This Is How Many Fast EV Charging Stations The U.S. Now Has For Every 15 Gas Stations

The stress associated with having an electric vehicle (EV), which stems from worries about the availability of chargers, may soon fade as fast charger installations rise significantly in the US.

Concerns about charging and range may be put to rest, as seen by a notable rise in the number of fast EV charging stations installed in the first quarter of 2024, according to data from the US Department of Energy.

The surge in fast charger availability can be attributed in part to the efforts of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program initiated by the US Department of Transportation. This program aims to enhance EV charger accessibility by funding non-proprietary charging station projects with open-access payment methods, mainly focusing on locations near Federal Highway Administration alternative fuel corridors. These corridors are designed to improve accessibility for electric and hydrogen-dependent vehicle owners.

Additionally, Tesla’s contribution to fast charger deployment cannot be overlooked, with approximately one in every four fast chargers in the US attributed to the company. Recognizing the importance of charger availability for the EV market, Tesla strategically invests in charger infrastructure to maintain its brand image amidst challenges such as product innovation, layoffs, and safety concerns.

Analysis from Bloomberg Green indicates that with one fast EV charger station for every 15 gas stations nationwide, the US is witnessing a decrease in “charging deserts”—areas with limited or no EV charging infrastructure. Historically, these regions have posed challenges for EV drivers, particularly outside major urban areas where charger construction is prioritized. By spreading charging stations more evenly, EVs become accessible to drivers across diverse locales and lifestyles.

However, the reliability of these new EV chargers remains a concern, especially during local electric grid faults, which can disrupt charging and decrease “charger uptime.” This issue is compounded for drivers facing extreme temperatures, affecting EV battery capacity.

Although drivers and EV manufacturers have been devising inventive ways to work around malfunctioning chargers for some time, the goal of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program is to increase charger uptime.

Initiatives like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program and contributions from businesses like Tesla play crucial roles in advancing EV adoption and infrastructure development, even in the face of charger reliability issues.