The Lucid Air GT secured the highest position with a P3 Charging Index – US value of 1.04, making it the only vehicle with an index greater than 1.0. Its impressive ranking is attributed to its high charging power and low consumption, demonstrating its suitability for long-range travel. Following closely behind, the Tesla Model S Plaid achieved an index of 0.97, securing the second position, while the KIA EV6 LR RWD claimed the third spot with an index of 0.96.
Surprisingly, even though two of the leading vehicles are luxury cars, the KIA EV6 LR RWD proves that non-luxury models are also capable of offering impressive long-range capabilities. Furthermore, four out of the top five vehicles in the ranking are US models, showcasing the country’s growing prowess in the EV market.
The P3 Charging Index – US highlights that the long-distance suitability of electric vehicles depends on various factors. One of these factors is the use of an 800 V architecture, which enables higher charging power. However, this advantage positively impacts long-range suitability only when combined with low consumption. For instance, the Porsche Taycan GTS, featuring an 800 V architecture, maintained outstanding charging power until close to 46% state of charge (SoC). Nevertheless, due to its high consumption, it ranked only sixth overall. In contrast, despite their lower 400 V architecture and average charging power, all three Tesla models scored higher in the ranking due to their efficient energy consumption.
On the other end of the spectrum, the bottom five vehicles in the ranking faced challenges that affected their overall scores. The VW ID.4 Pro, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Polestar 2 LR Single Motor struggled with low average charging power, while the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning suffered from high consumption, contributing to their lower rankings.
The 2023 P3 Charging Index – US reveals a promising trend, indicating that an increasing number of EVs are capable of traveling long distances feasibly. This is particularly crucial in rural areas where charging infrastructure may still be limited. Initiatives like the Michigan to Montana I-94 Corridor (M2M) and the Lake Michigan Electric Vehicle Circuit Tour aim to expand the charging network across the US, enhancing the EV driving experience. However, further technological improvements across a wider range of vehicles are still required to accelerate EV adoption.
In particular, popular US vehicles such as pickup trucks, represented by the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning in this report, could benefit from improved charging behavior. Future models like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, and the Ram 1500 REV promise longer ranges, but their charging speeds are yet to be assessed.
The P3 Charging Index emphasizes that the primary path to improvement lies not solely in increasing battery capacities, except for larger utility vehicles, but rather in exploring possibilities for car and battery conditioning, enhancing efficiency, and optimizing charging power. Adopting 800 V architectures, in combination with an expanded charging infrastructure, will help alleviate range anxiety and foster greater EV acceptance throughout the United States.
Source: Comparison of the fast-charging capability of electric vehicles | P3
