Charging an electric vehicle in the future increasingly looks like an experience somewhere between a truck stop and an airport lounge.

Most public chargers sit in parking lots, often three or four machines along the side of a hotel or grocery store. Drivers are exposed to the elements and, unless they need to go shopping, are basically stuck hanging out in their cars while filling their batteries.

But charging companies and automakers increasingly see a need for stations with amenities: restaurants, good bathrooms, comfortable furniture, and canopies that shield from the rain, snow and sun. After all, even the fastest chargers need a half-hour to top off your car so you’d better enjoy the stay. The additional convenience could entice would-be EV drivers to take the plunge, adding fuel to the electric transition.

  • Pennomi@lemmy.world
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    29 days ago

    It’s certainly longer and less convenient, but greatly offset by the fact I can almost always charge at home. Only on days where I drive more than a couple hundred miles (very rarely) do I need a charging station.

    • Num10ck@lemmy.world
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      29 days ago

      agreed. currently it really only makes sense to buy an ev if you can charge at home.

        • Num10ck@lemmy.world
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          29 days ago

          most people dont keep their jobs over a decade anymore. dont get stuck in a shitty job situation because its your gas station too.