[CLOSED DUE TO POLITICS] Breaking news - White House releases plan to build nationwide network of 500,000 EV chargers

[AlbanyIan]

I have a hard time getting excited about a “plan” handed down by the government. Any dates or measurable performance metrics in this plan?

Don’t know. It hasn’t been written yet.

How about the interstate system itself?

GE built huge infrastructure in Schenectady NY. The city was forced to scale up its municipal infrastructure to support the industry and workers living there. Now GE is largely gone and the city gets a bad wrap because it has to maintain what it built to support private capital. Multiply this by the number of cities that have dealt with boards of directors uprooting their companies.

What’s the point I’m trying to make here? Your post is short sighted. Let government build the infrastructure (with input/buy-in from its potential users) so the tax payers don’t get soaked covering CEOs asses or the whims of the stock market.

GE should be booming these days…

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[Billyk24]

L3 chargers are badly needed in rural areas and for road tripping off the interstate. However, using the state of Michigan as an example, all these new L3 chargers are 50 or 62.5kW rated. Does the Governmental heads know the Difference? Will these chargers be L2 and slow L3 versions. A more difficult question relates to servicing. New l3 chargers are installed but don't work and these green installers don't know why rhey aren't working. Clam Lake Wisconsin install a brand new 50kW charger that never was powered on for unknown reasons. Norway Michigan 13 month old l3 charger has only been working at half dpeed for over two months.

 

[Logal727]

My biggest concern is after-install maintenance. Not sure why some here want to wait on the private sector to expand on it's own, it hasn't done it that quickly so far!

 

[Jimrpa]

"It will focus on the needs of disadvantaged and rural communities"

....buying $40+k vehicles ?

People who live in Rural areas don’t buy $40K vehicles? Really? And, as EVs become more available at a broader range of price points, what’s wrong with encouraging the development of charging infrastructure in traditionally underserved areas (not sure how that will work, but not my problem to solve).

 

[Rockcity313]

"It will focus on the needs of disadvantaged and rural communities"

....buying $40+k vehicles ?

Don't be shortsighted, it's a dumb look. First, there are EVs that can be had at under 30k today (let alone $40m+). second, EVs are in their infancy and there will absolutely be less expensive options in the near future. 'rural and disadvantaged' areas need options to charge an EV before they can every commit to buying one.

 

[Jimrpa]

GE should be booming these days…

*cough* jack welch *cough* con man *cough* sorry, I chocked on something there. You were saying? ???

 

[shoopla]

I have a hard time getting excited about a “plan” handed down by the government. Any dates or measurable performance metrics in this plan?

Yeah, as someone who deals with government infrastructure and standards every day, I don't have high hopes for the execution of this. For once I agree with Elon in that the gov't needs to minimize their involvement. Otherwise we'll end up with a bunch of half-working 120V outlets on the side of lamp posts that no one wants to maintain.
That said, there could be worse things they'd be spending tax dollars on.

 

[Raymondjram]

"It will focus on the needs of disadvantaged and rural communities"

....buying $40+k vehicles ?

After buying a $40,000 vehicle, the owner will save thousands per year, over $40,000 in a twenty year lifetime, unless they crash it. The initial cost is well justified. Even a basic Ford F-150 Lightning truck will only need tires, wiper blades, and washer fluid in those same twenty years.

 

[tuminatr]

It's interesting, many of the states already have programs in place to do this. still if we are gonna go from 4% EV adoption to 50% we are gonna need a lot more public chargers.

One other note, I live in what would be considered a disadvantaged community. Many have bought older short range BEV Nissan leafs and they use the public infrastructure so they don't have to pay for gas they're also typically Cheap to buy and reliable vehicles.

It's an interesting trend

 

[Raymondjram]

So is this push gonna galvanize a plug standard?

There is a national standard: the SAE J-1772. Tesla is a single brand yet they can use an adapter. So can CHAdeMO users.

 

[Mach-E VLOG]

One thing to note is that they are looking at the National Alternative Fuels Corridors system to build out part of this network. You can see the current maps and status of those corridors. Each state is responsible for submitting the corridors to the FHWA. The interstates are pretty obvious, but it is great to see that they are looking at other routes as well.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/alternative_fuel_corridors/

 

[timbop]

L3 chargers are badly needed in rural areas and for road tripping off the interstate. However, using the state of Michigan as an example, all these new L3 chargers are 50 or 62.5kW rated. Does the Governmental heads know the Difference? Will these chargers be L2 and slow L3 versions. A more difficult question relates to servicing. New l3 chargers are installed but don't work and these green installers don't know why rhey aren't working. Clam Lake Wisconsin install a brand new 50kW charger that never was powered on for unknown reasons. Norway Michigan 13 month old l3 charger has only been working at half dpeed for over two months.

Exactly the problem for which I plan to submit feedback. You should also.

 

[timbop]

One other note, I live in what would be considered a disadvantaged community. Many have bought older short range BEV Nissan leafs and they use the public infrastructure so they don't have to pay for gas they're also typically Cheap to buy and reliable vehicles.

EXACTLY. Used BEVs will be an excellent choice for those who currently have to buy an ICE beater and then spend what little they have to try to keep it running.

 

[DennisD]

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing...vehicle-charging-action-plan/?utm_source=link

"No later than February 11th, DOT will publish guidance for States and cities to strategically deploy EV charging stations to build out a national network along our nation’s highway system. This guidance will look at where we already have EV charging and where we need—or will need—more of it. It will focus on the needs of disadvantaged and rural communities, catalyze further private investment in EV charging, and ensure we’re smartly connecting to our electric grid. No later than May 13th, DOT will publish standards for EV chargers in the national network to ensure they work, they’re safe, and they’re accessible to everyone."
...
"The current network of over 100,000 public chargers operates with different plug types, payment options, data availability, and hardware hookups. Today’s actions will establish a more uniform approach, provide greater convenience for customers, and offer increased confidence for industry. These federal programs will spur additional private sector investments and drive the build-out of a user-friendly, cost-effective, and financially sustainable national network creating well-paying jobs across manufacturing, installation, and operation. A ubiquitous charging infrastructure targeted to meet different consumers’ needs will provide equitable benefits to all Americans and provide flexibility for future investments, effective integration with a clean power system, and support a growing and diversifying fleet of electrified vehicles."
...
"
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes:

• $3 billion in competitive grants for battery minerals and refined materials aimed at accelerating the development of the North American battery supply chain.
• An additional $3 billion for competitive grants aimed at building, retooling, or expanding manufacturing of batteries and battery components (such as cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes), and to establish recycling facilities in the United States.
• Recognizing the need for innovative and practical approaches to battery and critical mineral recycling, the act includes research, development, and demonstration recycling projects ($60 million) and efforts in cooperation with retailers ($15 million) and state and local governments ($50 million) to increase the collection of spent batteries for reuse, recycling or proper disposal. The electric drive vehicle battery recycling and second-life applications program ($200 million) is focused on making electric vehicles batteries (e.g., optimized designs) easier to recycle and utilize in secondary applications before recycling.
• An additional $750 million “Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program” to re-equip, expand or establish an industrial or manufacturing facility to reduce GHG emissions of that facility substantially below current best practices."

This all sounds awesome and I think we are on a trajectory that will finally allow us (drivers/consumers) to drive w/o hesitation to destinations that we want to travel in using an EV. This IMO has been long since overdue but I feel real good about this one. Thanks for the information!!

 

[Mach1E]

After buying a $40,000 vehicle, the owner will save thousands per year, over $40,000 in a twenty year lifetime, unless they crash it. The initial cost is well justified. Even a basic Ford F-150 Lightning truck will only need tires, wiper blades, and washer fluid in those same twenty years.

That’s not how money works when people are paycheck to paycheck. And who keeps a car 20 years?

And in reference to the chargers they’re putting in, that’s definitely not how it works.

Rapid chargers don’t save you money.

Charging at home is how you save money.

If they truly want to help the “disadvantaged” afford BEVs with an infrastructure bill, figure out how to install lvl 2 chargers at apartment buildings so people can charge for CHEAP at home.

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