Electrify America to Crack Down on Charge Hogs

Introduction

Despite the growing number of charging stations, EV owners still face challenges when it comes to accessing chargers and recharging their vehicles. To address one of these challenges, Electrify America has decided to take action against charge hogs, who unnecessarily occupy charging stations for longer periods. This article explores Electrify America’s new measures and their impact on EV owners.

The Issue of Charge Hogs

Charge hogs are EV drivers who occupy charging stations for longer than necessary, causing inconvenience to other users. Electrify America aims to combat this behavior by implementing a strict 85 percent charge limit at its busiest California charge stations. Once a vehicle reaches 85 percent charge, the power will be cut off, and if the driver doesn’t unplug within a 10-minute grace period, they will be charged an additional fee of 40 cents per minute as idle time.

The Need for Charging Etiquette

While it may be tempting for EV owners to fully charge their batteries, it’s important to understand that fast chargers are not designed for topping off a battery beyond 80 percent. Charging speed significantly slows down after reaching this threshold. By limiting charging to 85 percent, Electrify America aims to ensure fair access to charging stations and prevent unnecessary occupancy.

Expanding the Charging Network

Electrify America acknowledges the need for an expanded charging network to accommodate the growing number of EVs on the road. They are actively working on expanding their network and increasing the number of charging stations in areas with high demand. However, they do not plan to implement an overall charging cap at stations near major highways, considering the long-distance travel needs of some EV owners.

Conclusion

Electrify America’s measures to address charge hogs demonstrate their commitment to providing a fair and efficient charging experience for all EV owners. By setting a charge limit and imposing penalties for overstaying, they aim to discourage unnecessary occupancy of charging stations. As the EV industry continues to grow, it is crucial for EV owners to practice charging etiquette and consider the needs of other users. With an expanding charging network, the accessibility and convenience of EV charging will continue to improve.