The Prominence of EV Charging Infrastructure in the 21st Century

The continuous technological advancements have not only modernized the education, healthcare, and hospitality sectors but have also revolutionized the automobile industry. The ongoing research and development activities revolving around automotive have recognized the growing concerns over maintaining an eco-friendly environment and have deployed the most preferable solution – EV charging infrastructure.

Over the past years, many local gas stations have upgraded due to more and more electric vehicles merging onto the highways. Although the concept of EV technology has existed since the 1800s, its active adoption by people was slow-paced. Additionally, considering people’s growing inclination towards buying electric vehicles, the market analysts predict that the EV technology is here to stay and evolve further. As per an extensive report published by Research Dive, the global EV charging infrastructure market is anticipated to gather a revenue of $18,589.0 million and grow at 34.9% CAGR in the 2019-2026 forecast timeframe.

Now let’s explore the meaning of EV charging infrastructure, how EV charging is different from filling up a normal car, some advantages as well as disadvantages of the EV charging infrastructure.

What is an EV Charging Infrastructure?

An EV charging infrastructure is a charging point wherein electric vehicles are connected and charged. Besides charging electric vehicles, the EV charging infrastructure also offers other applications like parking, workplace, fleet, and much more. Reasons why people these days are more inclined towards buying EVs are that they have zero emissions, are silent and are way cheaper than gasoline vehicles.

In addition, EVs are also classified into 3 types – Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs).

While the BEVs have no gasoline engines and run purely through a battery, PHEVs have both a gasoline engine and tank and a charging port to charge the EV. The best part about PHEVs is that the vehicle reverts to the hybrid mode and relies on the gasoline engine once the electric range is depleted, thus offering a hassle-free driving experience. The HEVs are powered by an internal combustion gasoline engine and consist of one or more electric motors that use the energy stored in batteries. These vehicles emit much lower pollutants than gasoline cars.

How is Charging an EV Different Than Filling Up a Car?

Below are some practical reasons that signify how EV charging is not the same as fueling up a gasoline car.

1. EV Charging Takes Time

Charging an electric vehicle takes a lot of time than filling up a normal gasoline car. However, EV drivers can easily charge their vehicles everywhere- at home, at the airport, or while at work, just like charging a smartphone. Hence, there are several options for EV drivers to charge their vehicles which is a plus point. Another good news is that the time required to charge an EV is shrinking exponentially since thousands of fast chargers are deployed in several parts of the world.

2. Charging an EV Costs Less Than Fueling a Normal Car

Charging an electric vehicle costs about 35% less than fueling a gasoline car. The price of petroleum depends on several factors like the price of crude oil, taxes, global supply and demand rate, etc. On the contrary, the cost of electricity only depends on how many people are using electricity. When too many EV drivers use electricity to charge their vehicles, a strain is added to the grid that increases the price of a charge. However, several market players are striving to bring in innovations to make EV charging faster and cheaper.

Advantages and Disadvantages of EV Charging Infrastructure

Here are a few advantages of using electric vehicle charging technology.

1. EV charging saves the environment from the pollution of fossil fuels. Considering the growing population and its demand for petrol that contributes to global warming, opting for EV charging is a wiser option and is the need of the hour.
2. EV charging is cheaper than filling up gasoline cars.
3. Electric vehicles provide the best speed experience.

How is the EV charging technology disadvantageous? Let’s find out.

1. EV charging is very time consuming since it depends on the charger source used.
2. The unavailability of fast electric vehicle chargers in developing countries like India is still persistent.
3. Higher infrastructure and installation costs of EV charging stations is an unresolved issue.

Bottom Line

Despite the advantages of electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure, there are a few roadblocks to their successful deployment in several countries of the world. The growing population with its never-ending demand might deplete the existence of petroleum if individuals don’t switch to electric cars soon. Moreover, the EV charging technology recognizes the environmentalists’ concerns and is much cheaper than buying and filling up gasoline cars. Although the adoption of electric vehicles has begun gradually, the necessary shift and deployment of EV charging stations in developing countries are still slow-paced.

About the Author(s)

 

Niti Pawar

Niti Pawar is a creative writer with almost 2 years of experience in the industry and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Pune University. She is extremely passionate about writing and is keen to gain significant experience and expertise in the same field. Niti aspires to become an accomplished editor and a linguist in her upcoming years. Besides work, she actively participates in recreational activities like trekking, badminton, singing, and travelling.