Electrify America's New Policy: Limiting EV Charges to 85%

Pilot Program in Southern California

Electrify America, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, has implemented a pilot program at ten Southern California charging stations where charging will automatically stop once EVs reach 85% state of charge (SOC). This move is aimed at reducing congestion at busy charging stations and encouraging drivers to unplug their vehicles once they have enough charge to reach their destination.

Benefits of Limiting Charges to 85%

• Reduces congestion at charging stations.
• Encourages EV drivers to unplug once they have sufficient charge.
• Improves battery life and reduces the risk of overcharging.

Details of the Pilot Program

The pilot program is currently in effect at the following ten stations in Southern California:

1. Bakersfield - 1801 Gibson Street
2. Barstow - 2737 Lenwood Road
3. Chino - 13850 Central Avenue
4. Corona - 1951 E Foothill Parkway
5. El Cajon - 1050 El Cajon Boulevard
6. Escondido - 625 N Escondido Boulevard
7. Ontario - 4555 E Ontario Mills Parkway
8. Palm Desert - 72550 Highway 111
9. Rancho Cucamonga - 11765 Foothill Boulevard
10. Temecula - 28420 Ynez Road

Grace Period and Penalties

Once an EV reaches 85% SOC, the charger will automatically stop charging. There is a 10-minute grace period during which drivers can move their vehicles to another stall or leave the charging station. After the grace period, Electrify America may charge a fee for overstaying.

Conclusion

Electrify America's pilot program is a step towards improving the efficiency and utilization of public EV charging stations. By limiting charges to 85%, the company hopes to reduce congestion, encourage responsible charging habits, and improve the overall charging experience for EV drivers. It remains to be seen whether this program will be successful and if it will be expanded to other locations.

For more information on Electrify America's Congestion Reduction Pilot program, please visit their official website.