How the US is Boosting its EV Charging Infrastructure: What You Need to Know

How the US is Boosting its EV Charging Infrastructure: What You Need to Know










If you are thinking of buying an electric vehicle (EV) in the US, you might be wondering where and how you can charge it. After all, EVs are only as green as the electricity they use, and only as convenient as the charging stations they can access. Luckily, the US is making great strides in expanding its EV charging infrastructure, thanks to the collaboration of various actors in the public and private sectors. Here are some of the key facts and trends you should know about this topic:


Federal Initiatives


·  The Biden Administration has unveiled a $15 billion investment plan to create a national network of 500,000 charging stations by 2030, as part of its American Jobs Plan. The plan aims to create good-paying, union jobs, enable a clean transportation future, and support domestic manufacturing of charging equipment. The plan also includes grants and incentives for state and local governments and the private sector to install chargers in apartment buildings, public parking, communities, and along highways.

·  The Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued guidance on how grants can be used to deploy charging infrastructure and newly designated alternative fuel corridors. The guidance clarifies that charging stations are eligible for funding under various DOT programs, such as the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, the National Highway Performance Program, and the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. The DOT has also designated 59 new alternative fuel corridors across 35 states, covering more than 25,000 miles of highways that have infrastructure plans to allow travel on electricity.

·  The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced new funding and partnerships for charger-related research and development. The DOE has awarded $19 million to 12 projects that aim to improve the performance, reliability, and interoperability of EV charging systems. The DOE has also launched a new partnership with automakers, utilities, and charging companies to harmonize technical standards and best practices for EV charging. The partnership will focus on areas such as cybersecurity, grid integration, consumer education, and workforce development.

· The General Services Administration (GSA) has announced progress on the goal to transition the federal fleet to zero-emission vehicles. The GSA has issued a request for information to gather data on the availability and cost of EVs and charging equipment for federal agencies. The GSA has also started installing chargers at federal facilities across the country, with plans to deploy over 60,000 chargers by 2030.


State and Local Initiatives


·  Several states have enacted policies and programs to support EV charging infrastructure deployment. For example, California has set a target of installing 250,000 chargers by 2025 and 1.5 million by 2030. The state also offers rebates and incentives for charger installation through its Clean Fuel Reward Program and Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. New York has launched a $701 million initiative to install more than 50,000 chargers by 2025 through its Make Ready Program and EVolve NY Program. Other states with similar initiatives include Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

·  Many cities and counties have also taken steps to expand their EV charging networks. For example, Los Angeles has installed over 2,000 public chargers and aims to reach 28,000 by 2028. The city also offers free parking for EVs at municipal lots and meters. Austin has deployed over 800 public chargers and plans to add more through its Austin Energy Plug-In EVerywhere Network. The city also provides rebates for home and workplace charger installation. Other cities with notable efforts include Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle.


Private Sector Initiatives


· Several private companies have invested in building and operating EV charging stations across the country. For example, Tesla has installed over 1,100 Supercharger stations with over 10,000 chargers that can charge its vehicles in minutes. ChargePoint has deployed over 26,000 public chargers that can serve any EV model with a standard plug. EVgo has built over 800 fast-charging stations that can charge most EVs in less than an hour. Other players in this space include Blink Charging, Electrify America, Greenlots, SemaConnect, and Shell Recharge.

 

· Some private companies have also partnered with public entities or other businesses to expand their charging networks. For example, Volta Charging has partnered with retailers such as Whole Foods Market to offer free charging for customers at select locations. Electrify America has partnered with Shell Recharge has partnered with Greenlots to provide access to its network of chargers at Shell gas stations.


Conclusion

The US is on the move to boost its EV charging infrastructure, thanks to the collaboration of various actors in the public and private sectors. The federal government, state and local authorities, and private sector players are all investing in building and operating charging stations that can serve different types of EVs and drivers. These efforts will not only benefit the environment and the economy, but also enhance the customer experience and satisfaction of EV owners and potential buyers. If you are interested in joining the EV revolution, now is a great time to explore your options and find a charger near you.