Innovative Solutions for the Massive EV Charging Reliability Problem

According to Cox Automotive, US electric vehicle (EV) sales in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024 reached a record-high volume of 330,4631 units. This marked a growth of 11.3% year over year from the same period in 2023. EVs accounted for approximately 8% of total new-vehicle sales in the second quarter, according to sales estimates from Kelley Blue Book.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions from transportation accounted for 29% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are the most eco-friendly form of transportation, featuring zero emissions.

The federal government supports the EV transition, in an effort to reduce greenhouse gasses and fight climate change. The federal government currently has a goal of building out at least 500,000 publicly available chargers by 2030, to support increased EV adoption. Part of that goal is that the EV chargers would be a made-in-America national network, that is convenient, affordable, and reliable. However, reliability has been a significant issue in non-Tesla charging stations.

EV Charging Reliability is an Important Problem

Reliability has been a major issue in the EV charging industry, causing headaches for owners and stakeholders of non-Tesla charging stations. New data from JD Power, as reported by Automotive News, showed that public electric vehicle chargers are becoming slightly more reliable, but charger availability is worsening. Although the study said charging reliability is improving slightly, it remains a significant problem.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, public EV charging stations experienced an 18% failure rate for charging attempts, according to the latest J.D. Power surveys on charging satisfaction. While this represents a three-point improvement from the previous nine months, it still highlights important issues within the charging infrastructure.

The primary reasons for failed charging attempts are station outages and malfunctions, which account for 71% of these failures. These issues continue to be a major source of frustration for EV drivers, underscoring the need for more reliable and well-maintained charging stations. Addressing these pain points is crucial for improving overall customer satisfaction and fostering greater confidence in the electric vehicle ecosystem, which would, in turn, improve the US EV adoption rate.

The National Charging Experience Consortium (ChargeX Consortium) is Addressing Reliability and Other EV Charging Problems

The National Charging Experience Consortium (ChargeX Consortium) is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the reliability and usability of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the United States. This collaborative effort brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including industry experts, consumer advocates, and national laboratories, all working towards a common goal: ensuring that all Americans have access to dependable EV charging infrastructure. Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are the laboratories that are participating.

The ChargeX Consortium recognizes that the expansion of EV adoption is heavily dependent on the availability of reliable charging stations. As the nation transitions towards a more sustainable transportation future, the reliability of charging networks becomes increasingly critical. ChargeX seeks to address the current challenges faced by EV users, such as inconsistent charging station performance, lack of standardization, and difficulties in locating available charging points.

By leveraging the expertise of industry leaders, the Consortium is working on developing and implementing solutions that will standardize charging station technologies, improve maintenance practices, and enhance user experience. Consumer advocates play a vital role in ensuring that the needs and concerns of EV drivers are at the forefront of these developments, ensuring that the solutions are practical, user-friendly, and accessible to all. EVinfo.net is a proud member of the ChargeX Consortium.

EVSTAR Introduces Extended Warranty Coverage Options to Solve the EV Charging Reliability Issue

On August 6, 2024, Blink Charging Co., a prominent global player in the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector, announced a strategic agreement with EVSTAR to offer extended warranty coverage options for its customers. This new program is designed to enhance customer confidence by providing comprehensive coverage that includes protection against accidental damage, OEM connection issues, power surges, and other potential problems.

EVSTAR, a national leader in renewable energy services and warranty administration, will manage the extended warranty program. Backed by an AM Best A-rated global insurance organization, EVSTAR brings extensive expertise in EV technology service warranties and repairs. This collaboration aims to provide Blink customers with added assurance and support, contributing to a more reliable and worry-free charging experience.

“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing the reliability and longevity of our charging solutions,” said Mike Battaglia, Chief Operating Officer at Blink. “With EVSTAR managing claims and scheduling repairs, our customers who purchase this extended warranty can enjoy peace of mind, knowing their investments in EV infrastructure are better protected.”

Blink Charging Co. has been actively advancing its efforts to enhance the availability and reliability of EV chargers. As part of these initiatives, the company is now offering an extended warranty program in partnership with EVSTAR. This program aims to provide additional peace of mind to customers by covering various potential issues with charging stations.

Under this extended warranty, customers may avoid out-of-pocket expenses for eligible claims, even in cases where the charging station needs a full replacement, repairs, de-installation, or re-installation within the 5-year warranty term. The comprehensive coverage includes mechanical and electrical failures, normal wear and tear, accidental damage, and power surges.

By offering this extensive warranty, Blink allows customers to expand their EV charging networks with confidence, eliminating concerns about repair logistics and unexpected costs. This move underscores Blink’s commitment to improving the overall reliability and user experience of EV charging infrastructure.

“We are excited to announce our strategic collaboration with Blink, marking a pivotal moment for both companies and the EV charging industry,” said Andrew Hoehner, CEO of EVSTAR. “Pooling our strengths, we are introducing groundbreaking solutions and redefining EV charger protection and warranty standards to ensure existing and future devices will always be functional. Together, we are eager to harness our expertise and resources to foster mutual growth and deliver unmatched charging experiences and value to customers and stakeholders.”

EVSTAR, a Prominent National Renewable Energy Service and Warranty Administrator

EVSTAR is a prominent national renewable energy service and warranty administrator, supported though a strategic partnership with AIG, an A-rated global insurance organization. The company boasts a team of industry experts with extensive experience in EV technology, service, warranty, and repair, providing specialized services to its clients.

EVSTAR mitigates financial risks for its partners, allowing them to focus on growth and customer satisfaction. By ensuring that funds are available for the repair or replacement of EV charging devices, EVSTAR removes the hassle of financial exposure, enhancing the reliability and uptime of EV infrastructure.

Through its comprehensive warranty solutions, EVSTAR not only supports the growth of the EV industry but also aids in strengthening its partners’ brands, contributing to the broader goal of advancing electric vehicle adoption and reliable charging infrastructure. EVinfo.net highly recommends EVSTAR.

For more information or to contact EVSTAR, visit: EVSTAR.com.