More EV Plugs Boost Charging Site Usage, Kempower Data Shows

Public electric vehicle (EV) charging site utilization is more strongly correlated with the number of charging plugs available than with the power output of those plugs, according to new North American data released by Kempower. The findings suggest that for EV drivers, the availability of a charging spot is a primary concern, potentially outweighing the speed of charging when choosing a location. This insight is crucial for charging infrastructure providers and site operators aiming to maximize the efficiency and profitability of their EV charging stations.

Kempower, a company specializing in DC fast charging solutions, analyzed data from its charging sites across North America. While the exact dataset size and the specific period of data collection were not detailed in the announcement, the company stated that the trend observed was significant. The data indicates a clear pattern: charging locations equipped with a greater quantity of charging points tend to see higher overall usage rates. This implies that drivers are more likely to visit and use a site where they have a higher probability of finding an available charger, even if the individual chargers are not the absolute fastest available on the market.

This finding contrasts with some industry assumptions that prioritize ultra-fast charging speeds as the main driver for EV driver adoption and site selection. While charging speed remains an important factor, Kempower's analysis highlights the critical role of accessibility and availability. A site with many plugs, even if they offer moderate charging speeds, can serve more vehicles over a given period than a site with fewer, albeit faster, chargers. This is because the total throughput of a site is a function of both the number of chargers and their individual utilization rates. A higher number of chargers can reduce queue times and increase the overall number of charging sessions completed.

The implications for the EV charging industry are substantial. Investors and operators may need to re-evaluate their strategies for deploying new charging infrastructure. Instead of solely focusing on installing the highest kilowatt (kW) chargers, a balanced approach that emphasizes plug density could lead to more successful and utilized charging hubs. This could also influence urban planning and the design of public spaces, encouraging the integration of more charging points to meet growing demand. Kempower's data provides a data-driven perspective that can help guide future investments and development in the rapidly expanding EV charging network.