A new analysis from Finnish charger maker Kempower suggests that the number of plugs at public EV charging sites has a much greater impact on usage than simply increasing total power. The findings, based on North American data from Kempower’s ChargEye platform, highlight how expanding access may be more effective than boosting speed alone.
Plug Count Strongly Linked to Charging Site Use
Kempower’s study of public charging sites connected to its ChargEye cloud software found that plug count had roughly three times the relationship with site utilization compared to total installed charging power. Specifically, the correlation between plug count and site utilization was 0.63, while the correlation for installed power was just 0.228.
In practical terms, sites with eight plugs delivered 128,342 kWh (~79,765 miles of EV driving at 4 mi/kWh), more than double the 61,453 kWh (~38,408 miles) delivered by sites with four plugs. This suggests that giving more drivers the ability to charge simultaneously is more effective than simply increasing the maximum available power.
How Kempower’s Distributed Charging Works
Kempower’s distributed charging system connects multiple plugs to a centralized power unit, with software that dynamically shifts available power between vehicles in 25 kW increments. For example, if one EV’s charging rate drops, the system can redirect unused capacity to another vehicle.
When sufficient capacity is available, a single vehicle can receive up to 320 kW. Kempower reports that sites using this distributed approach averaged 83% higher utilization than those with fixed-power dispensers. The analysis also suggests that around 100 kW of available power per plug is the optimal balance when all connectors are in use.
Important Caveats in the Data
Kempower’s white paper does not disclose the number of sites studied, the observation period, or whether variables such as location, traffic, site age, pricing, and reliability were controlled. The results show a correlation between plug count and utilization, but do not prove causation.
Competitor Comparison
Kempower operates in a competitive landscape alongside major players such as Tesla Supercharger, EVBox, and Plugit. Tesla Supercharger is known for its extensive global network and high reliability, while EVBox and Plugit focus on scalable solutions for both public and enterprise charging. Each company takes a different approach to balancing plug count, power delivery, and network management.
Historical Context
Kempower reported EUR 283.6 million in sales in 2023, representing a 21% year-over-year decline. Despite this, the company’s installations grew globally by around 30% in 2024, reflecting ongoing demand for public charging infrastructure even as revenue fluctuated.
Regional Availability
Kempower’s findings are based on North American charging sites, but the company has expanded its installations globally. Its distributed charging technology is being adopted in multiple regions as operators seek to maximize infrastructure utilization.
Why this matters
The analysis highlights a shift in public charging strategy: increasing the number of available plugs may be more effective for site utilization than simply adding more power. For charging operators, this could mean serving more drivers without the need for costly grid upgrades.
As EV adoption grows, optimizing charging infrastructure for real-world usage patterns will be critical to supporting more vehicles on the road.
What this means for buyers
For EV drivers, sites with more plugs are likely to offer shorter wait times and greater convenience, even if individual charging speeds are not always at their maximum. When planning charging stops, look for locations with higher plug counts to improve your chances of finding an available charger.
Charging operators should consider prioritizing plug count and dynamic power distribution to better meet the needs of a growing EV user base.
Key Specs
- Correlation (Plug Count vs. Utilization): 0.63
- Correlation (Installed Power vs. Utilization): 0.228
- Energy Delivered (8-plug site): 128,342 kWh (~79,765 miles)
- Energy Delivered (4-plug site): 61,453 kWh (~38,408 miles)
- Distributed Charging Increment: 25 kW
- Maximum Power per Vehicle: 320 kW
- Average Utilization Increase (Distributed vs. Fixed): 83% higher
- Optimal Power per Plug: 100 kW
Source
Images sourced from: electrek.co, chargedevs.com
