The report, based on a recent survey of 438 North American electricians, sheds light on the industry's growing pains, the skills gap, and the optimism that surrounds the future of EV infrastructure.
Key findings from the report reveal that 77% of electricians say they are frustrated by EV charger installation. Aside from skill gaps, the top issues are unexpected labour costs or time on job (38%) and poor manufacturer support (35%).
Some 64% of electricians are at least somewhat confident in assessing EV charger quality. 19% admit they have a lot to learn. Meanwhile, 64% think the rise in EV charging has increased employment opportunities and job security. 62% believe the demand for qualified electricians will rise within 5-10 years.
These findings highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the real-world challenges electricians encounter, reinforcing the need for practical, user-focused solutions.
The report highlights key areas where EVSE manufacturers must focus to meet electricians' needs and drive industry success. User-friendly, reliable hardware, alongside improved training and technical support are imperative to reduce installation times and errors. Addressing these challenges will enhance satisfaction among electricians, set new industry benchmarks, and foster trust and collaboration crucial for EV infrastructure growth. FractalEV aims to lead in these efforts, ensuring success in the evolving industry.
"Electricians are the backbone of the EV charging industry, and their insights are invaluable as we work to improve the technology and infrastructure," said Chris Mendes, CEO of FractalEV. "Our report highlights both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and we are committed to making the necessary changes to support electricians and help the industry grow sustainably."
The report, "Against the Current: 438 Electricians on Today's EV Charger Technology," is available to download for free from the company’s website.