Considerations for Corridor and Community DC Fast Charging Complex System Design
As auto manufacturers bring vehicles to market with large batteries that provide over 200 miles of driving range, interest in faster charging options for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) is intensifying. This report focuses on direct current fast charger (DCFC) systems and how they can be deployed to provide convenient charging for PEV drivers. First, lessons learned from previous DCFC deployment and data collection activities are shared to describe consumer experience with DCFC systems to date. Second, considerations and criteria are established for designing and upgrading DCFC complexes that provide fast-charging opportunities for PEV drivers in urban communities and on rural corridors. Third, cost estimates are shared for hypothetical high-power DCFC complexes that meet simplified design requirements. Finally, results for a business case analysis are presented that shed light on the financial challenges associated with DCFCs.