ELECTRIFY AMERICA'S CONGESTION REDUCTION PILOT IS LIMITING YOUR CHARGE TO 85% AT SELECT SITES

EV Channels Review

The reviewer examines Electrify America's new 'Congestion Reduction Pilot Program,' which caps charging at 85% at select locations. Contrary to initial skepticism, the reviewer supports this initiative, viewing it as a positive step to improve customer experience by reducing wait times and increasing charger throughput. The rationale behind the 85% cap is explained by the significant slowdown in DC fast charging speeds beyond this point, making it inefficient for both users and the network. While acknowledging potential cynical interpretations about revenue generation, the primary benefit highlighted is the potential to significantly decrease queue times at busy stations. The reviewer suggests this policy could be expanded to a third of Electrify America's network, particularly in urban areas, provided it's not implemented at isolated stations where a full charge is critical for reaching the next charging point. The piece also clarifies the distinction between AC and DC charging behavior regarding charge speed tapering.