EVject: Ensuring Safety at EV Charging Stations
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, the safety and security of EV drivers, especially women, at public charging stations are areas of growing concern. One company is offering a device called EVject, designed to allow EV owners to quickly disconnect from a charger if they feel threatened or in danger. This device could potentially provide a critical escape route.
The Vulnerability of Public Charging
The extended charging times required by EVs, which can range from 15 minutes to over an hour, tether drivers to the charging station. Unlike gas stations, which often have attendants, EV charging stations are frequently unattended and located in areas away from heavy traffic. This isolation creates an environment where drivers can be vulnerable to potential threats.
“Sitting there for anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour, you are hard-tethered to the charger.”
While drivers can lock their doors, they are effectively trapped until the charging session ends and the car is unplugged. Reports of harassment and even assaults at charging stations highlight the safety challenges for EV drivers. EVject addresses these concerns by providing a means to disconnect quickly and leave the situation.
How EVject Works
EVject, priced at $299, is designed to allow drivers to abandon their charging session without needing to leave their car. It protects both the driver and the charging station by allowing a quick disconnect to escape danger or other complications. This could be invaluable in situations where a driver feels threatened or needs to leave the charging location urgently.
A Real-World Inspiration
The concept behind EVject is based on the unique power characteristics of EVs. In an accident, the immediate torque available from an electric motor can lead to surprising and powerful movements. This feature, while unintended, inspired the creation of EVject.
“EVs, as I accidentally discovered, have a unique capability that should allow them to escape better than gas cars should they be blocked in when the driver needs to escape.”
In a scenario where a driver is blocked in, the instant torque of an EV could be used to create an escape route, something not easily achieved with a gas-powered vehicle.
Peace of Mind and Future Trends
While the risk of attack at charging stations, especially for men, may be relatively low, EVject offers a practical solution to enhance safety and provide peace of mind, particularly for women and their families. As wireless charging technology becomes more common, the need for hardwired connections will decrease. However, until then, EVject offers an important safety net.
“A tool like the EVject could be a godsend.”
As the EV market continues to evolve, solutions like EVject demonstrate a focus on safety and user experience. This technology caters to the growing need for quick and secure escapes from potentially dangerous situations.
