Electrify America operates one of the largest DC fast charging networks in the United States with 800 stations and about 3,500 chargers. It expects to expand its network to 10,000 stations with more than 1,800 individual chargers in the US and Canada by 2026.
The company recently announced a new partnership with TravelCenters of America (TA) to install 1,000 charging stalls across its 200 locations nationwide. These stalls provide the same ultra-fast DC charging speeds found at Electrify America’s other stations.
1. Reduced Carbon Emissions
Electric vehicles (EVs) emit far less carbon dioxide over their lifetimes than gasoline-powered cars. This is true in both the US and Europe.
EVs also produce much less harmful ground-level ozone than traditional vehicles because they don’t emit tailpipe emissions, which contain nitrogen oxides and other air pollutants that contribute to smog. Additionally, electrification of heavy-duty trucks and buses can also reduce air pollution.
EVs are also more efficient than conventional cars, which means that they require fewer miles of driving to generate the same amount of energy as a gas-powered car. This can help improve the overall energy efficiency of a fleet, which saves money and increases fuel economy.
2. Convenient Charging
The Electrify America app allows you to locate chargers near you, charge your EV, and manage your charging session (Level 2 chargers are available at some locations).
Whether you’re traveling long-distance or just want to recharge while you’re out, the convenient charging options you’ll find through electrify america make it simple. And with many utilities offering special EV charging rate plans to help you save money on your electricity bill, these options can be especially important when you’re not home to plug in.
For example, Electrify America has partnered with TravelCenters of America to install a large number of fast charging stalls at shopping centers across the US.
Electrify America also offers an option to get a smart charger that works with the Electrify America app, allowing users to remotely start and stop charging sessions, view their charging history and even track charging status. These features aren’t available at every HomeStation, but they’re a good start and can go a long way toward making charging more seamless for consumers.
3. Reduced Maintenance Costs
EVs have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines, which can reduce maintenance costs throughout the lifecycle of an electric vehicle. For example, a battery-electric vehicle doesn’t need an alternator or timing belt. It also doesn’t need fuel filters, spark plugs, or multi-speed transmissions, which are costly to service.
This is a big reason why consumers who choose to drive an electric vehicle have lower maintenance costs than those who own a gas-powered car. EVs can save owners up to $6,000 on their repair and maintenance bills over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Cities and states can go further by extending and expanding monetary incentives for buying EVs and building public charging points. And the Biden administration could issue a national Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate to accelerate the growth of EVs.
4. Reduced Noise
The reduction of noise and vibration is a challenge that automakers and suppliers face with electric vehicles. Because EVs lack a traditional engine, their weight and structure create additional noises that are difficult to absorb or dampen without new types of acoustic technologies.
Automotive engineers have been tackling this issue for decades, but the increasing level of electrification is making it more challenging. This is especially true for EVs that have an electric motor, as well as those with hybrid or gasoline/electric powertrains.
In addition to reducing the sound of an EV’s drivetrain, engineers also need to minimize sounds caused by its cabin. This includes things like wind and road noise, which a car’s interior may pick up on if it’s not designed to be quiet.
Fortunately, a few things are being done to make it less of an issue. For example, a leading North American EV fast charging network called Electrify America has introduced a new labeling system that makes it easier to tell the difference between chargers with high and low powers. Moreover, it has started introducing a new technology called “Balanced” chargers that evenly distribute the power between multiple EVs.