Concerns surrounding the reliability and availability of public charging infrastructure have long been a significant barrier for prospective electric vehicle (EV) buyers. A recent survey by AAA indicated that just over half of those considering an EV cited public charging as a key concern. However, a recent 600-mile road trip across the United States has provided compelling evidence that the landscape of EV fast charging has undergone a dramatic transformation in just a few years.
The journey, undertaken in an Audi e-tron with a range of approximately 220 miles per charge, saw the driver navigate from their starting point to Montreal and back. Utilising the 'A Better Route Planner' (ABRP) app to optimise charging stops, the experience was described as 'nearly flawless', a stark departure from a similar trip three years prior. The app, which accounts for various factors from vehicle specifications to prevailing weather, accurately guided the driver to reliable charging locations.
A notable stop was at a Rivian charging station near Lebanon, New Hampshire, where six 300-kilowatt chargers were all operational and readily available. The charger accepted a credit card, eliminating the need for a specific app, and delivered over 140 kilowatts, close to the e-tron's maximum charging rate. This efficient and hassle-free experience was replicated on the return journey, underscoring the advancements in network reliability and user convenience.
The only minor hiccup encountered during the entire trip occurred at a Circuit Électrique station outside Montreal, where a card reader malfunctioned. This was swiftly resolved by downloading the network's app and loading it with funds, allowing the charging session to proceed smoothly. Each charging stop typically lasted around 20 minutes, perfectly coinciding with breaks for meals or rest, ensuring that no time was wasted waiting solely for the car to charge.
This positive experience stands in stark contrast to a 350-mile road trip undertaken just three years ago. That earlier journey was plagued with issues, including broken chargers, sessions failing to initiate, and repeated calls to customer service. The significant improvements observed suggest that the charging infrastructure is maturing rapidly, addressing many of the historical pain points that deterred potential EV owners.