Energy and Transportation Joint Office Endorses SAE J3400 Electric Vehicle Charging Connector Guidelines for Everybody
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, in collaboration with the SAE, has established key points to define a good electric vehicle (EV) charging experience. The focus is on making it easy for drivers to find, access, and use chargers, ensuring a seamless and convenient charging process.
To gauge the user experience and operational efficiency, the ChargeX Consortium has defined key performance indicators (KPIs) from the consumer perspective. These KPIs include Customer Satisfaction Score, Net Promoter Score (NPS), Station Accessibility and App Usability, Charger Uptime and Station Utilization Rate, Charging Speed and Efficiency, Cost to Consumer, and Equity of Access.
The Customer Satisfaction Score reflects overall experience including cleanliness, ease of use, and app functionality. The Net Promoter Score (NPS) measures brand loyalty and the likelihood to recommend the charging service. Station Accessibility and App Usability indicate how user-friendly and reachable the charging stations are. Charger Uptime and Station Utilization Rate assess reliability and availability of the chargers. Charging Speed and Efficiency, especially important for fast charging to reduce wait time, are also key indicators. Cost to Consumer and perceived affordability are essential factors, as is Equity of Access to ensure charging options are available across diverse communities.
The Joint Office has created a "Standardized Protocol for Real-Time APIs" to support third-party software developers in aggregating charging station data. This move aims to provide real-time information about charger availability, speed, and location, making it easier for drivers to plan their journeys.
The J3400 standard, a collaborative effort between the Joint Office and the SAE, ensures that any electric vehicle can work with any charger. It sets federal minimum standards for network interoperability, making long-distance travel more feasible and reducing range anxiety. The standard also ensures charging stations are safe for everyone.
The ChargeX Consortium has shared tips to improve the safety of charging adapters and has provided objective benchmarks for charging suppliers and manufacturers through its report. The federal government, states, and private companies are also supporting the addition of new public chargers to make charging more accessible.
The Joint Office works with groups like the ChargeX Consortium to improve the safety of charging technology and to deliver a consumer-grade charging experience, balancing grid reliability, affordability, and accessibility. The report from the ChargeX Consortium is available at driveelectric.gov/ for updates on electric vehicle standards improvement.
[2]: Fast charging technology market data [3]: Utilities and operators use these KPIs to deliver a consumer-grade charging experience, balancing grid reliability, affordability, and accessibility.
- To enhance the fast charging technology market, utilities and operators can use key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Charging Speed and Efficiency, ensuring a seamless and convenient charging process for environmental-science and technology-driven electric vehicles.
- In the pursuit of delivering a consumer-grade charging experience, the Joint Office collaborates with groups like the ChargeX Consortium, focusing on the use of science and technology in improving the safety of charging technology, balancing grid reliability, affordability, and accessibility.
