WE NEED CRITICAL LEVEL 2 EV CHARGING IN OUR CITIES! DEEP DIVE INTO HOW IT CAN WORK

EV Channels Review

This episode delves into the critical need for and practical implementation of Level 2 public EV charging in urban environments. The discussion highlights how existing infrastructure, particularly streetlights, can be repurposed to provide charging, addressing the needs of 'garage orphans' and those without home charging access. Key benefits explored include cost savings for EV owners compared to DC fast charging and the potential for streetlights to serve as power sources, especially after an upgrade to LED fixtures. The research presented demonstrates a successful deployment in New Westminster, BC, showcasing how 240V can be accessed from streetlight infrastructure by connecting line-to-line. Challenges such as cable management, theft, and voltage drop were discussed, along with innovative solutions like energy management systems and the potential for vehicle-to-vehicle charging using the emerging NACS standard. The episode emphasizes the importance of city planning and utility involvement in scaling this infrastructure, with successful examples in Los Angeles and New York City.