Wondering what’s coming up in the electric vehicle (EV) space? Blink Mobility gives you a sneak peek at the newest technology that will be showing up at a charger near you. The future of EVs has never been stronger with more electric vehicles to choose from and technology making EV charging easier and smarter. 

The Electric Vehicle Market is Booming 

The electric vehicle industry is growing fast, driven by environmental concerns, policy support, and technology. According to Deloitte, 2022 may be the year when EVs are priced the same as gas powered vehicles and we’ll need more charging stations. Over 5 million new EVs will be in California alone in the next 10 years and that’s a lot of charging infrastructure. According to usa.evcharging-infrastructure.com “While charging technology has been evolving faster, electrical infrastructure development across the US has been a challenge.” A McKinsey & Company report says EV charging-energy demand could reach 53 billion kilowatt-hours by 2030, a 20x increase to support the incoming flood of electric vehicles. 

New Year, New Charging Technology 

EV Charging Infrastructure and Smart Charging 

EV sales will be a big contributor to the growth in the region, necessitating the expansion of EV charging infrastructure. Top EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) topics this year will be infrastructure forecasts, Smart EV ports, Smart charging, V2X technology, Ultra-Fast charging and city policies for EVSE infrastructure. Infrastructure Forecasts: We need more chargers than ever to meet EV demand. EVSE technology is evolving daily and getting more consumer friendly. One of the most exciting developments is Plug and Charge technology. 

Smart Charging: Plug and Charge allows EVs to talk to EV chargers, so drivers don’t need membership cards, phone apps or dialing an 800 number to charge. The EV tells the charger who it is, the charger retrieves the billing information, and the charging starts. According to The Driven, Plug and Charge will make any EV as easy as a smartphone, able to download information and pay bills. 

V2X Technology 

Another technology on the horizon is V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything). According to Autoweek “Vehicle-to-everything, or V2X, is an all-encompassing term for a vehicle’s connected communications.” This technology allows vehicles to deliver real-time traffic information, recognize road signs and warnings and adapt to changing road conditions. V2X could eliminate surprises like road delays and make EV driving even more appealing. 

Ultra-Fast Charging: The Missing Link 

The biggest goal of the EV industry is to get as many EV drivers on the road as possible and replace polluting vehicles. Ultra-fast charging is essential for the widespread adoption of electric battery vehicles, as it addresses one of the main concerns of potential EV buyers. Ultra-fast charging is seen as the missing link between drivers considering EVs and feeling confident enough to buy them. DC Fast Charging is common but controversial because it can damage smaller batteries if used frequently. New, safer ultra-fast charging technology could change the game. Ultra Fast Charging: This could charge an EV with 62 miles of range in 10 minutes. It would use battery-buffered technology, storing energy rather than drawing directly from the grid, so it would maintain grid health, avoid blackouts, and allow rural areas to have charging stations. This would be a game-changer for EV drivers. 

City Policies for EV Infrastructure 

Policy makers are taking the new technology seriously to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. The Biden Administration is planning $5 billion in formula funding for states to build a national electric vehicle charging network. This is crucial for EV infrastructure and making EV adoption more accessible. 

More Ways to Charge, More EV Choices 

More EV Options 

American consumers will have 20 new electric passenger cars to choose from this year according to Barrons. New trucks include the Ford F-150 Electric Lightning, Rivian Automotive RT1, Tesla Cybertruck and an all-electric Hummer. The Chevy Silverado E will be out in 2023. Ford’s Mustang Mach 3s are in high demand with production starting this year. Other new models include the Mercedes EQB SUV, BMW’s i4 coupe and the affordable Subaru Solterra. With over 300 EV models on the market, there’s something for everyone. 

In LA You Don’t Need to Own an EV to Drive Electric 

If you live in LA you can skip the car ownership costs altogether and still drive electric by using car-sharing services. Blink Mobility offers an all-electric car-sharing program so you can rent an EV from over 40 locations without the ownership costs. Low rates for everyday use make it easy to go electric. 

Future of EV Charging Technology 

Wireless Charging 

One of the most exciting trends in EV technology is wireless charging. This allows EVs to charge without the need for physical connectors. Instead, vehicles can charge through electromagnetic fields. Wireless charging pads can be installed in parking spaces so you can simply park and charge. This will make EV charging even more convenient and accessible. 

Solar Powered Charging Stations 

Solar-powered charging stations are another trend in the EV industry. These stations use solar panels to generate electricity, which is then used to charge EVs. This reduces grid dependency and promotes renewable energy. Solar-powered charging stations are particularly beneficial in sunny areas like California as a sustainable and eco-friendly charging solution. 

Battery Swapping 

Battery swapping is a new technology that allows EV drivers to swap their depleted batteries with fully charged ones in minutes. This will reduce the downtime of charging and make long distance travel possible for EV owners. Companies like NIO in China are already implementing battery swapping stations and this may soon be coming to other parts of the world. 

Artificial Intelligence in EVs 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a bigger role in EV technology. AI can be used to optimize battery performance, predict maintenance needs, and enhance the overall driving experience. For example, AI can analyze driving patterns and adjust the vehicle’s energy consumption to maximize efficiency. AI can also be used to develop advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to improve safety and convenience. 

Autonomous Driving and EVs 

Autonomous driving is tied to the development of electric vehicles. Many EV manufacturers are investing in self-driving technology to create fully autonomous electric cars. Autonomous EVs can change the way we transport ourselves by reducing accidents, improving traffic flow and providing mobility for those who can’t drive. Companies like Tesla, Waymo and Cruise are leading the way in this technology towards a future where self-driving EVs are everywhere. 

EVs and the Environment 

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

One of the main reasons to go electric is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation is a major source of air pollution, 27% of total US greenhouse gas emissions. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions which helps improve air quality and reduce transportation’s impact on climate change. Even when you factor in the electricity used to charge them, EVs have a smaller carbon footprint than gas cars. 

Renewable Energy 

The growth of the EV market is tied to the growth of renewable energy. The growth of renewable energy is also driven by the increase in global electric car sales, as more consumers opt for cleaner transportation options. As more EVs are sold, there is more demand for clean energy to power them. This has led to more investment in renewable energy infrastructure like wind and solar. By promoting renewable energy, the EV industry is creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy system. 

Challenges and Opportunities 

Range Anxiety 

One of the biggest challenges in the EV market is range anxiety or the fear that an electric vehicle will run out of power before reaching its destination. This is being addressed by developing longer range batteries and expanding charging infrastructure. As charging stations become more widespread and charging times decrease, range anxiety will fade and EVs will become more attractive to consumers. 

Affordability and Incentives 

The cost of EVs has been a barrier to mass adoption, but this is changing as prices drop and electric car sales increase. Government incentives like tax credits and rebates are also making EVs more affordable. In California for example, state incentives include $2,000 back for the purchase of EVs, up to $4,500 for those who meet vehicle and income requirements. These incentives are particularly important for increasing EV adoption in lower income communities where the benefits of cleaner air and reduced transportation costs can have a bigger impact. 

Car Dealerships and the EV Transition 

Adapting to the New Market 

Car dealerships are adapting to the EV market. This means dealerships need to invest in training for their staff, update their service departments to service EVs and educate consumers about EVs. Dealerships are key to supporting EV adoption by providing consumers with access to the latest EVs and technology. 

Supporting 

Dealerships are also partnering with EV charging companies to provide customers with convenient charging solutions. By offering test drives and showcasing the latest EVs, dealerships help potential buyers experience EVs firsthand. This hands-on approach is key to building consumer confidence and the transition to electric transportation. 

Blink Mobility: Leading the Charge in Car Sharing 

A Smarter Way to Get Around 

Blink Mobility offers 100% electric car sharing as part of Los Angeles’s mobility solutions. Available to anyone 18+ with a valid driver’s license, Blink Mobility provides access to a network of shared electric vehicles 24/7 at self-service locations throughout central LA. Residents can enjoy the benefits of driving an EV without the cost and responsibility of ownership. Blink Mobility stations are on-street, one self-service kiosk and five parking spots, each with an electric charger. Users can pick up and drop off vehicles at any Blink Mobility location; no need to return the car to the starting point or during regular business hours. 

Advantages: 

• Easy to use 

• Flexible and green 

• Cheap 

Disadvantages: 

• None! 

Community Engagement and Support 

Community based organizations are key to supporting Blink Mobility’s outreach and engagement efforts. By gathering feedback from local residents Blink Mobility is always improving its services to meet the needs of the community. This collaborative approach means the car sharing service is tailored to the specific needs of the neighborhoods it serves. Blink Mobility’s community engagement goes beyond just providing transportation solutions. The company participates in local events, educational programs and sustainability initiatives. By building strong relationships with community organizations Blink Mobility has a positive impact that goes beyond car sharing. 

Summary 

EVs are looking good, with lots of trends and technologies to come. With Smart charging and V2X, ultra-fast charging, and more EV options, the EV market is going to grow big. Policy and infrastructure will be key to this transition, making EVs more accessible and convenient. For those in LA, Blink Mobility has the solution for driving electric without the cost of ownership. Rent an EV today and enjoy the benefits of clean transportation. Electric future ahead!