As electric vehicle travel gains popularity, drivers increasingly seek to expand their range of travel options. Enhancing cross-border travel infrastructure for electric vehicles could serve as a pivotal catalyst for revitalizing the industry. Many potential consumers remain hesitant to adopt electric vehicles due to concerns about the lack of charging infrastructure, especially for international travel or long-distance journeys domestically. Locally, here in San Diego, that problem is felt most urgently by those who seek to make the 60-70-mile trek south of the San Diego border to some of the most incredible places in Baja California. These places, like Rosarito and Puerto Nuevo, have been local favorites for cost-effective lobster dinners and stunning oceanfront properties — for vacations with the family or day trips alike.
The electric vehicle infrastructure support in Baja California is nearly nonexistent, posing a significant challenge for San Diegans who are adopting electric vehicles at a higher rate than most in the U.S. This is a critical moment to address this foreseeable problem before it hinders electric vehicle adoption or potentially harms tourism in these areas. Without reliable charging options, the uncertainty of recharging and returning home could deter travelers.
Governments are allocating resources to enhance charging infrastructure and promote electric vehicle adoption, including financial backing for charging stations along major highway routes, incentives to drive electric vehicle sales and collaborative ventures with neighboring countries to create a unified charging network. For instance, the first Binational Electric Vehicle Corridor, an 872-mile route stretching from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Quebec City, Quebec, was announced last year. This corridor will be equipped with direct current (DC) fast chargers spaced approximately every 50 miles. Once established, this cross-border alternative fuel corridor will offer drivers seamless border crossings with worry-free charging and refueling options.
However, despite these advancements, electric vehicle travel between the United States and Mexico poses challenges due to disparities in charging infrastructure. Currently, the U.S. boasts more developed electric vehicle charging networks. Nonetheless, concerted efforts are underway, with governments, private enterprises and international organizations collaborating to enhance electric vehicle charging infrastructure along popular travel routes, aiming to alleviate these challenges.
Another barrier is the variety of charging plugs. A charging standard defines the plug design and communication protocols to ensure all electric vehicles and chargers work together. However, different regions and manufacturers use different standards, making it tricky to find the right plug.
While both Europe and the U.S., use the Combined Charging System standard, Europe predominantly utilizes the Combined Charging System’s Combo 2 (CCS2) charging plugs, while North America primarily uses the Combined Charging System’s Combo 1 (CCS1) charging plugs. The U.S. also uses Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) as well as various fast-charging standards like CHArge de MOve (CHAdeMO), a standard used mostly by some Japanese car brands.
When comparing the U.S. to its cross-border neighbors, this can create similar potential mismatches for drivers traveling between domestic regions. Mexico and parts of Latin America have adopted multiple standards, including the forementioned CCS1, CCS2 and NACS, as well as GBT, the standard commonly used in China.
With multiple standards currently in use, the disparity of charger availability across regions is exacerbated. Adopting a single, global charging standard would be a significant step towards resolving this issue.
This inconsistency in connector types can cause anxiety for electric vehicle drivers, as they may fear being unable to charge their vehicles when needed, particularly during long-distance journeys or in unfamiliar locations. Thus, addressing this issue by promoting standardization or developing universal adapters can significantly alleviate concerns and facilitate seamless cross-border travel for electric vehicle drivers.
Cox is senior director of business development at XCharge North America and lives in Rancho Peñasquitos.