EDITORIAL: The gas-station paradigm for EV charging

One evening earlier this year, I found myself at a convenience-store gas station with eight pumps and one EV fast-charger. I'd been vectored there by the charge provider's phone app. As I exited the freeway, the app indicated the charger was in service and unoccupied. Good news, as the EV that I was test-driving was “running on fumes” - that old-school term for when IC-engine vehicles' fuel tanks are close to dry.

“Seek charging immediately,” the vehicle warned! I didn't want to risk trying to make it home, eight miles away.