A STATE has pulled the plug on its program of building new electric vehicle charging stations after the scheme was plagued with several issues.
The program, which had been in operation for the past five years, allowed four major power companies in Maryland to set up EV charging stations at government buildings across the state.
A scheme to fund EV charging stations in Maryland is on hold[/caption]
Drivers complained about broken stations that weren’t always functional[/caption]
But now the future of the scheme is in jeopardy after the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) ordered it to be stopped.
Authorities had raised concerns about low usage and ongoing maintenance issues.
Under the scheme, four companies pumped millions into installations, with Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) alone spending approximately $15.5 million on charging stations.
Of the 372 chargers commissioned by BGE, 127 are located in areas termed “environmental justice” communities.
These are neighborhoods traditionally affected more than others by environmental issues.
Utility companies have defended their involvement in the program.
BGE spokesman Richard Yost said the scheme was started at the request of the state to fill gaps in the private charging market.
But authorities have said the returns can’t be justified for the amount of public money being spent.
“We’re dealing with ratepayer incentives here, not free resources,” Benjamin Baker, a senior commission adviser leading the electric vehicle working group, told Baltimore commercial radio station WCBM.
“It’s crucial that we ensure these installations are making a real impact.”
The program has faced multiple issues since it started almost five years ago.
A 2022 survey revealed operational problems, with only 71% of the 69 fast chargers installed by BGE being fully functional.
Many reportedly failed to meet the federal standard of 97% uptime, reflecting the percentage that the station is functional in a 24-hour period.
Electric vehicles vs gas
Pros and cons of EVs vs gasoline-powered vehicles
EV PROS:
- Convenient (when charging at home)
- Cheaper (depending on state or city)
- Cheaper maintenance, due to lack of mechanical parts
- Great for commuting
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Federal and state tax incentives
- More performance (speed, handling – depending on the make and model)
EV CONS:
- Higher initial cost
- Higher insurance rates
- More frequent tire and brake replacement intervals
- Higher curb weight (thus causing more rapid wear on crucial parts)
- Low resale value
- High depreciation rates
- Lack of charging infrastructure
- Unreliable public charging (related: slow charging times)
- Poor winter and summer performance
- Lack of clean energy alternatives means more “dirty energy” from coal and nuclear sources
- Range anxiety
GAS PROS:
- Highly developed refueling infrastructure
- Fast refueling
- Cheaper insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
- Established repair industry
- Lower initial cost
- Higher range before refueling, especially with hybrids
- Many manufacturers produce nearly emission-less engines
- Cheaper refueling, depending on the location
GAS CONS:
- Finite resource (related: heavy dependence on petroleum)
- Carbon emissions/greenhouse gases
- Higher repair costs
- Higher insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
- Varying costs at the pump, depending on state, city, and county
Source: Car & Driver, Perch Energy, AutoWeek
Other issues included physical damage and network connectivity issues.
BGE has admitted that just over a third of its chargers currently fall below the required uptime standard, although the company says it is actively working to improve the figure.
Maryland now has more than 100,000 registered EVs, representing a 59% increase from the start of last year.
The state hopes to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.
EV drivers are still encouraged by other means in Maryland, including tax credits and rebates.
Maryland is also expanding its charging infrastructure through federal programs such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which installs chargers along major highways.
It comes after a survey this summer found nearly half of EV drivers regret their purchase and want to return to gas.
