Rapidly Expanding Electronic Vehicles' Fast-Charging Infrastructure is Imperative, According to Experts

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at the University of California San Diego conducted a study on charging patterns for electric vehicles (EVs) on their campus. The study, which spanned from early January to late May of 2020, provides valuable insights into how the pandemic affected EV charging and offers recommendations for the future.

The findings reveal that DC fast chargers, which can provide a full charge in about half an hour, were less affected than Level 2 chargers. While energy dispatched at Level 2 chargers on the main UC San Diego campus decreased by 84 percent, DC fast charging initially dropped by 67 percent. Interestingly, charging at the campus' medical center was less impacted, with a decrease of 50 percent at the parking structures.

The study also found that charging declined dramatically once most campus operations became remote. This trend was not limited to the main campus, as charging at the parking structures at the UC San Diego medical center locations also dropped by 50 percent.

The anticipated dramatic increase in EV adoption over the coming years could strain the existing charging infrastructure. To address this, a team of engineers has recommended expanding fast-charging stations for electric vehicles on campuses and businesses. This recommendation is based on the observation that commuting patterns based on five days a week in the office are unlikely to resume after the pandemic ends.

The recommendation is not only for UC San Diego but can be applied to a broader range of settings. This is the first time that a research team gathered information on workplace charging patterns for electric vehicles during the COVID-19 pandemic, making these findings particularly significant.

The study also sheds light on the importance of workplace charging. As it primarily uses solar power, workplace charging is a critical enabler of carbon-free transportation.

Another interesting finding from the study is that most fast-charging stations in the US only serve Tesla vehicles. This could be a challenge as more people adopt EVs. However, the researchers say that the findings can help inform efforts to deploy at least an additional 20 DC fast-charging stations (DCFCs) primarily on the perimeter of campus to cater to a wider range of EVs.

In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on EV charging patterns and offers recommendations for the future. As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, these findings can help inform decisions about the deployment of charging infrastructure and the adoption of EVs.

The study does not, however, provide the names of the engineers who made the recommendation for expanding fast charging stations for electric vehicles on campuses and business areas in the post-pandemic era. It also does not predict whether charging will resume back to normal even after the pandemic ends, suggesting that the changes in EV charging patterns could be long-lasting.

Employers may also need to consider allowing more telecommuting even after the end of the pandemic, as this could further impact EV charging patterns. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, understanding and addressing these changes will be crucial.