How Supercharging Hubs are Revolutionizing EV Infrastructure

Are EV charging hubs part of your 2025 plan?

As the demand for electric vehicles surges, the expansion of charging networks for EVs has become a pivotal focus in the industry. According to a report published by IEA, the electric car market in total sales has increased nearly 14 million in 2023, with a jump from only 4 percent in 2020 to 18 percent in 2023. To accommodate for the rapid growth in the industry, infrastructure changes had to be made. Since 2020, the number of EV charging stations has more than doubled – with 29,000 public stations available nationwide four years ago to now over 61,000 public stations as of February 2024.

Automakers, energy companies, and supply equipment manufacturers are now racing to build supercharging hubs – a collection of public charging stations that typically offer other amenities -with reliable power solutions for EV owners.

These charging hubs are strategically located along major routes and urban areas, ensuring seamless long-distance travel, reducing range anxiety, and providing comfortable public experience for users. These supercharging hubs promise to deliver faster charging times and enhanced convenience, paving the way for a more sustainable and accessible future in transportation.

Strategic Placement & Accessibility

Strategic placement of super charging hubs is pivotal to their effectiveness. These are being meticulously planned and positioned along key highways, at major intersections, and within urban centers to ensure maximum accessibility. By doing so, these superhubs cater to both long-distance travelers and city dwellers, addressing the needs of the diverse growing EV user base. An example of this is EVPassport’s soon-to-be EV Super Hub at the Viejas Casino & Resort. “When completed, this super hub will be the largest in the United States and will bring charging to both guests of the Viejas resort and to the thousands who travel on the I-8 (Interstate 8) corridor every day,” said Hooman Shahidi, CEO and Co-Founder.

Another key advantage to charging hubs is the partnership opportunities. Partnerships with retailers, restaurants, and other local businesses enhance the user experience, offering amenities and services while people wait to charge. This integration promotes EV adoption but also stimulates local economies by attracting foot traffic to nearby establishments.

User Experience, Convenience, & Safety

The user experience at EV charging superstations is designed to be as seamless and convenient as possible. They often feature a user-friendly interface with intuitive apps that guide drivers through the charging process, provide real-time updates on status, and offer payment options through contactless transactions.

Additionally, many superstations are equipped with useful amenities including:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Comfortable seating areas
• Food and beverage options
• Restrooms
• Cleaning supplies (glass cleaner, squeegees, etc)

Some even integrate shopping centers and restaurants either inside or nearby, allowing drivers to relax, recharge (no pun intended), and make the most of their waiting time.

A great example of this is Rove’s Santa Ana Charging Center. Located off I-5 – once open –this charging superhub will offer a guest lounge, car wash, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, a fresh market for food and drinks, a pup pad, and more in addition to their 40 DC fast chargers compatible with EVs that use NACS, CCS, and CHAdeMO plugs. One of the greatest benefits to this experience is there is no membership required; users can drive up, plug, and tap to pay. This focus on convenience ensures EV owners can recharge both their vehicles and themselves.

In addition to providing customers with a comfortable experience while charging, it’s important to implement robust safety and security measures to ensure a worry-free time at the superhubs. When evaluating the safety of charging locations, it is critical to consider factors such as vandalism, theft, and unauthorized access, as well as the geographical location as well. In remote areas, reliable cellular coverage and Wi-Fi access is essential to ensure drivers can make and receive calls in an emergency. Well-lit areas, clear signage, and easily accessible emergency buttons can create a secure environment for drivers, especially during nighttime charging sessions.

A great example of this is Electrify America’s Indoor Charging Superstation in San Francisco. This center provides a total indoor charging experience with temperature-controlled lounge areas, round-the-clock monitoring and security, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and restrooms. These adoptions in the EV space pave the way to create high-quality charging infrastructure directly into communities.

Get a Closer Look

By implementing comprehensive safety measures and ensuring convenience and comfort, EV charging station solution providers can stand out from the competition and build trust among users. As an EV charging station operator, consider the importance of these factors in order to create long-term success in the rapidly growing market and look for opportunities to further enhance the charging experience through innovative solutions.

We discuss this topic in depth and other related EV topics in our recently published EV guide: The EV Charging Ecosystem – a 10-page guide that looks at the significance of connectivity, data exchanges, advertising revenue, energy storage, public experience for users, and more.

Read the full guide here!