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So basically, we need to build more infrastructure for EVs? Sorta like what was built for ICE vehicles? The distillery units that extract petrol/diesel, the sh

So basically, we need to build more infrastructure for EVs? Sorta like what was built for ICE vehicles? The distillery units that extract petrol/diesel, the ships that transport it (where applicable), the holding tanks they unload into, the network of fuel trucks that distribute it to the thousands of petrol stations? Yeah, well, colour me shocked that a lack of infrastructure right now makes using EVs challenging right now. I mean, only four charging spots in that town, but how many bowsers are in that town? EV infra is a classic chicken and egg problem, while EV ownership rates are low, there's minimal incentive to build the infrastructure. And poor infrastructure makes purchasing an EV an exercise in risk analysis that harms uptake.

flagrant_taco 3y ago
The term infrastructure here is really carrying a lot of weight. The challenges of supporting a nation of EV is entirely different than gasoline/diesel. Storage of electricity isn't as simple as burrying a large tank, and when everyone stops for gas at the same time it has no impact on the electric grid. We already have growing pains in our electric grid, those would only get worse with surging use as vehicles charge. If the existing grid may not work and storage is impractical, what's left?
- pornel 3y ago
  The grid has a "duck curve", which means there is a lot of spare capacity outside of peak hours. And moving EV charging out of the peak hours is doable. Many charging stations already have batteries on site, because it lets them use cheaper electricity and/or provide charging speeds faster than their grid connection. EVs used for commuting are very flexible with their charging times. They can automatically delay/schedule charge times. Median US commute (35mi) requires charging about once a week. People who can't charge at home could charge at work (such low-speed chargers are relatively cheap and easy to install).
  - flagrant_taco 3y ago
    Yep, those are all totally fair points. I haven't run the math and tried to model it out so my opinion is definitely a combination of napkin math and gut feel I would be surprised if the grid + new battery storage could handle so much peak-y demand being added to it, but I've been surprised before!
- mortureb 3y ago
  In this case the aforementioned oil infrastructure is akin to building out more power plants and improving our grid.

flagrant_taco 3y ago

The term infrastructure here is really carrying a lot of weight. The challenges of supporting a nation of EV is entirely different than gasoline/diesel. Storage of electricity isn't as simple as burrying a large tank, and when everyone stops for gas at the same time it has no impact on the electric grid. We already have growing pains in our electric grid, those would only get worse with surging use as vehicles charge. If the existing grid may not work and storage is impractical, what's left?

pornel 3y ago
The grid has a "duck curve", which means there is a lot of spare capacity outside of peak hours. And moving EV charging out of the peak hours is doable. Many charging stations already have batteries on site, because it lets them use cheaper electricity and/or provide charging speeds faster than their grid connection. EVs used for commuting are very flexible with their charging times. They can automatically delay/schedule charge times. Median US commute (35mi) requires charging about once a week. People who can't charge at home could charge at work (such low-speed chargers are relatively cheap and easy to install).
- flagrant_taco 3y ago
  Yep, those are all totally fair points. I haven't run the math and tried to model it out so my opinion is definitely a combination of napkin math and gut feel I would be surprised if the grid + new battery storage could handle so much peak-y demand being added to it, but I've been surprised before!
mortureb 3y ago
In this case the aforementioned oil infrastructure is akin to building out more power plants and improving our grid.