Electric vehicle charging bays  (also known as EV charging stations or electric vehicle supply equipment, or EVSE) are parking spaces for EVs that have a dedicated power connection for recharging plug-in electric vehicles. They are designed for use by EV drivers who don’t have a home charger and want to charge their car at work, public parks, airports, etc.

EV drivers have reported that locating an available charging spot can be frustrating and time-consuming. Even when a charger is found, it’s not uncommon to find that it’s already in use or that the plug has been tampered with. This can leave an EV driver frustrated and discouraged.

From Design to Efficiency: The Role of EV Charging Bay Markings

The number of EV charging stations can vary widely, and is dependent on a variety of factors, including demand, location and electrical infrastructure. Property type is another important factor, as larger buildings may need more EV charging ports to support the needs of multiple tenants. Moreover, the level of charging required can be affected by the availability and capacity of the building’s electrical system.

Another factor affecting the availability of EV charging stations is that zoning approval, permitting and dealing with local utilities can make it very time-consuming to get a station up and running. Adding to this, EV charging station construction requires significant capital investment and must comply with federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding requirements, including that the stations be privately owned and operated. As a result, constructing new stations can take more than five years before they’re fully operational.