As summer is upon us, it's nice to have the opportunity to get out on the open road and explore the countryside. "Back in the day," this was pretty easy. Just load up your car and go. There were plenty of gas stations along the nation's highways where everyone could fill up their car of choice – and fast, too. After all, for many, it's the destination, not the journey, that matters. But with the push to be more environmentally friendly, many people are turning to electric vehicles as their primary mode of transportation. While EVs work well as a daily driver (since most of us can plug them in when we get home), planning an EV road trip can be challenging. As of the time of this writing (June 2024), the EV Charger infrastructure is just starting to be built out. And frankly. It will take years to reach the same level of saturation as gas stations.

Until EV chargers are on every corner, taking your electric car on the open road requires more planning. Think of it as an "old school" road trip. Before Google Maps was around, you had to plan an efficient route from point A to point B. The mapping program has eliminated that and allowed us to be more spontaneous. But with EVs, we must go back to basics and plan our next trip.

How to Find a Charger On The Road

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We all fear the unknown, and that's really what the lack of chargers in the market is – an unknown. Since they aren't everywhere, it can be scary to know where to go when you are in an electric vehicle. Even with current gas cars, someone can bring you some for a quick fill-up if you run out of gas. That's not the case currently with EV. Thankfully, we aren't alone in finding chargers, and several excellent websites already map where the next charger will be. Here are a few of them to consider.

Plugshare: First on the list is a well-known app and website called PlugShare. This platform and mobile app allow electric vehicle (EV) owners to locate and review charging stations. It provides a comprehensive map of charging locations worldwide, enabling users to find nearby stations, check availability, and read reviews from other users. PlugShare also offers information on charging station types, connector compatibility, and pricing, helping EV drivers plan their routes and ensure access to charging facilities. The EV community widely uses the app and supports various charging networks.

EVGo: EVGO is one of the largest public electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging networks in the United States. It operates a network of DC fast chargers compatible with all major EV models, providing quick, convenient charging for EV drivers. EVgo stations are typically located in high-traffic areas such as shopping centers, grocery stores, and other public locations, making it easy for users to charge their cars while traveling.

ABRP: A Better Route Planner (ABRP) is a popular tool for electric vehicle (EV) owners to plan long-distance trips. It helps users find the most efficient routes, accounting for factors specific to electric cars.

One thing to remember about the tools above is that they don't provide GPS guidance to help you navigate. There are ways to help you map a direction and choose routes with high charger density along the way. Planning will give you an appreciation for some of our modern mapping techniques and help you familiarize yourself with the charging landscape when you are outside your regular dwellings. Adventures are fun, but you should always plan them. There are more tools available. These are just some of them!

Waiting to Juice Up During Your EV Road Trip

One of the current benefits of "gassing up" your car is how quickly it is. Theoretically, you can pull into a station, pay and pump your gas, and be back on the road in under five minutes if you want to. Today, that's not the case with EV Chargers. For Fast-Chargers, it can take 30 minutes or more to reach a full charge as you head back on the road to your destination. That means you must return the "trip" to "road trip"! Using the apps and navigation tools such as Google Maps or Apple Maps, you can plan a successful road trip with stops along the way. During these stops, you can explore quaint downtowns or check out a local restaurant you might have passed by. While the highway system helped many bypass these small towns, EVs have allowed us to revisit them and explore them. And as you explore, the time goes quickly – and soon enough, you'll be back to full strength with your EV!

Of course, when you are finished for the day, call ahead to the local hotel where you'll be staying to ensure they have open charging stations for you to recharge. You should also review their policies before leaving your car there overnight. In many cases, there are more cars than charging stations, so everyone should be respectful of others. When you are done charging, unplug and park in a typical spot so others can use the station.

A Successful Road Trip In an Electric Vehicle Starts With Planning

It's not impossible to take a long road trip in an EV currently. While there are some added wrinkles to the process, as we've mentioned throughout this piece, with some planning, you can head out on the road this summer with confidence in your electric vehicle. Not only are you helping the environment with a low-emission mode of transportation, but you are also bringing back the lost art of planning a road trip – and how much fun it can be with your family. As the power generation market heats up, taking your EV on the road in the coming years will only get easier. Right now, you're a pioneer venturing out and setting a path on your vacation.

The road trip has made a comeback with EVs at the forefront. Let's hit the road this summer and continue to explore.

In the heart of the American manufacturing story lies a powerful tool that breathes life into local industries and paves the way for a sustainable future - the Buy American Act. As manufacturers embark on a journey to reshore their products, particularly in the E.V. charger industry, this legislative gem becomes a crucial beacon to domestic fabricators. We'll look at multiple facets of this Act, how the legislation prioritizes American-made products in government contracts, and how fabricators such as Accurate Metal Fab can help OEMs make their products domestically.

What Is The Buy American Act?

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The Buy American Act (BAA), enacted in 1933, prioritizes using American-made materials and products in government procurement projects. This means that when the U.S. government purchases goods or services, it must first consider American options before looking internationally. The specific stipulations of the BAA vary depending on the project and funding source, but generally, a certain percentage (often 55%) of the product's components must be sourced domestically.

For E.V. charger manufacturers, the BAA presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While the initial hurdle may seem daunting, reshoring metal components like enclosures and brackets presents a strategic path to compliance. With fabricators specializing in making these crucial elements, manufacturers can seamlessly integrate American-made components into their existing designs. Or engage with engineering teams to reimagine and remove costs from that design.

This approach meets BAA requirements and unlocks potential benefits like shorter supply chains, enhanced brand image, and the chance to tap into lucrative government contracts.

The Buy American Act: Unveiling the Numbers

While many articles touch upon the basics of the Buy American Act, let's dive into the statistics that genuinely paint a vivid picture. Did you know that between 2008 and 2018, the federal government spent over $5.4 trillion on contracts, with a staggering $44.6 billion directed toward foreign suppliers? That amount could have fueled many domestic industries and job creation.

But what about E.V. chargers? Right now, only a fraction of government spending on infrastructure projects for electric vehicles finds its way back to American manufacturers. Seizing the Buy American Act's opportunities could be a game-changer in the fast-evolving electric mobility landscape.

Re-Shoring Success

As mentioned earlier, the Act stipulates that a certain percentage (often 55%) of a product's components must be sourced from the U.S. But here's the secret sauce: it only says some elements. That's where reshoring comes in. Think of it as a sugar substitute. You can still have some components from overseas, but others can be done onshore. By focusing on the metal components – the enclosures, the brackets, the sturdy backbone that houses your technological marvel. Partner with fabricators like Accurate Metal Fabricating to source those parts and gain supply chain improvements. They'll bend, weld, and powder-coat your vision into a tangible reality, meeting all the Buy American Act's requirements while maintaining your design's integrity.

The Buy American Act, while daunting, is a manageable monolith. In fact, it represents a hidden opportunity for savvy manufacturers and OEMS like yourself to work with a domestic contract manufacturer. Consider it a chance to tap into the vein of American manufacturing and inject your charger with a potent dose of "Made in the USA." Think of the headlines: "Sustainable Energy Meets American Ingenuity," "Hometown Heroes Power Up the Electric Future." The marketing possibilities are as electrifying as a Tesla on an open highway. Your metal components aren't just about ticking compliance boxes. It's about tapping into a network of skilled American manufacturers, shortening your warehousing needs and supply chain constraints, and injecting your product with a dose of local pride. 

Challenges And How To Mitigate Them

Of course, reshoring comes with its own set of challenges. Logistics, costs, and finding the right partners all need careful consideration. But remember, the potential rewards are as boundless as the open road. You could unlock massive government contracts, build brand loyalty with environmentally conscious consumers, and pioneer the American E.V. revolution.

So, the next time the Buy American Act feels like a roadblock, it isn't. It's just a detour. But this detour guides you towards a future that allows you to tap into new markets and potential. Finding the right partner is crucial, and we are ready to help when you are. The road ahead is paved with promise; the question is, will you seize the opportunity? Reach out to us today for a quote.

• The Coalition for American-Made Products
• National Conference of State Legislatures
• International Trade Administration