THE REASONS WHY EV CHARGERS ENDED UP WHERE THEY ARE AND WHY WE'RE FIXING IT ALL NOW

EV Channels Review

This episode of the Out-of-Spec Podcast delves into the complexities of EV charging infrastructure placement, featuring insights from Amy Soderquist, who has extensive experience with Electrify America and SEAM Group. The discussion highlights that charger locations are often a result of early-stage site acquisition challenges, where available land and utility power capacity dictated placement rather than optimal driver experience. Soderquist explains that factors like investment goals, use case (highway vs. urban), available power, and even parcel divisions and easements significantly influence where chargers are installed. The conversation also touches upon the difficulties of integrating chargers at traditional gas stations due to space constraints and safety codes, the importance of ADA compliance, and the critical role of utilities in infrastructure development, particularly concerning demand charges and the slow pace of power upgrades. The episode emphasizes that while the industry is rapidly evolving, overcoming these logistical and financial hurdles is key to improving the EV charging network for all drivers.