Electrify America Initiates Pilot Program to Optimize Charging Station Usage
Electrify America, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, has launched a new pilot initiative across ten locations in Southern California aimed at managing EV charging station congestion more effectively. Under this program, EVs will be limited to charging their batteries up to 85% state of charge (SoC). This measure is designed to expedite turnover at charging stations and accommodate more customers.
During the 'Congestion Reduction Pilot,' charging sessions at these selected high-demand ev charging stations will automatically cease once the battery reaches 85% SoC. Drivers will then have a ten-minute grace period to unplug and relocate their vehicles to avoid incurring idle fees. This approach aims to minimize wait times and enhance accessibility to charging infrastructure for all EV users.
Electrify America emphasizes that slowing down the charging rate during the last 20% of the battery's capacity serves dual purposes: preventing overcharging for battery longevity and ensuring safety.
The pilot locations primarily span Los Angeles and include one site in San Diego, chosen for their significant traffic volume to assess the effectiveness of the initiative. Pending feedback and results, Electrify America may expand the program to additional sites facing similar challenges with high utilization rates.
While the exact start date of the 'Congestion Reduction Pilot' has not been disclosed, Electrify America plans to monitor its progress closely, making adjustments as necessary based on daily observations. This adaptive approach underscores the company's commitment to optimizing EV charging experiences and meeting growing demand efficiently.
https://www.electrive.com/2024/07/09/electrify-america-to-charge-batteries-to-85-only/
Tags: #ev chargng station #charging infrastructure #EV charging