The nationwide surge in electric vehicle adoption has reshaped the landscape of transportation. With the EV market witnessing exponential growth (it more than doubled from 2021 to 2022), the demand for robust charging infrastructure has never been more urgent. As of publication, the national average of charger density stands at one EV charger for every 2,280 residents. That number dwindles significantly when we look at level 3 chargers, with one for every 11,603 residents.
Incentives for EV drivers are vast, ranging from tax breaks to electricity subsidies and access to carpool lanes. However, the true need lies in infrastructure investment. There is an urgent call from EV drivers for more charging stations and enhanced maintenance of existing ones.
Estimations suggest a staggering 18.7 million EVs will populate American roads by 2030. In response, the Biden administration pledged to install 500,000 charging stations in the next decade. Currently, they’re set to accomplish that goal four years ahead of schedule.
The government has enacted policies to begin to bridge this gap. The Inflation Reduction Act’s EV charging tax credit is available for approximately two-thirds of Americans. This policy offers up to 30% off the cost of installing an EV charger to individuals and businesses in low-income and non-urban areas. The credit eases the financial burden of installing EV charging infrastructure while improving access in underserved communities. It’s a step toward empowering EV drivers to crisscross the country without fear of being stranded without charging opportunities.
Additionally, the Departments of Transportation and Energy have allocated $325 million to bolster the reliability and resilience of public chargers, propel EV technologies forward, and support workplace development for charger maintenance. This funding aims to repair and replace non-operational chargers nationwide. It will also lower deployment costs in underserved areas and drive down battery costs.
While efforts can and are being made at the national level to improve charging infrastructure, local governments are also doing their part to fund and encourage EV adoption in their cities. Some municipalities shine brighter than others.Vermont leads the pack as the most EV-friendly state, boasting one EV charger for every 703 residents. California, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Rhode Island follow closely.
Let’s dive into the initiatives spearheaded by Denver, Colorado and Detroit, Michigan as examples.
Denver, Colorado – The Charge Ahead Colorado Program
Administered by the Colorado Energy Office, the Charge Ahead Colorado program champions financial incentives and support to encourage EV deployment and the development of charging infrastructure. Its objective is to improve air quality, reduce transportation emissions, and speed up EV adoption statewide. Since 2013, the program has awarded grants for over 2,000 EV charging stations across Colorado. Eligible applicants range from workplaces to school districts and local governments, and disproportionately impacted communities receive enhanced incentives. In addition to funding, Charge Ahead Colorado invests in education; ReCharge Colorado coaches provide support in EV and infrastructure development. This empowers interested parties to take advantage of the available funding.
Detroit, Michigan – Pioneering Innovation
Some may be surprised to find Detroit on this list. Detroit lags far behind the national average for EV infrastructure. With one charger for every 3378 residents, Detroit ranks among the bottom 15 of states for charger density. When narrowed to level-3 chargers, it drops to 44th in the nation, with one level-3 charger for every 23,130 residents.
However, in 2022, Detroit took a massive step forward for its city and for the EV landscape as a whole by beginning the installation of inductive charger technology. In November of 2023, they launched the nation’s first wireless-charging public roadway. Inductive charging allows all vehicles equipped with receivers to charge their EVs while driving on the roadway. This could be revolutionary technology for electric vehicles, and Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Utah are set to experiment with the tech soon as well.
The Future of EV Infrastructure
The federal government has stepped in to foster the development of EV infrastructure across the country, and they have the money to invest large sums. But it’s municipalities across the U.S. that have the opportunity to truly drive progress in EV infrastructure and reshape the future of mobility. With innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, these cities are at the forefront of the electric revolution, paving the way for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
Whether your city has a range of EV charging available or not, we have an app that can help. For the easiest charging experience, download You.Car – the app that allows you to find, sort, and navigate to charging stations near your favorite amenities. Discover how You.Car’s amenity filtering works.
Curious about other cities' innovations? Check out How Boston is Taking on Sustainability through Innovation.
