#ev-charging-infrastructure

#ev-charging-infrastructure

For years, it was assumed that concerns about the charging network were the sole reason why Tesla was seeing such runaway success. After all, Tesla had successfully convinced its customers that its cars and charging network came with almost no compromisesthat they could be used just like gas vehicles. And if other EVs couldn't offer the same experience, they were essentially destined to fail.

The spiral staircase leading up to the roof-deck at Los Angeles's Tesla Diner is beautiful, or at least it is expensive-looking. It has video screens overhead and glowy lights at the base of each step and its own special soundtrack, a down-tempo, bleepy-bloopy composition that whooshes in as a notable contrast to the main dining room's dad rock. Glass display cases set into the walls hold human-size robots. Otherwise, every surface is covered in slick plastic, pure white.

Getting back to the sometimes miserable charging experience while on the go, the DC fast chargers installed by GM and EVgo at Pilot and Flying J gas stations should make things a lot better. First off, they're located along major interstate travel corridors, with well-lit bays, access to free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurants and groceries. What's more, many charging stations also have canopies, which can make a big difference if it's scorching hot outside or snowing.

Three years ago, I set off on an 800-mile road trip between Montreal and Toronto (and back again) in a Ford Mustang Mach-E. The goal? To probe the pain points of using a battery-powered electric vehicle for long-distance travel along one of the busiest routes in Canada. Although the end result was a success, that victory was qualified by an indictment of Toronto's EV charging options (pretty painful across the board) and my own lack of initial planning (inexcusable, to tell you the truth).