Just yesterday I recorded an incredible conversation with the archivist from Ford, formerly of Coca-Cola, about the history of fueling infrastructure in this country and let me just say... when you listen to that conversation, you'll understand why we haven't cracked the code on EV charging yet.
There are two camps here:
One understands what basic-ass AC charging can do and that overnight charging takes care of all local needs full stop. That's me, wishing we focused on this.
The other imagines EVs getting used like ICE vehicles, and pulls the trigger assuming this makes sense.
I would wager every report you see from someone being dissatisfied with an EV is someone who could not charge at home and got one anyway.
And every report you see where EV owners question what on Earth people are thinking comes from people who can charge at home.
And by focusing so much on DC fast charging built up and effectively not at all on getting slow charging at apartment buildings and workplaces, we are setting up a whole class of folks to not understand the best ways to use their EVs.
This includes policy makers who could help renters.
It's also setting up a class division of, "people who can use EVs reliably" and "people who won't get an EV because it's difficult to charge it regularly."
yup yup
And as someone who has installed several EVSEs at this point for family and friends, the biggest, most irritating and infuriating thing in my brain is how few people seem to know that about $150 in materials (breaker, cable, junction box, staples) is what's needed to hook up a charger.
In your state :)
Lots of others (like CA) require pulling a permit and getting an inspection, even for homeowner work. While that's mostly paperwork it's still a lot more added to the task. Throw in older houses with small panels like my aunt has and it's a challenge.
Better guides can help here.
I wasn't speaking to any of those requirements, just the materials cost.
But for what it's worth, technically needing a permit and actually getting a permit are not the same thing - and it's not just DIYers who might skip it. Ask that electrician I hired.
