ELECTRIFY AMERICA CHARGER INFRASTRUCTURE GROWING PAINS

EV Channels Review

This interview with Robert Barrosa of Electrify America addresses the persistent reliability issues plaguing the EV charging network. Barrosa acknowledges past reliance on multiple suppliers for their initial infrastructure, leading to challenges. Electrify America has implemented a 'Center of Excellence' lab, a roaming fleet for diagnostics, and has taken drastic measures like replacing entire hardware generations at problematic sites. They are now deploying next-generation chargers, with plans to replace 300 existing units. Supply chain issues are cited as a factor in repair delays, mitigated by redundant charging stalls. The company is also innovating with solar canopies and battery storage, exemplified by the Baker, California site, to ensure consistent power delivery even during grid stress. For towing vehicles like the Rivian and F-150 Lightning, new site designs will include pull-through stalls and longer cables on next-gen chargers. While acknowledging 'growing pains,' Electrify America emphasizes their commitment to improvement, network expansion supported by government funding, and has seen significant growth in charging sessions, demonstrating network utility despite ongoing challenges.