Owning an electric vehicle (EV) in Los Angeles, known for its green and tech-forward lifestyle, should be a smooth experience. However, recent reports reveal that EV owners in the city, dubbed the EV capital of America, are facing challenges reminiscent of the gas crisis era.
A recent Wall Street Journal article shed light on the state of EV charging infrastructure in Los Angeles. The article tested 30 non-Tesla fast-charging stations, with over 120 stalls combined. Alarmingly, at least 40 percent of these stations had issues, leaving EV owners stranded.
Columnist Joanna Stern, an EV owner herself, shared her experiences during the test. Accompanied by video producer Adam Falk in a Rivian R1T pickup truck, they visited various non-Tesla DC fast-charger stations from Santa Monica to Rodeo Drive. Stern encountered problems at 13 out of 30 stations, surpassing the 40 percent issue rate, summing up the situation with an exasperated “Oof.”
The issues encountered fell into three main categories, highlighting challenges the EV industry must address. Operational issues, such as out-of-service stations, affected 27 percent of the 126 individual Level 3 fast chargers. Payment rejections, often due to credit card reader failures, affected nearly 10 percent of operational stalls. Lastly, technical issues with charger-EV “handshakes” caused by software updates impacted the charging process.
These issues not only frustrate EV owners but also threaten to slow the growth of the electric vehicle market. Tesla’s decision to open its charging network to non-Tesla EVs in 2024 may help, but compatibility and adapter issues remain. The reliability and availability of charging infrastructure significantly impact consumer confidence in EV adoption, highlighting the need for industry-wide collaboration and infrastructure improvements.
California’s goal to ban internal-combustion cars by 2035 adds urgency to addressing these charging infrastructure issues. If not resolved, EV drivers may find themselves using outdated charging stations, hindering the state’s green ambitions.