As electric vehicle (EV) technology continues to evolve, one notable improvement has been in the realm of charging efficiency. With advancements in charging speed, drivers may need to reconsider the amount of time they spend at charging stations. Volvo’s Anders Bell highlighted a new concern in the EV community: “hot dog anxiety.”
During the U.S. debut of the Volvo EX60 in New York City, Anders Bell, Volvo Cars’ chief engineering and technology officer, addressed reporters about a curious trend among EV drivers. While the term ‘hot dog anxiety’ might sound like a culinary dilemma, Bell explains it more as an economic one, where drivers may linger longer than necessary at charging stations, thus incurring unnecessary expenses.
Photo by: Volvo
EV fast-charging networks are growing rapidly across the United States, with newer stations offering unprecedented power levels. Vehicles with 800-volt systems are now capable of charging at speeds once deemed impractical.
For instance, the Volvo EX60 can recharge from 10% to 80% in a mere 16 minutes at a 350-kilowatt station. Other models like the BMW iX3 and the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT exhibit even faster capabilities, with the latter achieving a 600-kilowatt charge, completing a 10-80% recharge in just 11 minutes.
Photo by: BMW
Bell emphasized that many drivers may not need a full charge during road trips, as most EV owners charge overnight at home. Quick stops might suffice, but prolonged charging sessions can become costly. Bell noted, “Just a few minutes later, they have charged for $25, which becomes a very expensive hot dog.”
While Volvo hasn’t provided specific data to support this, the industry’s shift towards quicker charging and extended range is evident. Vehicles offering 300 miles on a single charge are becoming a standard, with efforts to reach 400 miles underway.
Photo by: Kevin Williams/InsideEVs
These developments suggest that a partial charge during a journey may be more economical and efficient for most drivers. For vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, ultra-fast charging is accessible even in affordable models, offering a 10-80% charge in about 20 minutes.
However, for drivers of Teslas and other mainstream EVs, charging times of 30-40 minutes for a 10-80% boost remain the norm, reducing the risk of overcharging. Those without convenient home charging options may still prefer a fuller charge when using public stations.
The concept of “hot dog anxiety” may become more relevant as charging infrastructure continues to improve and fast charging becomes more widespread.
Contact the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com
Original Story at insideevs.com