Initially, 10 stations in California will enforce this limit. Once an EV reaches 85% charge, the charger will stop, and a 10-minute grace period will begin. If the vehicle remains connected after this period, idle fees will be applied.
The aim is to free up chargers after the "bulk charge" is completed. Most EVs slow their charging rate significantly after reaching 80% State of Charge (SoC). For instance, charging a Kia EV6 from 10% to 80% SoC takes about 16 minutes, but going from 80% to 100% can take 15-20 minutes due to reduced charging speeds. This creates bottlenecks at charging stations.
Recognizing that some trips require a full charge, the pilot focuses on high-usage stations not typically used for long journeys. EA selected locations based on station utilization and proximity to other chargers, ensuring alternatives are available for those needing a full charge.
Additionally, EVs starting with over 85% charge won't be able to initiate a charging session. Reconnecting after reaching the 85% limit won't work either. No exceptions will be made for manufacturer-backed charging plans.
The pilot begins this month. A list of participating stations is available, and EA will update it as they assess the program's impact and customer feedback.
Source: Electrify America
