Hurricanes, and other impactful events that cause utility outages, can wreak havoc on critical infrastructure. Extreme weather events have proven time and time again to be major threats to critical infrastructure service reliability. Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is no exception. Maintaining EV charging infrastructure operations is crucial to prevent fleets from becoming stranded and keep EV drivers on the roads.
As EV adoption accelerates rapidly, driven by environmental concerns, regulatory pressures and advances in vehicle technology, so too does the need to maintain reliable charging operations. Creating resilient EV infrastructure involves maintaining a commitment to designing robust systems that can withstand and adapt to unforeseen challenges.
A disruption in charging capability, no matter how short the duration, can lead to major operational delays, significant costs to restore infrastructure and missed opportunities to create additional revenue. From manufacturers struggling to deliver products to emergency services left stranded, the effects of EV charger outages can be widespread for those that depend on EVs operating.
It’s crucial to incorporate resilient planning early in the installation of EV chargers. Infrastructure design should not rely on a single point of failure, which could lead to widespread system outages. Maintaining consistent network connectivity is essential as disruptions in communication can limit operations even if power is still available.
The integration of backup power systems, such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and renewable energy sources, combined with robust redundant design strategies, is essential to keep EV infrastructure operational. In the event that the electric grid is compromised, having a diverse portfolio of energy sources powering EV chargers can keep systems functional. This increases the overall efficiency and reliability of EV operations.
Those who prioritize resilience in EV infrastructure will benefit from a reduced risk of service disruptions and a stronger return on investment. EVs will be able to remain operational, especially in regions prone to natural disasters or power outages. Bringing in an experienced, integrated firm can be the next step to identifying and implementing a resilient EV infrastructure charging solution.
Taking a programmatic design-build approach to building reliable EV charging infrastructure can be an effective solution. Discover how having an experienced team on your side can allow you to scale resilient infrastructure cost-effectively with speed and quality.
