What Does 2022 Have in Store for EVs and EV Charging Infrastructure?

Deloitte research found 2022 may be the year the price of EVs matches the price of gas-powered vehicles, and EV charging demand will rise even faster. Over 5 million new EVs are expected in California alone in the next decade, requiring more electric vehicle charging stations and infrastructure.

According to usa.evcharging-infrastructure.com, “While charging technology has been evolving at a faster pace, electrical infrastructure development across the US has remained a challenge.” A recent report by McKinsey & Company states that “EV charging-energy demand for electric vehicles could reach 53 billion kilowatt-hours by 2030, a 20-fold increase needed to support the upcoming tide of electric vehicles.”

Important topics in EVSE this coming year include infrastructure forecasts, smart EV ports and smart charging, V2X tech, examining city policies and plans to make room for EVSE infrastructure, and working with policy makers to increase public EVSE presence. Plans that have already been set in motion recently with the signing of the Infrastructure Bill.

Smart charging solutions continue to improve, such as Plug and Charge, which enables EVs to communicate with charging stations instantly. A driver with a vehicle that has this capability will be able to charge without the need for membership cards or mobile apps. The EV communicates with a charger that also has the capability, which finds billing information and simplifies the process without the inconvenience of struggling for cards and key fobs. According to Car and Driver, Plug and Charge could turn any EV into the equivalent of a smart phone, able to download information and pay bills easily.

Another brand-new technology in the horizon is V2X. According to Autoweek, “Vehicle-to-everything, or V2X, is an all-encompassing term for a vehicle’s connected communications.”  The idea is that a vehicle will use its on-board communication tools to deliver real-time traffic information, changing road conditions, and be able to recognize road signs, warnings, and more. The days of being surprised by road delays may be over for EV drivers, yet another reason more EVs will be on the road.

Policy makers are taking this new influx of technology seriously. The Biden Administration is planning $5 billion in formula funding for states with a goal to building a national electric vehicle charging network. And another $2.5 billion for communities and corridors through a competitive grant program. 

More Ways to Charge, More EV Choices

Barron states American consumers will have 20 new EVs to choose from in 2022.

Trucks will bring excitement to the industry in the new year, including the long-awaited Ford F-150 Electric Lightning. The Rivian Automotive RT1 and the Tesla Cybertruck are also to be released. An all-electric Hummer is coming and the Chevy Silverado E version are scheduled to become available in 2023.

Ford has been reporting that they can’t keep Mustang Mach Es in showrooms and will be picking up production this year. The Mercedes EQB SUV is coming this year, as is BMW’s i4 coupe. The Subaru Solterra will also present an affordable option for consumers in the coming year.

Consumers will have more choices than ever before, and with over 300 plug-in electric vehicles models on the market total, there’s something for everyone in the new year.