POP QUIZ: How much do you know about EV infrastructure?

With so much misinformation out there about EVs and the infrastructure that supports them, we thought we might try something different: a little multiple-choice quiz to test your knowledge on the subject. Some of the answers might prove surprising.

(1) The number of electric vehicles per charging station in the United States is:

(a) 225
(b) 140
(c) 63
(d) 16

Answer: (d)

According to research done by EVAdoption.com, there are just 16 EVs for every charging station in the country versus 225 ICE vehicles for every gas pump. This means far greater accessibility for EV drivers, which destroys the myth that lack of available infrastructure is hampering mobility. Moreover, companies like EVCS are putting a record number of chargers in the ground to accommodate the surge in EV purchases.

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(2) Since electric grids are powered by fossil fuels, EVs are no better for the environment than ICE vehicles.

(a) True
(b) False

Answer: (b)

While it’s true that most grids are powered by oil and coal, those emissions are far offset by the vehicles themselves. According to the EPA, the average gas-powered passenger vehicle emits 411 grams of CO2 per mile, while plug-in hybrids bring that figure down to 275 grams per mile. Factoring in grid emissions, a ZEV is just 200 grams per mile, over half that of gas guzzlers. And EVCS has gone a step further in its goal to go carbon negative by buying 100% of its electricity from renewable energy producers that offset power generated locally by fossil fuels.

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(3) The average cost that EVCS charges a site host to install a four-bank charging station is:

(c) $600,000
(d) $420,000
(e) $75,000
(f) $0

Answer: (d)

EVCS offers a hassle-free turnkey solution to property owners interested in hosting EV charging infrastructure. Our expertise lies in accessing federal, state and local green energy grants that reduce installation costs to zero for most site hosts while simultaneously offering them a reliable new revenue
stream. We manage the project from start to finish, handling site assessments, permitting, trenching, backfilling, charger procurement, installation, networking software, even repairs and maintenance.

(4) As of 2020, the largest export from the state of California is electric vehicles.

(a) True
(b) False

Answer: (a)

California is by far the country’s largest state economy, and according to the US Census Bureau’s latest report on foreign trade, it exports more EVs than any other product (including aircraft and almonds), with a value of $5.65 billion. Naysayers that claim EVs are just a trend ignore the fact that California alone has 34 EV manufacturers, and that state and federal funding legislation are feeding off EV demand that has companies like EVCS busy installing infrastructure for the next decade. Furthermore, the export figure shows this demand is not just limited to the Golden State.

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(5) An EVCS Level 3 fast charger can charge an EV battery to 80% in as quick as:

(a) 2 hours
(b) 1 hour
(c) 20 minutes
(d) None of the above

Answer: (c)

Our DCFCs have outputs of 50 kWs and above, meaning an 80% charge in as little as 20 minutes – about the time it takes to have a cappuccino or do a quick grocery run. This gives the average EV over 100 miles of range. The 80% figure roughly represents the total usable energy capacity in a lithium-ion battery and is more than sufficient for everyday driving. If it’s good enough for your phone, it’s good enough for your car.

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(6) EVCS offers pricing solutions that significantly reduce the cost of fast charging.

(a) True
(b) False

Answer: (a) True

EV drivers pay as much as $60 every time they charge up. But with the EVCS Unlimited Charging Plan, they can charge as much as they like for just $49.99 per month. In addition, the first 30 days are free. There’s no annual commitment, no hidden fees, and, of course, sizable savings over pay-as-you-go. And compared with current gas prices, savings are outright stratospheric.

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Spectrum News: SoCal Company Looks to Meet Growing Need for EV Charging Stations

Recently, our CEO and co-founder, Gustavo Occhiuzzo, was featured in a Spectrum News 1 segment titled “Inside the Issues” with Alex Cohen. He was able to not only convey the challenges we face as we work toward a more electric future, but also the strides EVCS has already made in addressing those challenges as well as some of our most significant achievements. Examples include our deal with LADOT to install DC fast chargers at 57 city-owned lots, our doubling of non-Tesla chargers in LA since last year alone, and the fact that EVCS has become one of the largest and fastest growing installers of EV charging stations on the West Coast in less than three years. See the interview clip and accompanying article below to learn more.

Recap of “Today, Explained” Podcast: It’s Electric!

Recently, we listened to Vox’s Umair Irfan discuss on his Today, Explained podcast how Norway has been trailblazing in the world of electric mobility and what strides the US can make to follow suit. We not only found the episode a fascinating exploration of how our Scandinavian friends serve as both innovators and motivators, but it elucidated ways in which EVCS can and has been working toward similar goals within the US. Below are some of the key takeaways from the podcast as well as how it relates to what we’re doing here and now.

EVCS Fast Charging Network to Use 100% Renewable Energy (Newsire)

One of the most common criticisms foisted on the electric mobility industry is that EVs are not technically carbon neutral since the electricity needed to power them is generated through fossil fuels, including coal and natural gas. This argument is not without merit and presents those of us in the EV infrastructure sector with yet another lofty goal – true carbon neutrality through electrical grids powered by renewable energy sources like wind and solar. And our most recent press release discusses how we at EVCS are doing just that.

EVCS Secures Credit Facility with Macquarie Group (Newswire)

We recently employed PR firm Firecracker to help us get the word out about all of the wonderful things EVCS is doing to make an all-electric future a reality. One major step toward this goal was our securing a credit facility that would allow for accelerated expansion of EV infrastructure, giving us confidence that the financial support required would be available when we needed it. Our PR team then went to work, drafting the following press release that outlines the particulars of this momentous achievement:

Installation of the Month (April 2021): Hilton Hotel & Plaza San Gabriel

Hilton is one of the most recognizable and respected organizations in the world. They own 18 different brands and more than 6,400 properties in 119 countries. Since 1925, they’ve been a model of the hospitality industry – synonymous with customer relations, integrity and innovation, which extends into areas like sustainability and the environment. Their website’s “Corporate Responsibility” page cites a commitment to fighting climate change, stating: “We seek to operate and grow sustainably, reducing our consumption of natural resources… We are proud to have set carbon reduction targets aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement.” And they continue to back up this commitment, including recently asking us to install EV charging banks at one of their key Los Angeles locations.