Charging Station Gaps EV Drivers Can’t Ignore
EV drivers are grateful for the progress in charging infrastructure, but many agree: it’s nowhere near finished. A Reddit thread recently asked a simple question: What’s a feature you’re shocked EV charging stations still don’t have?
The responses came flooding in — and they were frustrated, creative, and painfully honest.
Accessibility Is a Huge Blind Spot
One of the biggest oversights in charging station design is accessibility. Drivers with limited mobility shared stories of real struggles. Many stations are nearly impossible to use without help.
Heavy charge cables, awkward button placement, high screens, and poor ground access make it harder for anyone with mobility issues to charge independently.
Some users even said they’ve considered switching back to gas-powered vehicles — not because of range, but because of basic usability. That’s a red flag for the industry.
Payment and Apps: Too Many, Too Confusing
Another common frustration is payment. Drivers say the experience varies wildly by network. Some stations require tapping a card. Others demand an app login. Some won’t work at all without preloaded accounts.
Several users said they have 10 to 20 different apps just to charge across different states or countries. It’s inconvenient, confusing, and unnecessary in 2025.
What drivers want is simple: plug and charge. Let the car handle authentication and payment — no apps, no passwords, no stress.
The Basics Are Still Missing
Beyond accessibility and software, many users pointed out how public charging stations lack the basics you’d expect at a standard gas station:
- Roofs or canopies for shade and rain
- Trash bins, air compressors, and vacuums
- Clean restrooms and vending machines
- Clear pricing signs visible from the car
- Reliable Wi-Fi in underground or remote areas
- And yes — window squeegees
These aren’t luxuries; they’re standard features that make everyday driving easier.
What Comes Next?
The message is clear: EV charging doesn’t need flash — it needs function. Drivers are ready to charge smarter and more efficiently.
Now it’s time for station operators to catch up and build infrastructure that truly works for everyone.
