The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is in full swing, but are US states prepared to support this shift with adequate charging infrastructure? A recent study dives deep into this pressing issue, revealing both leaders and laggards in the EV charging race.

US States Charging Ahead

The frontrunners in the EV infrastructure race include Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New York, Colorado, Rhode Island, and California. These states have recognized the importance of EVs and are investing heavily in public charging infrastructure to support the growing fleet of electric vehicles.

States Needing a Boost

On the other hand, states like Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Tennessee, Nebraska, Texas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Indiana, and Wisconsin have room for improvement. They need to ramp up their efforts to ensure they don’t fall behind in the EV transition.

Related News and Developments

  • Biden’s Big Boost for EVs: The Biden Administration has announced a $100M fund to enhance EV charger reliability. This is part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which aims to support states in deploying EV charging infrastructure.
  • Charging Challenges: Both Energy Secretary Granholm and Ford’s CEO have experienced the challenges of EV charging. Their experiences highlight the need for more reliable and widespread charging infrastructure. The federal government has already committed $7.5 billion to advance the EV charging infrastructure in the U.S.
  • More Than Just Charging: The Infrastructure Funding may lead to more than just EV charging. With billions on the way, officials aim to engage disadvantaged communities in the planning and development processes, ensuring a more inclusive approach to infrastructure development.

California: The EV Heartland

California stands out as a beacon for EV adoption in the US. With EV sales accounting for 15% of the market, the state is setting the pace for others to follow. In 2022, California boasted over 46,000 chargers for its nearly one million registered EVs.

The Road Ahead

The transition to EVs is inevitable. However, the speed and success of this transition depend on the readiness of infrastructure. States need to recognize the importance of public charging infrastructure and invest accordingly. With federal support and private-sector involvement, the future looks bright for EVs in the US.

References and Facts

  • The U.S. should have one public charger for every eight to nine EVs, according to a study by HERE Technologies and SBD Automotive1.
  • As of 2022, there were over 136,500 public electric vehicle chargers in the United States, spread across nearly 53,800 charging locations2.
  • In 2020, the U.S. had a much larger fleet of registered EVs relative to public chargers, with most states experiencing an increase in EVs compared to 20201.
  • The number of DC fast chargers in the U.S. grew by more than 4,200, an increase of 24 percent at the end of 2021 compared to year-end 20204.
  • The number of Level 2 chargers with a much larger base grew at a lower rate of 18 percent during the same period4.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator tracks the growth of public and private