While owning an EV can rival or exceed the experience of having a gas-powered car, the convenience of charging remains a significant concern, depending on your location. This inconvenience can deter potential buyers.

Switching to EVs is an attractive prospect, but the idea of charging these vehicles can be daunting. That is why we have prepared this article explaining how many charging stations would be necessary for a country as big as the US. Read on and find out!

Home Charging: The Preferred Choice

Most current American EV owners opt to charge their vehicles at home. However, not everyone has this luxury, while over 20% of US households lack reliable off-street parking for overnight charging.

The public charging network poses challenges with reports of poorly maintained or non-functional chargers.

Efforts To Enhance Charging Infrastructure

Key players, including automakers and government bodies, recognize the charging challenges and are motivated to encourage EV adoption. Automakers are ramping up EV production, and policymakers view EVs as crucial for reducing emissions and combating climate change.

Current statistics reflect significant improvements in public and private charging. Read them below. 

  • The US boasts 188,600 public and private charging ports and 67,900 charging stations.
  • The number of charging stations has more than doubled since 2020.
  • An additional 240 charging stations are in development.
 

For comparison, know that there are approximately 145,000 gas stations across the entire country.

Hypothetical Full Electrification: Charging Needs

Consider this hypothetical scenario: If all cars in the US suddenly became electric, how many more charging stations would be required? Let's discover.

Coltura, a research and advocacy organization for alternative fuels, provided a detailed analysis, claiming that the US would need to increase the number of public chargers sixfold. Despite the substantial increase, the task may not be as impossible as it seems.

Future Projections: Charging Coverage

Coltura's executives, Matthew Metz and Ron Barzilay, have optimistic projections:

  • 90% of housing units will eventually have an EV charger, covering about 70% of drivers' home charging needs.
  • 10% of charging needs could be met at workplaces.
  • This leaves only 20% of charging to be handled by public stations, with 70% ideally being fast chargers.
 

Barzilay highlights the rapid pace of technological advancement. By the time full electrification is achieved, today's fast chargers, which can charge up to 80% in 20 minutes, might be surpassed by even quicker and more efficient options. 

This technological progress could place the country in a much better position than currently anticipated. As the nation drives towards full electrification, the anticipated improvements in infrastructure and technology will make EV ownership more accessible and appealing to all.