8CIOReview | | AUGUST 2022IN MY OPINIONAs electric and connected vehicles are being adopted on a wider scale worldwide and emerging into the mainstream, the expansion of infrastructure to support the vehicles becomes a significant challenge to automakers and consumers. Without more prevalent E.V. charging infrastructure in place, the greater adoption of electric vehicles can be stalled.The new infrastructure bill in the U.S. earmarks $7.5 billion to help build a national network of at least 500,000 chargers. However, many current E.V. owners utilize their home chargers, an option that is usable but can be slow in terms of having a full battery charge. While rapid charging stations are available, finding one convenient to most consumers isn't as easy as finding a gas station around the corner to day. Charging stations are common in China and Europe, the two largest E.V. markets, while North American countries are still behind in total numbers. The U.S. currently has an estimated 43,000 public charging stations (per Alternative Fuels Data Center), and only 5,200 of these have fast chargers. However, there is room to grow, as industry estimates claim that the E.V. charging demand could grow 30 times by 2030. E.V. manufacturers are working on solutions by partnering with charging providers, utility companies, and even oil companies to develop the infrastructure for electric vehicles further. For example, Ford and G.M. have recently announced partnerships with third-party charging providers to offer more charging options in the U.S. In addition, in 2021, NIO and Shell entered a cooperation agreement to jointly construct and operate battery charging and swapping facilities globally.By Ganesh V. Iyer, Executive Vice President/Global CIO, NIOADVANCING E.V. CHARGING SOLUTIONS ALTERNATIVES WHILE REDUCING RANGE ANXIETYGanesh V. Iyer
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