternative charging options within a reasonable radius.
It is important to note that Electrify America strictly enforces the state of charge limit. Attempts to start a charging session with an EV that exceeds 85% state of charge will be unsuccessful. Similarly, once a charging session is terminated at the 85% limit, plugging back in will not initiate another charging session. The company maintains that there will be no exceptions for manufacturer-backed charging plans or any other loopholes, ensuring a fair and consistent application of the program rules.
The “Congestion Reduction Pilot” program is set to begin this month, with the initial ten pilot stations in California. Electrify America has provided a list of these stations, which will be continually updated as the company monitors station performance and customer sentiment. This proactive approach demonstrates the company’s commitment to improving the charging experience for EV owners and further promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.
In conclusion, Electrify America’s “Congestion Reduction Pilot” program is a response to the growing demand for EV charging and the need to reduce congestion at charging stations. By implementing an 85% state of charge limit at selected stations, the program seeks to minimize wait times and enhance the overall charging experience. The strategic placement of the pilot stations ensures that individuals requiring a full charge can find alternative options nearby. As Electrify America monitors the program’s performance and customer feedback, it remains dedicated to finding innovative solutions that support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
