Could these be the charging stations of the future Australia needs to have?
US charging network, Electrify America have unveiled their new design vision for the future of charging stations as the world moves to electric vehicles and customer expectations grow.Electrify America is the largest open DC fast-charging network in the US with more than 1,800 charging stations. It has come up with a future vision set to revolutionise the charging experience which might just change your mind on EV ownership.
Called The Charging Station of the Future, Today the new look charging stations look to add design and comfort elements such as solar canopies and awnings, customer waiting areas and other customer-focused services at select locations, basically creating a mix between a traditional highway service station and an airport members lounge.
One of the biggest hurdles to EV ownership is range anxiety and the time it takes to recharge the battery so developing a way to both ease these concerns but for the 21st century is a big challenge. While there have been many announcements and plans to create new charging stations and networks, to date, no Australian company has invested in large scale charging setups so this experiment in the US could pave the way for such an investment and experience upgrade down under.
The company plans to roll out these new age charging stations over the next two years across Santa Barbara, San Francisco, San Diego, Beverly Hills, Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The customer-centric charging experience is expected to feature up to 20 ultra-fast DC chargers, overhead solar canopies to shield customers from the sun and inclement weather, on-site security cameras and additional lighting. While EV drivers and passengers wait for their cars to charge, they can head inside to make use of the customer lounges, check out the electric vehicle showcase areas, utilise the dedicated event space and even take up the offer of valet charging and curbside delivery options at select shopping locations.
Electrify America is planning to have 10,000 chargers in the United States and Canada by 2026. If successful, this could pave the way for how many countries with a huge distance between major towns and cities could look to build charging infrastructure which is not only inviting and accessible but is in a safe environment that is built for purpose instead of just plonked wherever there’s room for a charger and a car space.
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