Scaling Public EV Charging Infrastructure

This article was co-authored by Vartan Badalian, Director of U.S. Transportation Programs for the Center for Sustainable Energy.

The electric vehicle industry is at a critical crossroads. While it is highly likely that more EVs will be sold in 2025, the rate at which the market grows could begin to slow with the outcome of the recent U.S. presidential election and former President Trump’s official reelection. Among other considerations, the next phase of adoption will depend heavily on the availability, reliability and accessibility of public EV charging infrastructure. This was a key takeaway at Trellis Group’s VERGE 2024 conference, where industry players, including Tesla, Electrify America and BMW, gathered alongside the Environmental Defense Fund and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation for a detailed workshop to improve the reliability of public EV charging and scale a nationwide, reliable EV charging network.

As highlighted during this industry-leading workshop, and as we look to the future, several key priorities have emerged: simplifying EV charging standards, ensuring charging station reliability and fostering collaboration across the public and private sectors. At the center of it all is the consumer—the public charging experience must be easy and convenient.

Updating and Simplifying EV Charging

As the EV market grows, the need for standardization becomes even more evident. Updating metrics for reliability and uptime is essential to reflect the real-world needs of drivers, prioritizing not just station functionality, but also the convenience and accessibility of the entire charging network. As one example, credit card readers are often required at publicly funded stations, yet the technology is a frequent point of failure. With more reliable alternatives, such as plug & charge technology, the question arises: Should credit card readers still be mandatory if the focus is on operational reliability?

For publicly or utility-funded charging stations, contracts should include standardized industry reliability metrics, with enforceable consequences for non-compliance, such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards and Requirements. This will ensure operators meet high operational standards. Defining common error codes across the industry would aid in root cause analysis and continuous improvement, while posting QR codes at stations can allow customers to easily report issues. Centralizing problem tracking and resolution, along with ensuring transparency of performance metrics, will foster accountability and build trust—ultimately ensuring the EV ecosystem remains reliable and user-friendly.

Improving Data Standards and Accuracy

Accurate, up-to-date data is critical for monitoring and improving the performance of public EV charging stations. Higher levels of data accuracy will enable more timely maintenance and enhance the overall user experience. Different ownership models—public, private and public-private—are essential for building a diverse and resilient infrastructure. However, publicly funded equipment must prioritize strict yet achievable data standards to ensure reliability.

In addition, maintaining and supporting aging infrastructure is key to extending the life and effectiveness of public investments. A focus on better data standards, availability and consistent equipment maintenance will ensure the charging network serves both drivers and the public effectively.

Revisiting the Business Model

The lengthy payback period for the upfront investment in public fast chargers has been an issue for many network operators. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office can make lower interest loans available, giving operators more time for the networks to become profitable. Also, current monetization models for public charging infrastructure present challenges, particularly when ownership structures create conflicting incentives, such as when the hardware manufacturer, software provider and operator of the charging station are all different entities. Misalignments can lead to inefficiencies and inconvenience for EV drivers. A primary issue is unreliable information about station availability—broken or out-of-service chargers may still appear as functional on maps or in navigation systems, causing frustration for users.

To address this, it is crucial that charging networks provide accurate, real-time data on station operability. The NEVI program, with its standardized data collection format and cadence, offers a potential solution. However, much of the existing charging infrastructure either predates NEVI’s requirements or was not funded through the federal program. For these stations, permitting offices and agencies should consider leveraging NEVI’s data format rather than creating additional requirements. Crowdsourcing driver feedback and making it publicly available can further enhance transparency, improving both the reliability and user experience of charging networks.

The Transition to North American Charging Standard

One of the most important developments on the horizon is the transition to the North American Charging Standard, or SAE J3400 in standards language. While there are differences between NACS and the widely used Combined Charging System, adopting a unified standard could simplify the EV charging experience. A broader NACS adoption would reduce compatibility issues across different stations and manufacturers, benefiting both drivers and businesses alike.

The transition must be managed carefully, however. Education will be essential to ensure that drivers and businesses understand the new standard and how to use adapters safely. Clear communication on the benefits of NACS, along with guidance on sourcing and using adapters to charge at both NACS and CCS stations, will help mitigate confusion.

Another challenge that has emerged with broader NACS adoption extends to parking and charging logistics. Tesla Supercharger sites are designed to accommodate Tesla vehicles, all of which charge through a port at the back of the driver’s side. Other EV charging ports are found elsewhere, meaning some non-Tesla vehicles take up two charging spots in order for the cable to connect. Alignment from auto manufacturers around this design element will go a long way to improving the experience and ensuring more chargers are accessible.

Collaborating for a Seamless EV Future

Simplifying standards, improving reliability and creating transparent and accessible charging experiences are essential to fostering an EV ecosystem that works for everyone and ensures user satisfaction for public EV charging customers. The future of transportation is electric, and it is within our reach. The question now is whether we can act quickly and collaboratively enough to ensure that this future is accessible, reliable and equitable for all.