BGE: Charger Audit Results
- L2: 92%
- DCFC: 80%
- Goal: 97% Uptime
Charger Audit: BGE EVsmart Network, September 30, 2024
On September 30, 2024, I conducted a virtual “charger audit” of BGE’s EVsmart network, reviewing the status of all 648 charging ports. Unlike a physical audit—where each site is visited in person—this online audit uses the ChargeHub and Shell Recharge mobile apps to assess charger availability remotely.
While in-person audits would provide firsthand verification, they are impractical for networks of this scale. Virtual audits offer a feasible way to track reliability and measure performance against Maryland’s 97% uptime goal.
91% Availability on September 30, 2024
At the time of this audit, 91% of BGE’s charging ports were available or in use. This marks a consistent shortfall from the 97% uptime standard. A charger falls below 97% annual uptime if it is offline for more than 11 days per year, and many of these ports have already exceeded this threshold.
Charger reliability is crucial for Maryland’s electric vehicle adoption goals. Without dependable access, drivers may hesitate to switch to EVs, especially in areas with fewer charging options.
No Sites Completely Offline
In contrast to audits where entire charging sites were found completely offline, none of the 123 BGE EVsmart sites were entirely down during the September 30, 2024, audit. While 35 of these sites had at least one port out of service, every location still had at least one operational charger available. This distinction is significant for drivers, as it helps ensure access to charging, even at locations where some ports may be offline—a critical factor in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
List of BGE EV Charging Ports that Show Offline on September 30, 2024
Upcoming charger audits will continue to track uptime trends and monitor repair times for offline chargers. As we gather more data, these insights will help gauge whether Maryland’s public charging networks are meeting reliability standards and supporting the state’s push for wider EV adoption.
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