Electric Cars Becoming More Popular - Portable Battery Packs Necessary to Ensure Reliability
Electric cars are becoming more and more popular, as they offer a clean and efficient way to get around. But with the rise of electric vehicles come new challenges - like what happens when your car runs out of power in the middle of nowhere? This is exactly what happened recently for one driver on a 600-mile journey from South Carolina to Florida.
When the driver arrived at Cocoa Beach in Florida with only 35% SOC, three of the four Electrify America dispensers were dark, and the fourth failed continually. With their next planned stop being 130 miles away, it seemed impossible to make it there without any additional power. Fortunately, another EV driver pulled up who was also almost out of power, and after checking Plug Share app, they found two Charge Point dispensers in Vero Beach 50 miles south at a WaWa station. After confirming that these units were operational, they were able to make it safely to their destination.
This experience raises an important question: Is there a portable battery pack available that could be carried by drivers in case of emergency? Currently, there are some commercially available “portable” units weighing between 50-100 pounds which can provide 3-5 extra miles of range after an hour or so delivery. There are also companies offering services where they will come to your car and charge up, but this isn't available everywhere yet.
Unfortunately, many CCS networks have a high failure rate and low competence rate (hello EA!). As such, having a few L2 chargers at each DCFC station would be a great safety backup plan. The cost couldn't be more than $5k all-in and would allow someone who arrives to a dead CCS station with 10% battery to top up for 30-60 minutes and make it to the next working CCS station. It would even be possible to charge money for using the backup plan.
In conclusion, while electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, there are still some issues that need to be addressed before they become completely reliable. Portable battery packs and backup plans are essential components of making sure that drivers can always make it to their destination safely.
What are the available options for portable battery packs?
There are "portable" units commercially available - that weigh on the order of 50-100 pounds. They also generally deliver enough power - after an hour or so delivery - for 3-5 extra miles of range. Additionally, there are companies that will come to your car and charge up, but not available everywhere.
Is there a way to avoid getting stranded at a dead CCS station?
Arguably, a few L2 chargers at each of their DCFC stations would be a good safety backup. Install cost couldn't be more than $5k or so all-in, and would allow someone who arrived to a dead CCS station with 10% battery to top up for 30-60min to at least make it to the next working CCS station.
How much buffer should I leave when road tripping with a CCS car?
With CCS being what it is, it is recommended to stay above 30%, as opposed to Tesla where rarely going down to 10% was necessary. That being said, it is always best to leave a buffer of at least 10-15% when road tripping with a CCS car.
Is there an alternative to carrying a gas can?
Yes, there are electric gas cans available on the market. These are battery powered and come in various sizes and capacities. They are designed to be used as a backup power source for your vehicle in case you run out of fuel or get stranded due to a dead battery. They can also be used to charge up your phone or other electronic devices.