The Rapid Expansion of Public EV Charging in the U.S.
The United States is witnessing a significant surge in the development of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Over the past year and a half, numerous states have received federal funding to install fast chargers along key travel routes, facilitating long-distance EV travel. This expansion aims to enhance the convenience and accessibility of EV charging for drivers across the nation.
Retailers are also playing a pivotal role by integrating Level 2 and fast chargers into their establishments such as shopping centers, restaurants, and community hubs. This development allows EV owners to conveniently charge their vehicles while engaging in other activities like shopping or dining.
According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, there are currently over 250,000 public EV charging ports spread across 80,531 locations in the U.S. This figure might surprise many, as the general perception often underestimates the existing infrastructure.
President Biden has set an ambitious target to establish 500,000 public EV chargers by 2030, and the country is already halfway there. The Biden-Harris Administration has taken significant steps to realize this vision, aiming to create a “convenient, reliable, and Made-in-America electric vehicle (EV) charging network.”
Despite challenges such as the pandemic, economic fluctuations, and political opposition, the growth of the EV charging infrastructure is a testament to the resilience and commitment to clean energy. Additionally, thousands of new chargers are in the pipeline, expected to further bolster the current total in the coming years.
While public chargers are increasing, the number of home EV chargers far surpasses them. In California alone, there are an estimated 800,000 home chargers. When combined with public chargers, the total number of EV charging points in the U.S. could rival the number of traditional gas pumps.
Most EV owners charge their vehicles at home, which is sufficient for the typical driving range of under 40 miles per day. Long trips exceeding 100 miles are relatively rare. This trend suggests that for many, home charging is more than adequate, complemented by the increasing availability of public chargers.
Recent statistics highlight the progress in fast charger deployment. As of two months ago, there were over 71,000 fast chargers in operation, a number that has now increased to slightly over 73,000.
Original Story at cleantechnica.com