Testimony – Maryland EV Charging Reliability Bill HB 1028

HB1028 MDGA 2024

Economic Matters Committee – March 6, 2024

The following is a transcript of my testimony to the Maryland Economic Matters Committee in support of HB 1028, “Business Regulation – Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment – Regulations for Retail Use.” This legislation would require the Comptroller to adopt regulations for the retail use of electric vehicle supply equipment in the State that include requiring an uptime of 97% and establishing civil penalties for non-compliance with the regulations.

To build trust in electric vehicles, reliable charging and transparent pricing are essential.

Good afternoon. My name is Lanny Hartmann.

As an electric vehicle driver, I’ve experienced firsthand both the promise and the challenges of relying on public charging.

Over the past decade, I’ve visited hundreds of charging stations across the country. While many function smoothly, especially those on the Tesla network, a significant number of public charging stations struggle with reliability and uptime.

Millions are being invested in Maryland’s charging infrastructure. Reliability, affordability, and user experience are critical for success.

According to the Department of the Environment, Maryland currently has around 4,000 charging ports, and about 20% of them are in need of maintenance.

In my own testing of about 70 fast chargers in central Maryland, I found that nearly a third of them had issues. These problems included damaged connectors, malfunctioning screens, or the charger would stop abruptly or deliver reduced power.

There’s a need for transparency in charging costs and meter accuracy. I once charged at a station in Hagerstown and was later billed $553 on my credit card. While I eventually got a refund for the mistaken billing, it underscores the importance of accurate metering and fair pricing.

To build trust in electric vehicles, reliable charging and transparent pricing are essential. Fortunately, Maryland is leading the way in setting reliability standards for utility-owned charging stations with HB 834 which the General Assembly passed last year.

Now, with this bill, we have the opportunity to expand upon that success and ensure reliability and accountability for all public charging stations in the state.

Thank you.

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Shafer Park EV Charging – Boonsboro, MD

Shafer Park Boonsboro EV charging station Potomac Edison

Potomac Edison owned and operated EV charging station at Shafer Park in Boonsboro, MD. Located a few blocks from the main street, this Level 2 ChargePoint station is a short walk from dining, coffee and downtown shops. Stop here for a boost on your trip along the Old National Pike (Rt. 40).

Location
Address: 60 Park Drive, Boonsboro, Maryland 21713
County: Washington
Facility Type: Public Park
Coordinates: 39.50707, -77.65561
Directions: In the parking lot at the southern side of Shafer Park on Park Drive.
Map Link: OpenStreetMap

Technical
Connector Type: J1772
Power & Qty: 6.6 kW, x2
Total Site Power: 13.2 kW

Access
Network: ChargePoint
Availability: Public
Hours: 24 hours daily
Pricing: $0.21/kWh (subject to change)

Amenities
Restroom: at park
Food: in town
WiFi: none

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Call for Enhanced Oversight and Accountability of Electrify America’s Charging Infrastructure

Electrify America Unavailable

Comments to California Air Resources Board (CARB)

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will hold a public meeting to consider a staff assessment of Electrify America’s Cycle 4 Zero Emission Vehicle Investment Plan on January 25, 2024. The Board will then decide whether to approve or disapprove the plan.

I submitted the following comments to the California Air Resources Board:

To: cotb@arb.ca.gov
January 23, 2024

Re: 24-1-2: Electrify America’s Proposed Cycle 4 Zero Emission Vehicle Investment Plan

Dear California Air Resources Board,

I am writing as a concerned advocate for electric vehicle drivers. Last summer I travelled through the state of California in an electric vehicle. I encountered many of my fellow EV drivers who were having issues with non-functional Electrify America charging stations. Harris Ranch had a line of frustrated EV drivers waiting to use it because most of the six dispensers were down.

The reliability issues surrounding Electrify America’s charging infrastructure have raised significant concerns within the EV community. While the initial intent of the company to address the fallout from the 2015 Dieselgate scandal was commendable, it appears that their efforts have fallen short, leading to a new crisis in the form of unreliable charging stations.

The recent Sacramento Bee article by Ari Plachta highlighting the reliability challenges faced by Electrify America underscores the urgency of addressing these issues. As an active participant in promoting EV adoption, I find it disheartening that a company established with the explicit purpose of rectifying past wrongs is now contributing to hindrances in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

The reliability issues reported, including broken screens, faulty payment systems, and slow charging, are significantly impacting the EV user experience. This not only undermines the trust of current EV drivers but also dissuades potential buyers from making the switch.

Electrify America ranking last in consumer satisfaction, as reported by J.D. Power, is indicative of the severity of the problem. The satisfaction score of 538 out of 1,000 is alarming, especially when compared to Tesla’s score of 739.

Unreliable charging infrastructure poses a major hurdle to achieving widespread EV adoption. Reports suggest that approximately 18% of individuals who switch to electric vehicles end up returning to gas-powered cars due to charging inconveniences. Given the magnitude of the issue, I urge the California Air Resources Board to consider the following actions:

1. Enhanced Oversight: Strengthen oversight mechanisms for Electrify America, ensuring that the company adheres to higher standards of performance and reliability. Confidence in California’s public charging network is crucial for the success of EV adoption.

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Point 50 EVgo Charging Station – Fairfax, VA

EVgo charger Fairfax, VA

Point 50 EVgo Charging Station in Fairfax, Virginia. Located at 10334 Fairfax Blvd. This 200 kW DC fast charger station is in the northeast corner of the shopping center parking lot. The Point 50 retail center is located off Route 50.

Location
Address: 10334 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, Virginia 22030
County: Fairfax
Facility Type: Shopping Center
Coordinates: 38.860855, -77.303957
Directions: In parking area for the Point 50 retail shopping area.
Map Link: OpenStreetMap

Technical
Connector Type: CCS and CHAdeMO
Power & Qty: 200 kW, x2
Total Site Power: 200 kW

Access
Network: EVgo
Availability: Public
Hours: 24 hours daily
Pricing: TOU $0.34-$0.45/kWh +$0.99 session fee

Amenities
Restroom: Compass Coffee
Food: Amazon Fresh
WiFi: Compass Coffee

Signage
Signs: EVgo branded blue and white signs. EVgo FAST CHARGING ONLY, VEHICLES MUST BE CHARGING, VACATE STALL WHEN COMPLETE
Marking: White text, EV CHARGING ONLY
Enforceable: No, not official signs.

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2023 Tesla Supercharger Expansion: A Detailed Look at DC Metro Area Growth

DC Area Tesla Superchargers Map 2024

31 Tesla Superchargers Added in the Washington, DC Area During 2023

In 2023, Tesla made significant additions to its Supercharger network in the greater Washington, DC area, introducing a total of 31 new sites—an increase from the 19 added in the previous year.

In September, Easton, MD Supercharger opened to non-Tesla vehicles following a retrofit of MagicDocks. Annapolis, MD expanded to 16 stalls in June, incorporating eight 250 kW stalls alongside the existing eight 150 kW spots.

Springfield, VA witnessed a transformation as the original 150 kW stalls were replaced. A new 20-stall location with 250 kW stalls was built a short distance away in the parking lot.

In contrast, the Frederick, MD Supercharger at FSK Mall was deactivated in September and its status remains uncertain.

One new Supercharger location has already opened in 2024 in Owings Mills, MD. Also, three additional sites are under construction in Jessup, MD; Woodbridge, VA; and Marshallton, DE.

  • Jessup, MD 8 stalls, 250 kW at Royal Farms
  • Woodbridge, VA – Richmond Hwy 8 stalls, 250 kW at Wawa
  • Marshallton, DE 12 stalls, 250 kW at Wawa
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Testimony – Maryland Electric Vehicle Charging Reliability Act

Maryland Electric Vehicle Charging Reliability Act Testimony

Economic Matters Committee – March 2, 2023

The following is a transcript of my testimony to the Maryland Economic Matters Committee in support of the Maryland Electric Vehicle Charging Reliability Act (HB 834). The legislation subsequently passed and went into effect on October 1, 2023. This is one of the first laws of its kind in the United States.

We deserve transparency and accountability for EV charging infrastructure that’s being built with public funds.

My name is Lanny Hartmann. I’m an EV driver and a BGE ratepayer.

For years we’ve been told that public charging has 98% uptime, 99% uptime, even 100% uptime.

Last year a study was released by the University of California that looked at the reliability of the fast chargers in the San Francisco Bay Area. The study found that only [72.5%] were functional.

I had my own concerns about charger reliability so I conducted my own test of fast chargers in Maryland. In August I visited all the fast chargers owned and operated by BGE.

What I found was that 71% of them were fully functional. In other words, one out of three were broken.

For every station that didn’t work, I reported the issue to customer service.

I compiled my findings and presented them to the Public Service Commission at a hearing in September. You have that report in my written testimony.

Two months later I visited all 69 stations again. This time I found that only 65% were operational. The reliability had actually gotten worse. 

There is a wide gap between what we’re being told about charging reliability and what EV drivers are actually experiencing.

The PSC and lawmakers need quality data to inform decision making.

We deserve transparency and accountability for EV charging infrastructure that’s being built with public funds.

That’s what this bill would do.

Thank you and I ask for a favorable report.

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Volta Charging – Giant Food on Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD

Volta Charging Giant Food Owen Brown, Columbia, MD

Volta Charging at the Giant Food store at 7200 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD. These two Level 2 stations are in the parking lot of the Giant grocery and are available for public use during store hours (6AM – 10PM).

Location
Address: 7200 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045
County: Howard
Facility Type: Shopping Center
Coordinates: 39.186207, -76.842317
Directions: In parking area by Giant Food store.
Map Link: OpenStreetMap

Technical
Connector Type: J1772
Power & Qty: 6.6 kW, x2
Total Site Power: 13.2 kW

Access
Network: Volta
Availability: Public
Hours: Open during store hours
Pricing: Free, 2 hour limit

Amenities
Restroom: Giant
Food: Giant
WiFi: Giant

Signage
Signs: ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING ONLY 2 HOUR LIMIT
Marking: Pavement marking, VOLTA EV CHARGING ONLY
Enforceable: No. Signs do not meet MUTCD standards, penalty not posted.

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10170 Junction Drive EV Charging – Annapolis Junction, MD

10170 Junction Drive EV Charging in Annapolis Junction, MD

10170 Junction Drive EV Charging in Annapolis Junction, MD. This Level 2 Blink station is located in the parking lot of an office building near The Coffeehouse (Open 7AM – 4PM, Sat 9AM – 2PM, Closed Sunday), and Notch 8 Brewery.

Location
Address: 10170 Junction Dr, Annapolis Junction, Maryland 20701
County: Howard
Facility Type: Office Building
Coordinates: 39.124787, -76.793449
Directions: In parking area for 10170 Junction Dr, NW corner.
Map Link: OpenStreetMap

Technical
Connector Type: J1772
Power & Qty: 6.6 kW, x2
Total Site Power: 13.2 kW

Access
Network: Blink
Availability: Public
Hours: 24 hours daily
Pricing: $1.00/hour

Amenities
Restroom: The Coffeehouse & Notch 8 Brewery
Food: The Coffeehouse & Notch 8 Brewery
WiFi: The Coffeehouse & Notch 8 Brewery

Signage
Signs: no signs
Marking: Green paint, ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION
Enforceable: No, signs absent

History
Open Date: 09-15-2013
Public Funding: unknown
Notes: Original SemaConnect units.


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New Tesla Supercharger Now Operational in Owings Mills, Maryland

Owings Mills, MD Tesla Supercharger

A Tesla Supercharger has recently opened in the garage at Metro Centre, located at 10500 Grand Central Ave, Owings Mills, Maryland.

Featuring 12 charging stalls with a maximum rating of 250 kW, the Supercharger is conveniently situated on the west side of the 2nd floor within the parking garage.

Positioned adjacent to the Owings Mills Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library and the Metro Crossing Apartments, this Supercharger is in a strategic location in the neighborhood with easy access from the street.

The completion of this Supercharger, taking over eight months, longer than usual, might be attributed to the nationwide shortage of utility transformers.

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