Electric vehicle detractors are often quick to point out perceived faults: EVs are too expensive, they don’t have enough range for long trips, they’re not truly “green,” they’re a hassle to charge.

It’s hard to argue against that final point — if you have to rely on public charging. If the automotive industry wants to sell EVs to American consumers who aren’t able to plug in at home or who need to drive long distances, it has to overcome this significant obstacle.

This week’s issue of Automotive News examines a number of problems with the nation’s charging network.

  • Richard Truett takes a deep dive into how consumers are navigating the charging network and its quirks. As newer EV drivers become acquainted with the network, they are learning that all charging experiences aren’t created equal — different chargers refuel at different speeds, the charging companies’ smartphone apps and payment software don’t always work as advertised, and some chargers have surprisingly high fees that translate to a higher refueling cost than reliable ol’ petrol. These issues are turning off drivers who were otherwise considering an EV.
  • Hannah Lutz reports on J.D. Power research that found growing consumer dissatisfaction with Level 2 and 3 chargers, many of which are aging, aren’t being properly maintained and experience software glitches.
  • Jerry Hirsch writes how the lack of infrastructure affects the heavy-trucking industry: There is ample capacity to build electric trucks and strong demand for them, but there is not nearly enough charging capacity to support them.

I committed myself to switching to an EV last summer, when gasoline prices went berserk. My next vehicle has been ordered and is sitting at a seaport, waiting to be delivered to me. In the months since I submitted my order, I began dabbling with public chargers while driving press vehicles to prepare myself for ownership. After some of the annoyances I experienced and learning some things about charging the hard way, I can’t blame people for being hesitant to take the leap.

I fully expect the charging network to improve over the years, though perhaps at a rate much slower than some consumers are willing to bear. If today’s charging companies don’t invest in making their stations better — soon — newcomers with more reliable technology will swoop in and eat their lunch.

Competition drives innovation. That’s the jolt the EV industry needs.