Stricter emissions standards, automakers’ electric vehicle targets and growing consumer demand for electric vehicles will create more demand for public charging infrastructure . a new study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for quantitative purposes.
NREL estimates that current industry and regulatory trends will lead to 30 million to 42 million electric vehicles hitting U.S. roads by 2030. The researchers estimated the number, type, and location of electric vehicles. public chargers to meet that need, working with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy and Transportation and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Vehicle Technology.
US charging demand for 2030 (from NREL research)
“The 2030 National Charging Network Study links two government priorities together: building a national EV charging network and working towards the 2030 goal that the majority of new car sales are battery-powered.” , Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office for Energy and Transportation. “It’s a framework for what’s needed nationally, in terms of the types of chargers required, their quantities, and where those chargers should be placed.”
The researchers estimate that the national charging network will require 182,000 publicly accessible DC fast charging ports by 2030, but one million Tier 2 AC ports at publicly accessible locations “including high density residential areas, office buildings and retail stores.”
On top of that, the researchers estimate the need for eight million Levels 1 and 2 in privately accessible locations, including single- and multi-family homes, and residential areas. work.
Lucid connected home charging station
Other studies, including one from S&P Global Mobility earlier this year, called for more Level 2 chargers than fast chargers, but NREL researchers proved it. According to the researchers, while fast chargers are essential for long trips and car-sharing, home charging “will form the core of the national ecosystem” as electric vehicle drivers tend to Enjoy the convenience of charging at home.
A potential model for major Level 2 construction already exists. Seoul, South Korea, last year revealed plans for 200,000 public level 2 chargers in the next four years.
The emphasis on Tier 2 charging can have other related benefits. EQUAL a study by MIT Earlier this year, more workplace charging—another popular use for Tier 2 infrastructure—could help reduce the load on the grid.
