Waiting for that roadside or commercial Level 3 EV charger? Not so fast.

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I get it: Tesla owners will have fast-charges installed in their mansion’s garage and possibly in the executive parking lot at their TradersRUs headquarters, and use private jets to visit their homes in Jackson’s Hole and the islands. But the great unwashed, for so long as they’re allowed to own cars, will need a place to charge their 2-seater battery cub cars, and, preferably, charge them without having to spend the night in a public charging station. And that’s a problem:

The Nationwide 500,000 EV Charger Charade

To identify the charade, one must first look at the math. 500,000 charging stations will cost the government $400 billion, not the $7.5 billion the President has promised.

By Geoffrey Pohanka

July 9, 2024

The word charade has several meanings, and including an act or event that is clearly false (Cambridge Dictionary), something done just for show (Vocabulary.com), or a situation in which people pretend that something is true when it clearly is not (Oxford Leaner’s Dictionary).

The charade I refers to is President Biden’s $7.5 billion dollar investment to install 500,000 electric charging stations along America’s highways by 2030. A reliable and convenient public EV charging infrastructure is critical to achieve the President’s goal of meeting the recent EPA CO2 emission regulation that require nearly 72% of U.S. new light vehicle sales to be fully electric or plug-in hybrid by 2032. Without diving deeper into the announcement, one would likely assume that $7.5 billion is sufficient to construct the 500,000 charging stations, one every 50 miles along the nation’s highways.

To identify the charade, one must first, look at the math: 500,000 charging stations, each with a minimum of four chargers, accomplished with an investment of $7.5 billion dollars. But that is only $15,000 per charging station, installed. A single high capacity charger can cost $100,000 or more, and most stations have multiple chargers. We are now in the second year of the program and only seven stations have been opened so far. At this rate, it will require thousands of years to build all 500,000 charging stations, assuming there are sufficient funds to do so.

Global consulting firm McKinsey and Company estimates that the U.S. will need 28 million charging ports by 2030. There are just two million charging ports today. To meet the goal, about 12,000 new public and private charging ports will need to be added every single day to reach the goal by 2030.

It is true that significantly more government funded charging stations are in the works and will be opened. The stations completed so far cost significantly more than what has been promised. With retailers contributing land to the projects opened so far, the cost of each station has averaged one-million dollars, with the government participation of 80% of the cost. Eight-hundred-thousand dollars for each station is significantly more than the 15,000 committed by the administration. At this rate, the 500,000 charging stations will cost the government $400 billion, not the $7.5 billion the President has promised.

If the administration is so wrong with this program, one must consider how many government programs designed to bring electric vehicles to the masses are similarly defective.

Geoffrey Pohanka, Chairman, Pohanka Automotive Group

Capitol Heights MD

(p.s. I own two EVs, like them, and they are my daily ride)

Is the author right? Well, I went prowling on the Internet and found several estimates of the cost of installing commercial fast-charges, two that were published by commercial suppliers who want to sell their product to customers, not dissuade them, and a third put up by a commercial management company so I accept those as objective sources, with no axe to grind either way.

Electrly: How Much Does a Commercial EV Charging Station Cost?

$80,000, plus $10-$15,000 installation per station

ElectricGear:

Level 3 Charging Station Installation Cost: Comprehensive Note

  • ElectricGear

  • March 21, 2024

Future Energy states that installing a Level 3 fast charger with a single port will cost around 40,000 US dollars. However, according to the Watt Logic report, the same will cost up to $80,000.

Looking at the above statements, it becomes evident that there is no specific formula for ascertaining the exact and actual cost of installing the said charging system. Multiple consequential factors and requirements remain intact towards increasing or decreasing installation costs. However, according to safe and rounded projections, it takes $20,000 for the parts alone and $50,000 or upwards for complete installation.

Charging station networks estimate the total cost of a Level 3 DC fast charger to be more than 50,000 US dollars, including all essential equipment and installation cost. The installation further requires a 480V transformer and a qualified technician or electrician.

These are installed with colossal power, providing almost 3-20 miles of range per minute. As opposed to Level 1 and 2 chargers which use AC, Level 3 fast chargers utilize direct current (DC) for charging electric vehicles; hence they have known DC fast chargers or superchargers.

According to the State of The Charge Report 2017, the EV charging market will likely increase by 50% by 2025, decreasing the cost considerably.

PropertyManagerInsider:

DC Fast Chargers Cost $28,000 to $140,000 Installed

 
According to a study from the International Council on Clean Transportation, DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) cost approximately $28,000 to $140,000 installed. This is the total installation cost per station. Factors that drive costs include the kW charging capacity, the brand of DC Fast Charger, sitework necessary for installation, and local labor rates. Approximate installation costs increase significantly based on the kW charging capacity of the stations:

  • Networked 50kW DCFC – $28,000

  • Networked 150kW DCFC – $75,000

  • NetWorked 350kW DCFC – $140,000

DC Fast Chargers are highly electrified pieces of industrial grade equipment. This makes every facet of installing DC Fast Chargers more expensive than AC Chargers, which typically cost around $6,000 to install. While they are expensive to install, commercial DC Fast Chargers for electric vehicles offer many benefits and are a great choice for some commercial properties including office buildings, large shopping malls, retail centers, and more.

And I thought it would be fun to ask ChatGP about the issue. Here’s its response:

Question: “Tell me the total cost of installing a commercial DC fast charger level three for EVs, including a discussion of regulatory hurdles and connection to power company lines.”

ChatGPT

Installing a commercial DC fast charger (Level 3) for electric vehicles involves several cost components and regulatory considerations. Here’s an overview:

Cost Components:

  1. Charger Equipment: The cost of the DC fast charger itself can range widely depending on the brand, model, and features. Typically, these chargers can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 or more per unit.

  2. Site Preparation: This includes civil work, such as excavation, foundation preparation, and possibly the need for electrical upgrades to support the charger. Costs can vary greatly based on the site’s existing infrastructure and conditions.

  3. Electrical Infrastructure: This involves the cost of connecting the charger to the power grid. For Level 3 chargers, significant electrical capacity is required, often necessitating upgrades to the local grid or transformer. Costs for this can range significantly depending on the distance to the nearest power supply and the capacity needed.

  4. Permitting and Regulatory Costs: Obtaining permits and meeting regulatory requirements can add to the overall cost. This includes zoning permits, electrical permits, environmental assessments (if applicable), and compliance with local building codes.

  5. Installation Labor: The cost of labor for installing the charger and associated infrastructure, including electrical work, is a significant component.

  6. Maintenance and Operational Costs: While not upfront, ongoing maintenance and operational costs should be considered, including electricity costs, maintenance contracts, and potential software updates.

Regulatory Hurdles:

  1. Permitting: Depending on the jurisdiction, obtaining permits for installing a commercial charger can be complex. Zoning laws may dictate where chargers can be installed, and electrical permits are required to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.

  2. Utility Approval: Connecting to the power grid requires approval from the local utility company. This may involve assessing the impact on the grid and ensuring that the charger installation meets technical specifications and safety standards.

  3. Environmental and Land Use Regulations: Some locations may have environmental regulations or require environmental assessments, especially if the site is near sensitive areas or involves significant construction.

  4. Accessibility and ADA Compliance: Ensuring that the charger is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, may involve additional regulatory considerations.

Connection to Power Company Lines:

Connecting a Level 3 charger to the power company’s lines requires coordination with the local utility. Here are the typical steps involved:

  • Load Assessment: The utility will assess the impact of the charger on the local grid. This includes evaluating the additional electricity demand and ensuring that the existing infrastructure can support it.

  • Utility Approval: Once the technical assessment is complete, the utility will provide approval for the connection. This often involves agreements regarding electricity rates, demand charges, and any necessary upgrades to the local infrastructure.

  • Installation: After approval, the charger installation can proceed, with the utility ensuring that all safety and technical requirements are met during the connection process.

Total Cost Estimate:

While costs can vary significantly depending on location and specific circumstances, a rough estimate for installing a single DC fast charger (Level 3) could range from $50,000 to $200,000 or more. This estimate includes the charger equipment, site preparation, electrical infrastructure upgrades, permitting costs, and installation labor. Ongoing operational costs such as electricity and maintenance should also be factored into the total cost of ownership.

In conclusion, installing a commercial DC fast charger involves substantial upfront costs and navigating through various regulatory hurdles. Working closely with local authorities and utility companies is crucial to ensure compliance and successful deployment.

Back on the market up on Airport Way

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23 Chieftans $3.850 million. These owners bought it for $2.4 million in 2013 from sellers who’d been trying to unload it, on-and-off, since 2005, when they’d started at $4.2. Those people had paid $3.050 in ‘03, so they were probably disappointed to get just $2.4 for it ten years later.

There’s nothing wrong with quality of these homes built in 2000 on the old Gimbel Estate, but the location has always worked against them. Sales have picked up since 2021, and we’re seeing prices in the high-threes now, so this will probably find a buyer. '

Perhaps to a Boeing executive who wants to be close to the crash scene the next time one of his products falls out of the sky.

Had she been killed, would the far-right press headline the story, "Second Amendment foe Sotomayor shot dead?" I think not — we have class.

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don’t shoot!

Sotomayor Bodyguard Shoots Armed Carjacker

NY POST 1:54 PM | July 09, 2024

A deputy US Marshal shot a suspected carjacker who pulled a gun on two marshals guarding Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s home in Washington, DC, officials said.

The deputies were parked outside Sotomayor’s home in northwest DC on July 5 when Kentrell Flowers, 18, allegedly walked up to one of their cars around 1:15 a.m. and pointed a gun at the bodyguard, the US Marshals Service told The Post.

The marshal drew his weapon and fired several shots at the suspect, who was arrested and treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Austere, religious scholar, vs global warming denier? No contest

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Remember*

The late Senator Inhofe was proud of his stand against the global warming hysterics, so he probably wouldn’t be at all displeased with this recognition of his resistance, but it’s a safe guess that the flying monkeys of the press who drafted headlines noting his passing didn’t intend to be complimentary.

*Mr. Baghdadi’s position on global warming was unclear, but he had other laudatory accomplishments:

As leader of IS, Baghdadi led the Islamic State's wars against Iraq and Syria. Baghdadi directed the use of controversial tactics, including the mass use of suicide bombings and the execution of prisoners of war. IS briefly captured substantial territory in Iraq and Syria, but lost all of that territory and almost all of its fighters during Baghdadi's tenure as caliph. Baghdadi would become directly involved in IS's atrocities and human rights violations. These include the genocide of Yazidis in Iraq, extensive sexual slavery, organized rape, floggings, and systematic executions. He directed terrorist activities and massacres. He embraced brutality as part of the organization's propaganda efforts, producing videos displaying sexual slavery and executions via hacking, stoning and burning.[14][15] Baghdadi was a serial rapist who kept several personal sex slaves.[16][17]

Any other killers out there worthy of glowing praise? Oh yes.

Correct

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JOHN LUCAS: Some advice for the GOP and some questions for the Dem nominee. “So that I am not misunderstood, it is important and necessary to rebut the constantly changing stories about Biden’s mental fitness for office, but that should now become a peripheral effort, not the main focus. Why? Because if Biden is replaced as the Democrat nominee, as seems increasingly likely, that issue will disappear immediately. The state media will instantly begin crowing about how wonderful Kamala is, or Gavin, or whomever the Democrats run after ousting Biden, no matter who it may be. The GOP and its supporters therefore need to keep focusing the voters now on the ball — what substantive issues will Trump support that the eventual Democrat nominee will fight?”

Tierney vs Fauci; Tierney wins, of course

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John’s 1996 article for the NYT Sunday Magazine, “Recycling is Garbage”, still holds the title for generating the most hate mail directed at the Times’ editors, ever. He was right, then, and he’s right now:

I’VE READ ALL 480 PAGES SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO: Fauci’s Master Class in Deception. Some excerpts of my book review in the Wall Street Journal:

At the end of his memoir, “On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service,” Anthony Fauci laments: “We are living in an era in which information that is patently untrue gets repeated enough times that it becomes part of our everyday dialogue and starts to sound true.” He’s right about that, and he has inadvertently produced a 480-page master class in how to get away with it.

The memoir chronicles Dr. Fauci’s rise in Washington from an obscure researcher to his fame during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he became, as he writes, a “hero to the millions of Americans who saw me as a physician bravely standing up for science, truth, and rational decision-making.” This image bore no relation to reality, given the evidence that the lockdowns and school closures accomplished little or nothing while causing unprecedented social and economic damage.

So how did Dr. Fauci spin it into a personal triumph? The memoir chronicles the development of his techniques. He tells how, after becoming director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 1984, one of his first “crucial lessons” was “how important it was to cultivate relationships with people who are in a position to make things happen.” These people included politicians in the White House and the Capitol, activists demanding bigger budgets, and, especially, journalists eager for stories that would terrify their audiences.

In the memoir, Fauci proudly details the budget increases he received as a result of the false alarms he helped spread: the AIDS “heterosexual breakout,” the bioterrorism attack on America supposedly imminent after 9/11, the doomsday pandemics of bird flu and swine that never arrived.

He went on seeking more funding to prepare for a future catastrophic flu pandemic, a threat he considered so dire that it justified “generating a potentially dangerous virus in the laboratory,” as he argued in a 2011 article in the Washington Post.

In retrospect, given the mounting evidence that Covid-19 was created by just that sort of gain-of-function research in China, does Dr. Fauci have any second thoughts about advocating such a risky endeavor? None worth mentioning in this memoir. In dismissing the “smear campaign” to link him to a lab-created virus, he ignores the obvious possibility that the Wuhan virologists exploited knowledge acquired in the lab’s previous bat-virus research funded by his agency.

Nor does he regret his pandemic guidance, despite the vast collateral damage of lockdowns and the evidence that nations and U.S. states that shunned Dr. Fauci’s advice fared as well or better than the ones that locked down. Sweden experienced one of the lowest rates of excess mortality in Europe while keeping businesses and schools open and urging its citizens not to wear masks. Nowhere in Dr. Fauci’s memoir is there a mention of Sweden or other such counter-evidence.

The glaring omissions confirm the criticisms of Dr. Fauci in Dr. Scott Atlas’s pandemic memoir, A Plague Upon Our House. 

At the White House Coronavirus Task Force meetings, Dr. Atlas recounts, Dr. Fauci never presented scientific evidence in favor of his policies, refused to respond to the contrary evidence that Dr. Atlas presented, and never considered the collateral damage from the policies.

In fall 2020 there was ample evidence that schools could reopen safely, but Dr. Fauci kept offering reasons to keep them closed. When Dr. Atlas argued that Americans were irrationally frightened, he writes, Dr. Fauci replied: “They need to be more afraid.” Dr. Fauci’s determination to panic the public astounded Dr. Atlas, but it’s understandable after reading “On Call.” For Anthony Fauci, fearmongering was always an excellent career move.

And never mind at what cost to everyone else.

Posted at 7:47 pm by John Tierney