Electric Vehicles

The EV Charging Buildout Has a Problem: Many Stations Don’t Work

Fear of drained batteries is a big barrier for many US drivers considering ditching gasoline-powered cars.

A charging port during the 2022 New York International Auto Show.

Photographer: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg
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Many US public charging stations fail to work when electric-vehicle drivers need them, according to a new J.D. Power report that underscores the Biden administration’s challenge in building out a network of stations nationwide.

In a survey of more than 11,550 drivers, the firm found that one in five didn’t manage to charge their vehicle during a visit to a station. Of those that didn’t get their vehicles charged, 72% blamed faulty equipment.