Study Finds More EV Charging Plugs at Lower Power May Improve Efficiency
Analysis suggests distributing power across more connectors can reduce wait times compared to fewer high-power stalls.
New analysis suggests that increasing the number of charging connectors at a site, even if it means lowering the maximum power available to each individual plug, can result in better overall throughput and shorter wait times for electric vehicle drivers.
What Happened
According to the report, traditional assumptions favoring fewer, higher-power stalls are being challenged by data showing that a higher density of lower-power plugs can handle more vehicles per hour. The study indicates that when power is shared among more connectors, the aggregate utilization of the site increases, reducing the likelihood of bottlenecks where cars queue for a limited number of high-speed bays.
Why It Matters
For EV owners and the broader charging infrastructure industry, this finding could shift how public charging networks are designed and expanded. If operators prioritize connector count over peak kilowatt ratings per plug, drivers may experience less congestion at popular hubs. This approach aligns with the reality that many EVs accept power at rates below the maximum potential of ultra-fast chargers, making the trade-off of lower peak power for higher availability potentially more beneficial for the average user.
The Bottom Line
Increasing the number of charging plugs, even at reduced power levels, may offer a more efficient solution to public charging congestion than concentrating power into fewer, high-speed stalls.
