Public fast charging for electric vehicles isn't always the easiest or most reliable experience, but it's getting better all the time. Case in point: Electrify America, the country's second-largest DC fast-charging network and the one that lays claim to having the most hyper-fast EV chargers, reports that it saw big growth and big improvements in 2024.
In its latest report, Electrify America (EA) says it served more than 16 million EV charging sessions in 2024, a 50% increase from the previous year. That added up to more than 600 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity dispensed—up 65% from 2023. The network itself grew to 4,800 DC fast chargers at 1,000 stations in 47 states and the District of Columbia.
For context, EA reported 11 million customer charging sessions in 2023, which itself was 106% more than in 2022's 5.3 million. The network also dished out over 380 GWh that year, up 118% from 175 GWh in 2022. In other words, the network is continuing to see exponential use growth, albeit at a steadier, more tempered pace compared to earlier years.
That may be due to the fact that for a long time, EA was pretty much the only game in town for non-Tesla DC fast charging. These days, America's charging network is made up of many more players and many more plugs. According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, some 38,000 new public chargers turned on in 2024. There are now more than 200,000 public EV chargers in America and about 50,000 of those are DC fast chargers.
Still, public fast charging across all networks can be a major pain point for EV drivers on the go. The industry writ large still suffers from issues with connectivity, payment apps and overall reliability, with J.D. Power reporting an increase in EV drivers unable to charge at a public location in 2024. That situation could get worse if the Trump administration successfully ends the U.S.' national charging infrastructure program.
Nonetheless, EA says it's working across several fronts to make its experience better.
"Larger stations were opened in convenient locations, including the company’s first indoor flagship station in San Francisco, CA, which offers 20 Hyper-Fast chargers, restrooms, lounge areas, and other amenities," the company said in a statement. "Electrify America also implemented new policies to help reduce wait times, such as idle fees, for a seamless experience."
Electrify America, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group of America formed after that company's diesel cheating scandal, turned on its first plugs in 2018. Its glowing green posts have become a common sight across America's highways, especially for those with EVs seeking the shortest possible wait times.
EA officials said they've made progress on that front too. It has introduced idle fees that kick in after an EV reaches an 85% charge and sits there for 10 minutes, starting with pilot stations in California, New York, Florida and other places.
How has your experience been with EA lately? Let us know in the comments.
Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com
