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US EV Charging Station Report Reveals Intriguing Insights

New research conducted by the online driver education resource Zutobi, The 2024 EV Charging Station Report: State-by-State Breakdown, has produced some interesting insights about American electric vehicle infrastructure. It’s timely given the recent election results, because with a new administration and a lack of clarity about the future of US electric vehicles, it might be reassuring to consider the following new information about what is happening at the state level. Lucas Waldenback, Zutobi’s co-founder, answered some questions about the report for CleanTechnica.

North Dakota has less than 1,200 electric vehicles, yet it has 21.8 chargers per 100 EVs. How is North Dakota doing reasonably well with EV charger installation, but not with EV adoption?

North Dakota has approached EV infrastructure in a forward-thinking way, ensuring that the groundwork is laid before a major surge in adoption. The state’s low population density and large rural areas make range anxiety a valid concern for residents, which can impact adoption rates. But by developing its charging network early, North Dakota is removing a key barrier to EV ownership, setting itself up to handle future adoption more effectively as consumer interest grows and vehicle prices continue to become more competitive.

Is the situation similar in Wyoming to North Dakota, or are there factors in Wyoming that are different?

Yes, the situation is quite similar in Wyoming. Like North Dakota, Wyoming has a low EV adoption rate but leads the country in chargers per 100 EVs. Both states share a rural landscape and vast open spaces, making it critical to have sufficient infrastructure to support drivers. Wyoming’s proactive investment in chargers helps to reassure residents that EVs are a viable option, even in rural areas. Wyoming also benefits from strategic planning around highways and interstates, ensuring longer trips are feasible with EVs.

In California and Florida there are some EV charging deserts. What can be done about them?

Addressing charging deserts in states like California and Florida will require both public and private sector collaboration. Expansion of charging networks in suburban and rural areas could be incentivized through government grants and private investments. Additionally, fast-charging hubs at key locations — such as along highways, shopping centers, and public spaces — can help alleviate pressure in underserved regions. States can also collaborate with local utility companies to offer favorable rates and incentives for both businesses and residents to install chargers.

Oklahoma and Arkansas recently experienced EV registration surges. What caused them?

The EV registration surges in Oklahoma and Arkansas can be attributed to a combination of factors. First, rising fuel prices have pushed consumers to consider alternatives, and electric vehicles offer substantial savings over time. Additionally, new models from automakers are offering greater range at more accessible price points, making EVs an attractive choice. Federal incentives and state-level programs are also helping residents offset initial costs, and as infrastructure improves, people are more confident that EVs can meet their daily driving needs.

Why do New Jersey and Illinois, two states with reasonable EV adoption, lag in EV charger installation?

New Jersey and Illinois are experiencing rapid EV adoption, but their infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the demand. Both states have high population densities, which can complicate the logistics of installing public chargers in urban settings where space and access are limited. Furthermore, the pace of infrastructure installation has not matched the consumer demand, creating gaps. To address this, both states may need to accelerate public-private partnerships and offer incentives for businesses and communities to install more chargers, especially in high-density areas.