Long-distance travel needs for electric vehicles in the top 100 US metropolitan areas could be met with just 408 direct current (DC) fast-charging stations, according to a new report from Navigant Research.
The report provides a compressive overview of the locations where DC electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations would be best situated in the case of a nationwide buildout — if the intent was or is to create a viable, truly useful, nationwide network.
The report notes that a network of only 95 DC fast-charging stations would be enough to allow for cross-country travel, and also for travel along the east and west coasts.
“Nationwide access to high-power fast charging can be achieved with several hundred stations, but this requires collaboration from automakers, charging networks, and utilities,” stated Lisa Jerram, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “It is important that individual stations be placed in optimal locations for the greatest benefit, and that they be linked together in a single network for ease of use by BEV drivers.”
The press release for the report notes that “Navigant Research’s analysis serves as a benchmark for automakers and charging equipment companies, as well as utilities and government agencies, looking to develop a nationwide fast charging network in the United States. Navigant’s methodology allows the data to be adapted to provide a more granular look at potential DC charging needs in specific regions.”
Going on: “Using publicly available census and travel data and customized BEV forecasts, Navigant Research has developed a set of maps showing where to place DC charging stations in a staged rollout. The report also features maps of proposed low power DC charging deployments designed to meet the needs of drivers within the major MSAs of the United States.”
Those interested can find an Executive Summary of the report here.
Via CleanTechnica
James, do you have the actual Navigant report, and can you provide a map?