How Utility Companies Are Changing EV Charging Infrastructure in the US
Growth in the electric vehicle market is accelerating rapidly, with more drivers than ever choosing to make the switch from gas-powered vehicles to EVs. That has motivated both the public and private sectors, from local municipalities to business owners and building managers, to start working together to expand the EV charging infrastructure in the U.S.
This effort will require innovative solutions in order to create more access to non-residential charging options if the public and private sectors are going to adequately address the needs of EV drivers – and eliminate the dreaded ‘range anxiety’ that remains a barrier to EV adoption.
So, how could electric vehicles impact the electric grid overall, and what are some of the benefits of utility companies leading the charge for expanding access to the EV charging infrastructure in the U.S.?
Electric Vehicles and the Grid
Today, the total market share of electric vehicles in the United States is not at a point where their impact on the electric grid as a whole is a factor. However, as EVs become even more commonplace in the next several decades, grid stability may become a concern. Fully electric and hybrid semi-trucks are expected to hit roads soon, which could have an enormous impact on electricity supplies. This is where utility companies must step up and incorporate these challenges into their models for the near future.
Pacific Gas & Electric, or PG&E, is one of the largest natural gas and electric energy utility services companies in the country, and it services the state with the most electric vehicles in the country, California. This puts PG&E in a position to lead the charge, so to speak, to positively impact EV charging infrastructure in the U.S. According to this study by Georgetown Climate, the company is already looking at ways to take advantage of the opportunity that EVs present by scouting ideal locations for DC Fast Charging Stations in Northern and Central California.
The Benefits of Utility Company Investment
Because the utility grid is already managed by private utility companies, these companies will naturally need to be heavily involved in expanding EV Charging Infrastructure in the U.S.
Some of the benefits of having utility companies leading the way for EV infrastructure development include:
- Knowledge and expertise of the electric grid and potential impact of vehicle charging
- Access to capital for investment and additional resources
- Increase the speed and scale of development
- Minimize the impact on the existing electrical grid when building out new infrastructure
- Take advantage of economies of scale to lower overall costs for investors and consumers
- Incorporate electric vehicle charging into existing pricing models, payment methods, etc.
Educate Yourself with EV Connect
EV Connect is proud to be at the forefront of the expansion of EV charging infrastructure in the U.S. Our team works with the public sector and private companies to find innovative solutions for EV charging that keep installation and maintenance costs low while helping owners get a higher return on their investment.
We aim to provide the resources you need to educate yourself about the electric vehicle industry and how your business could play a role in the EV revolution. To learn more, give us a call at (888) 780-0062, or shoot us a message online today.
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