In this article, PTR’s Senior Analyst, M. Rafey Khan, and Analyst, Ruweda Memon, explain the critical challenges facing the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the United States. As the global shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs accelerates, the reliability of charging stations has become a pressing issue. A study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, revealed that nearly one-fourth of EV chargers in the Bay Area were non-functional, highlighting significant concerns. These reliability issues, such as short cables, screen failures, and broken connectors, not only deter consumer confidence but also result in substantial revenue losses. PTR’s analysis estimates that the downtime of public chargers in the US could lead to a net revenue loss of $53 million in 2023 alone. Despite these challenges, the US government has implemented several interventions, including the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which mandates a minimum uptime of 97% for funded chargers. Additionally, the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator aims to enhance the reliability of existing infrastructure.

Rafey and Ruweda stress that while these government measures are vital, they must be continuously adapted to keep pace with the evolving market demands and technological advancements. They advocate for an ongoing commitment to enhancing the reliability of EV charging infrastructure as it is not only crucial for fostering consumer trust but also pivotal in achieving broader environmental goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Ensuring a dependable charging network will be a decisive factor in the successful transition to electric mobility, which is central to the global fight against climate change.