Electric vehicles are now common in all automotive markets. Infrastructure developments, cost parity with IC engine vehicles, less running cost, better performance, etc., attract people towards electric vehicles.
Many startups and established companies work in the EV sector these days.
Even though the vehicles are becoming common in the market, range anxiety still bothers drivers.
When you drive an electric vehicle, the main concern is the distance that it can cover with a fully charged battery. If you are planning a long trip, then you have to check the availability of charging stations and plan the time required to charge at each station.
EV use is confined to preplanned trips most of the time, as charging facilities are not common.
Drivers will always be happy if they can see the charging stations at particular locations. Let’s look into some locations where drivers want to see EV charging infrastructure.
10 Places Electric Car Drivers Want to See EV Charging Stations
Since I have been using an electric vehicle for a while, the following is a list of places where I would like to see EV charging infrastructure.
The experience of EV charging is not similar to the gas filling. It takes time.
So, the charging operators can think of providing some refreshment facilities as well to the customer.
#1 Gas Stations
If you get a charging facility at the gas stations, then the EV adoption will be faster. Gas stations are very common in all areas where people use IC engine vehicles.
Along with Petrol, Diesel, and Gas, if the stations could provide charging infrastructure as well, then it would boost the confidence of the EV drivers to use the vehicle.
Many oil companies, such as Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL), and Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) are actively installing EV chargers at their petrol pumps.
#2 Highways
Another important location where we need electric vehicle charging stations is the highway sides. Once it is available at the highways, then the long drives would be hassle-free for the EV owners.
The National Highways for Electric Vehicle (NHEV) project by the Government of India to upgrade the national highways into E-highways is a great initiative.
#3 Work Places
People travel to the workplace almost every working day. The charging facility at workplaces increases the use of EVs by employees.
I would be personally happy if the facility were available at the workplace since I travel every day to and from the company. Since it is not available, I use the public charging station installed nearby. But it is a waste of time after working hours, someday when the vehicle requires a charge.
#4 Public Parking Lots
It is important to provide EV charging infrastructure at public parking lots. The people who travel and park their vehicles at parking lots for a few hours might require a charging facility for a better EV experience.
The charging options at parking lots near railway stations, bus stations, etc. could be helpful for the vehicle owners.
#5 Shopping Malls
People spent hours at the shopping malls. Some studies show that 32.5% of people spend 2-3 hours and 22.5% of people spend 3-4 hours at a shopping mall.
If a charging station is also available, it helps the EV owners to come and shop at the malls even though it is a bit far away.
Some shopping malls have already started providing EV charging facilities to their customers.
#6 Super Markets
The shopping culture of people changed a lot as course of time, and the supermarkets are a place where people spend a lot of time. The parking lots will be available at supermarkets for their customers.
The charging facility is also necessary for them to ensure that EV owners have a good experience.
#7 Hotels and Restaurants
If you are planning a vacation or trip, then you might require an EV charging facility at the hotel where you stay. Overnight charging could make EV owners prefer the hotel.
It makes the travel seamless and convenient for the EV driver. The hotel is more likely to be chosen by the same family for future trips, fostering loyalty.
In the case of restaurants, the EV owners who travel can have a short break at the restaurant to charge their vehicle and to have some good food.
#8 Public Buildings
Charging facilities at public buildings are also a good option. Public buildings such as government offices in a city, etc., are available almost at all places. Once the charging infrastructure is installed at the location, it can boost EV adoption.
The owner can almost confirm the availability of the charging infrastructure at a reliable location if it is maintained properly.
#9 Apartment Complex
If you are living in an apartment, then a charging facility is necessary at the complex. Otherwise, you can not do an overnight charge for your electric vehicle.
Many apartments have already started installing charging stations on their premises. This can be open to the public as well if possible.
Once the charging infrastructure is available at apartments for the public, then the EV owners can travel confidently a lot.
#10 Dealership Buildings
Buildings of EV dealers have already started providing EV charging facilities. This could be one of the methods by which the dealers can improve customer satisfaction.
Once you are bringing the vehicle for repair or other services, you shall charge the vehicle at the building.
The vehicle owners can confidently go to the dealer’s building to charge the vehicle since the uptime of the charger can be almost confirmed.
Conclusion
We have discussed some locations where EV owners like to see EV charging stations. The faster adoption of EVs will occur if faster charging facilities are available at many locations. The pattern of the use of EVs will be changed if the charging facility is widely provided and accessible.