Public EV chargers are more packed than ever, and when you finally find an open spot, charging speeds can be frustratingly slow. But why is this happening? And at what point does “fast charging” start feeling like a waste of time?
Overcrowded Chargers: What’s Causing the Backup?
Finding an available public charger can feel like a game of luck, especially in busy areas. Several factors contribute to this congestion:
- Many EV owners can’t charge at home – Apartment dwellers and those without home charging rely entirely on public stations.
- EV adoption is outpacing charger expansion – More cars on the road, but not enough new chargers to support demand.
- Free charging incentives – Many automakers offer years of complimentary charging, leading drivers to use public stations even when they could charge at home.
- Longer charging times compared to gas stations – Unlike filling up a gas tank in minutes, even the fastest EV chargers require 15-45 minutes for a meaningful boost.
- Drivers charging to 100% – Many users stay plugged in longer than necessary, further slowing down access for others.
Fast Charging? Not Always.
Even when you get a charger, the experience isn’t always smooth. Some EVs can charge at 200kW or more, but others drop below 100kW far too soon, making the wait feel endless.
Here’s where frustration kicks in:
- For most drivers, anything under 100kW feels slow.
- Older chargers and shared power stations can reduce speeds even further.
- Charging past 50-60%? Expect a major speed drop. Some EVs fall to 30-50kW, making every extra percentage take longer.
Charging Curve: The Silent Speed Killer
Not all EVs charge the same way. Some maintain high speeds up to 80%, while others plummet below 50kW after 40%. This leads many to end sessions early rather than wait for painfully slow top-ups.
With EV demand rising and infrastructure still catching up, charging congestion and speed frustrations aren’t going away anytime soon. Until better solutions arrive, how slow is too slow for you?
