Public Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations tend to show higher energy use on weekends for several reasons:
- Travel and Leisure Activities: On weekends, people often engage in travel, recreational activities, or visit family and friends. This leads to increased use of electric vehicles (EVs) for longer trips, which require faster charging to ensure continued mobility.
- Usage Patterns: Unlike Level 2 charging stations, which see a drop-off in usage outside of weekday business hours, DCFC stations experience higher demand regardless of the day of the week. They offer quick charging, making them more suitable for weekend trips when users need to recharge rapidly.
- Peak Utilization Timing: The peak utilization of DCFC stations occurs later in the day on weekends, aligning with the timing of these leisure and travel activities. This contrasts with weekday peak usage, which typically occurs during lunch breaks or after work hours.
- Location and Accessibility: DCFC stations located near highway exits or popular weekend destinations see increased usage, as they are more convenient for travelers. These locations benefit from higher foot traffic during weekends, contributing to increased energy consumption.
Overall, the combination of increased travel, the need for quick charging, and strategic placement near travel routes contributes to the higher weekend energy use observed at public DCFC stations.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/why-do-public-dcfc-stations-show-higher-energy-use-on-weekends/
