Charging an electric vehicle doesn't always require expensive public chargers. Batteries can be swapped, cars can pull up to a charging pad, or a mobile charging service can come to the driver's home or business.
EV drivers use a cord and plug to connect their vehicles to public charge ports on the road. But there aren't enough such chargers to support all EV travel. Alternative charging methods for the 2 million EVs on U.S. roads today, according to Experian, could help fill infrastructure gaps and supplement the public networks long term.
Fast public chargers often require expensive infrastructure, power upgrades and an arduous permitting process. Installation of a basic Level 2 commercial charger can cost $20,000 to $30,000. Superfast Level 3 chargers that restore an EV's charge up to 80 percent in 30 minutes or less cost $400,000 and $750,000, depending on required infrastructure upgrades.