What is the largest charging network in the US?
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Public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations aren’t rare anymore. On vacations in tourist towns, we now see zero emission vehicles and EV charging stations as common sites. Cities are transitioning municipal land into charging oases. EV charging stations are situated next to carriage corrals and take-out parking spots at shopping malls, in city garages and beside museums.
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Increasing environmental pollution has led to the need to accelerate consumer purchases of EVs. Electric vehicles represent a key technology in the mitigation of transportation greenhouse gas emissions, and ambitious EV adoption targets have been set by many governments by 2030 and beyond.
Simultaneously, the EV charging infrastructure has to co-evolve with the uptake of EV sales. The rollout of EV charging infrastructure is vital in achieving zero emissions goals, as the uptake of EVs is linked to the level of coverage of EV chargers. A successful, comprehensive transition is necessarily supported by networks of robust EV charging stations to accommodate drivers on an as-needed basis.
Although just a few years ago EV charging stations were infrequently and haphazardly located, now more states and private companies have invested in EV charging infrastructure. That collective focus on enhancing EV charging station access is important, as having ample EV public charging stations alleviates range anxiety of EV drivers. It assures consumers that EVs provide similar performance to internal combustion engine vehicles and allows EV drivers to maintain their existing activities.
In fact, research shows that adequate placement and amounts of charging can fulfill 90% EV drivers’ travel demand without having EV drivers alter their daily routines.
With the constantly increasing number of EV charging stations arriving in our communities, it is simpler and more convenient than ever to plan a trip away from home with your EV. Because the market for EV charging is in its early stages, it’s important to know which EV charging stations are the most reliable, well-located, safe, and compatible with your EV.
Let’s take a look at the highest ranked EV charging stations in the US and compare their features.
The Top EV Charging Stations in the US
Tesla Supercharger Network: Tesla owns and operates the largest global, fast charging network in the world. With over 40,000 Superchargers across the globe and the ability to add up to 200 miles in 15 minutes, the Tesla Supercharger network continues to be highly ranked among competitors. As of 2022, you’d find over 2,500 Supercharger locations in North America located on major routes near convenient amenities. Of course, this network is proprietary — right now, only Tesla drivers can utilize it, although that is slowly changing. Your credit card is stored on your Tesla app, so charging is seamless. Some Tesla owners who purchased prior to 2018 may still be eligible for complimentary charging, but new Tesla models don’t qualify for this incentive.
EVgo: Heads turned at CES 2023 when Amazon revealed it was forming a deal with EVgo, a maker of EV charging systems. The joint venture will provide a service to streamline the process of locating, paying, and initiating recharging sessions at an EVgo station. Scheduled for a late 2023 launch, the Alexa-assisted EV charging service is purported to be able to connect drivers to more than 150,000 US public charging stations through EVgo’s PlugShare map. EVgo has 850+ fast charging locations; current fast-charge capable EV models they can serve are listed here.
ChargePoint: With a constantly evolving infrastructure, ChargePoint is one of the best known providers of electric vehicle supply equipment. On the road, you can plug in at any of ChargePoint’s own locations, or use one of their partner stations with your ChargePoint account. The company says it is the “only network with an integrated portfolio of hardware, cloud services and support delivering the smoothest possible experience for all businesses and drivers.” ChargePoint receives high overall marks from experts.
Electrify America: It’s easy to forget the Dieselgate scandal in 2017 that was the precursor to Electrify America. Penalties levied on Volkswagen due to deceptive practices regarding diesel emissions required the automotive giant to invest in EV chargers and promote the adoption of electric vehicles. $2 billion later, there are nearly 3500 EV charging stations around the US. The charging infrastructure is continually modified and improved and, according to reviews, seems to be true to its promise to increase awareness and foster education about EVs, charging availability, and the benefits of electric mobility through various means such as ride and drives, multi-channel advertising, website, social media, and educational programs.
Blink: Blink was one of the first companies to move into the public charging space at scale. Blink launched 5 new products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023. The new products include the Vision, EQ 200, Series 3, PQ 150, and 30kW DC Fast Charger, which are designed to serve the increasing demands of the growing EV markets across the US, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The company states that, as it is “building on 14 years of experience, Blink is the only complete, end-to-end solution for the EV charging ecosystem.”
Volta: Volta has a network of over 2,000 charging stations that are free for the first 30 minutes. The EV charging and media company is collaborating with Imagen Energy, a developer of compact high-power EV chargers, to develop and commercialize the next generation of domestically manufactured DC Fast Charging technology. The project was awarded a grant from the US Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy is part of a subset group that have been determined to be feasible for widespread deployment and commercialization domestically.
Final Thoughts about EV Charging Stations
The rapid growth in the sale of electric vehicles will only increase. Currently, however, the market is in a period of transition, as companies and cities scale up to meet the demands. While the companies chronicled above are at the forefront of EV charging in the US right now, other companies and trends will emerge in the next few years that will certainly change the industry.
For example, EVs can assist the aging US electrical grid as it tries to handle the rising demand for electricity during peak load times through Vehicle to Grid charging technology — the two-way charging in which the EV both charges and discharges.
To respond to EV diffusion forecasts, the charging infrastructure must be further expanded to ensure sufficient and attractive charging options for EV drivers. Once achieved, adequate availability of charging options will smooth consumer reluctance and become a relevant factor in EV purchase decisions.
Over the month of January, we at CleanTechnica will be focusing a bit extra on EV charging as a very important component of the larger transportation electrification picture.
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The rising earth’s temperature and melting glaciers are crucial factors in drastic changes in the weather pattern. Some researchers have suggested electric vehicles are needed to resolve these rising issues and reduce urban pollution. Hence, the demand for EVs is rising. In the last decade, several startups have crafted some marvelous battery vehicles. The demand was shooting to nominal levels. The reason was the lack of electric vehicle charging networks. However, this was resolved again by enthusiastic entrepreneurs and startups.
It was governments around the globe to impose strict actions to curb urban tailpipe pollution. Which further resulted in investing in electric vehicles and charging networks. As the demand for electric vehicles increases, the number of charging stations is also increasing at a brisk pace. The companies are receiving funding to broaden their network.
Electric Vehicle Charging Networks at a Glance
The EV consumer market in the United States is rapidly expanding. In the third quarter of 2023, EV and hybrid sales accounted for 18% of US light-duty vehicle sales; Americans purchased one million fully electric vehicles for the year. According to market studies, general consumer satisfaction with electric vehicles is very high. In fact, 80% of EV owners said they would buy another EV because of the convenience of charging at home, the delight of driving, the car quality and reliability, and the low cost of ownership. In early 2023, seven major automakers announced a new cooperative effort to build 30,000 new chargers beginning this summer, significantly expanding the total number of public EV chargers. The United States has around 165,000+ public charging ports as of December 2023. Further, it is available across 64,000+ charging locations. It includes Type 2 and DC fast chargers.
Now let us explore TOP 5 biggest EV charging companies USA:
1. ChargePoint
ChargePoint operates in 31 countries and has the world’s largest network of electric vehicle charging stations. It has 300,000 AC and DC charging locations worldwide. With the best technology available, the company has created a completely integrated portfolio of hardware, cloud services, and support. ChargePoint operates around 48,000 public charging stations across the world. In the United States alone, there are around 31,000 publicly accessible charging stations. The extensive network in the United States encompasses 30 states, with the majority of locations located in California, Texas, and Florida. This widespread charging infrastructure makes it the largest EV charging networks.
2. EVgo
EVgo is an established charging network in the US. It has the best EV charging network USA. To make charging more convenient, the company is forming alliances with retail hosts, hotels, shopping centers, gas station parking lot operators, and others. With over 950 fast charging stations spread throughout 35 states, EVgo makes charging available in a variety of locations. They provide chargers for homes, companies, fleets, and public locations, as well as Level 2 and DC fast charging options. Their smartphone app provides EV drivers with capabilities like charging station location, real-time availability, navigation, and charging session management. Collaborations with industry titans such as General Motors and Pilot Company expand their reach and impact inside the EV ecosystem. The company plans to expand its network by 2,000 charging stalls with this partnership.
3. EV Connect
EV Connect belongs to the top electric vehicle charging networks in the US. With a focus on managing electricity as a fuel, EV Connect enables businesses and organizations to harness the power of EV charging. Their comprehensive solutions address a wide range of requirements, from huge enterprises and parking garage owners to multi-unit residences and institutions. EV Connect provides infrastructure solutions for commercial, retail, and residential buildings, as well as open protocol software for EVSEs. It provides a combination of Level 2 and 3 stations across the United States and Canada. The corporation has a significant number of charging stations on the east and west coasts of the United States. EV Connect is expanding its reach beyond the United States, providing solutions in Europe and other locations. To date, EV Connect has deployed 7,000 charging stations.
4. Blink Charging
Blink Charging is one of the early pioneers in Level 2 and Level 3 charging infrastructure across the US. Founded in 2009, it has 5,000 locations and covers approximately 27 states in the US. The company has the largest concentration of charging stations in California, Arizona, Oregon, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Washington. It is one of the fastest-growing electric vehicle charging networks in the USA. Blink Charging focuses on providing end-to-end EV charging solutions through a diverse range of products and services, catering to residential, commercial, and public needs. They aim to make EV charging accessible and convenient for everyone, paving the way for wider electric vehicle adoption. Blink prioritizes renewable energy integration and energy efficiency practices, aligning with eco-conscious consumers and businesses.
5. Electrify America
Started in 2016, Electrify America is a relatively new charging station network in the US. Born from Volkswagen’s commitment to cleaner transportation, Electrify America focuses on high-speed DC fast charging stations strategically placed along highways and in urban areas. They aim to eliminate range anxiety and accelerate EV adoption by providing a reliable, convenient, and accessible charging network. The company has a mission to spend $2 billion on electric car charging infrastructure in the US. As of October 2023, Electrify America has more than 840 charging locations and over 3,700 individual charging units. This includes over 100 charging units that are coming soon. Their network features up to 150 kilowatts (kW) and 350 kW chargers, which are some of the fastest speeds available today. It is marked as one of the top electric vehicle charging networks in the USA.
In Conclusion
The above-mentioned are the top 5 EV charging companies. There are a couple more notable electric vehicle charging networks, like the Tesla Supercharger and Wallbox. Private companies are playing a significant role in building out the charging infrastructure. Automakers, charging network operators, and technology firms are investing in building new charging stations, such as Electric Car Charger Installation in San Jose CA. Efforts are being made to enhance interoperability between different charging networks, allowing users to access various charging stations with a single account or payment method. Federal and state governments, along with utility companies, are investing in the expansion of EV charging infrastructure. Grants, incentives, and partnerships are aimed at accelerating the deployment of charging stations.
Also Read: Four Things to Consider When Buying a First Car