State Governments Slowing America's EV Charging: What's Happening?

As EV adoption surges, with over 2 million electric cars now on U.S. roads, the demand for a robust network of charging infrastructure is becoming more urgent. One of the biggest barriers to widespread EV adoption is the lack of reliable, fast, and convenient EV charging stations. Drivers of electric cars need to have confidence that they can get their vehicles to a charging station when they need to, especially for long-distance travel. That’s where public charging stations, especially DC fast charging stations, come in. Without a widespread and well-maintained EV charging network, EV growth will be severely limited.

The NEVI program, part of the 2021 infrastructure law, was supposed to fill this gap by providing $7.5 billion to build EV charging stations along highways and in lower-income communities. But despite federal funding, the rollout of public chargers has been slow, and state-level hurdles are a big problem.

Barriers to EV Charging Deployment

While the federal government is the main driver of national electric transportation, state governments have a big role to play in the future of electric car adoption and charging infrastructure deployment. While federal programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) provide funding and guidance, state governments are the ones that will implement these plans, approve projects, and drive local efforts to expand charging networks.

High Upfront Costs

Installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure is expensive. A fast charger can cost as much as $117,000 or more depending on the the charger location and grid requirements​. These capital costs are a big barrier to expanding electric vehicle charging and networks, especially for DC fast chargers needed for long-distance travel.

Utilities, charging companies, and local governments can’t agree on how to allocate these costs. Utilities want to own the charging infrastructure to ensure reliability and cost recovery through customer rates while charging companies want a competitive private market to manage these stations. The result is a slow and fragmented deployment of electric vehicle chargers as these stakeholders debate the way forward.

Political and Regulatory Hurdles

State governments have a big role to play in EV charging infrastructure deployment, but their commitment to this goal varies widely. States like California and New York are moving fast, using federal funds to speed up charger installation. Other states like Florida and Wyoming are slow to act. Florida has the second most EVs but has not issued any RFPs for federally funded fast chargers yet​. Political opposition to federal EV initiatives in some states is also holding things back.

For example, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has opposed the Biden administration’s EV push, saying “fuel freedom” and consumer choice over federal EV mandates​. This political opposition is making it harder for the state to deploy NEVI-funded chargers, leaving local gas stations and private entities frustrated that they can’t install charging stations​.

Slow Permitting and Approvals

Beyond politics, local governments are slow to approve EV charging projects which is further slowing down deployment. Installing EV chargers requires coordination with utilities, site owners, and local permitting authorities which can be a long process. In many cases, it can take months to finalize contracts and get the necessary approvals to start construction​ a charging station.

Even states that want to expand EV charging infrastructure are hitting roadblocks because of a lack of experience with EV charging equipment. Many state transportation departments are used to traditional fuel infrastructure and navigating the complexities of EV charging including grid upgrades and interconnection processes between charging ports has been a steep learning curve.

The Way Forward for States

In the end, it’s the state governments that will make or break America’s EV charging infrastructure. Progressive policies, streamlined processes, and collaboration with the private sector will be key to meeting the 500,000 public chargers by 2030 goal. States that don’t prioritize EV charging will fall behind, leaving their residents underserved and slowing down the overall EV market in the US.

Check out our article on the EV charging incentives by state

The Impact of Slow EV Charging Deployment

The slow rollout of public charging stations is having far-reaching consequences. For one, it’s limiting EV adoption, especially in rural areas where charging stations are scarce. Without reliable access to fast chargers, tens of thousands of potential EV drivers will hesitate to switch from gas-powered cars​.

This infrastructure lag also impacts the environment. Gas-powered vehicles are still dominating the roads and emitting greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. The Biden administration has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, and EV adoption is part of that strategy. But without a robust charging network in place, it will be hard to achieve those goals.

Overcoming the Challenges

Despite the challenges, there are ways to accelerate the deployment of EV charging stations and meet the 2030 goal of 500,000 public chargers.

1. Streamlined Permitting: One of the most important steps state and local governments can take is to streamline the permitting process for EV charging stations. By reducing the time it takes to approve projects, states can speed up the installation of chargers and close the gaps in the national network​.

2. Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can also accelerate EV charging infrastructure. By leveraging federal funding with private investments states can spread the costs and risks of charger deployment. In some states, utilities are partnering with private charging companies like Electrify America to build and operate EV chargers and ensure reliable service while keeping costs manageable​.

3. Utility Involvement: Utilities must play a bigger role in expanding EV charging networks. By investing in grid upgrades and providing “make-ready” infrastructure that facilitates charger installation, utilities can remove some of the big barriers that have slowed down deployment. New utility rate structures that reduce demand charges for EV chargers can make these stations more financially viable for both public and private operators​.

4. Equity: It’s also important to make sure EV charging infrastructure reaches underserved and low-income communities. Without intentional effort to build chargers in these areas the benefits of the EV transition will favor wealthier urban populations. The NEVI program has provisions for underserved communities but more work needs to be done to deploy these chargers effectively​.

A Call to Action

To meet the 500,000 public chargers by 2030 goal, state governments must step up and take action. The private sector must continue to invest in EV charging while utilities and state governments work together to streamline processes, reduce regulatory barriers, and allocate resources effectively. EV drivers must also demand better charging infrastructure and hold their governments accountable for progress towards these goals.

• Is EV charging infrastructure improving?

  Yes, but slowly. Despite the challenges, charger deployment will pick up speed as states streamline permitting and new public-private partnerships emerge. By the end of 2025, hundreds more will be online​.