Can The Infrastructure Handle An Influx Of Electrical Vehicles?

The push to transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles is gaining momentum. With their flashy and fast features, electric vehicles are changing the way we drive. However, a new study suggests that the infrastructure needed to support this transition may not be ready just yet. In this article, we will explore the challenges of charging electric vehicles and discuss whether we are truly prepared for this shift.

The Growing Demand for Electric Vehicles

As more and more people embrace the idea of driving electric cars, the demand for charging stations is on the rise. People want to rely less on traditional fuel sources and opt for a greener alternative. However, finding a place to charge these vehicles can be quite a hassle.

Currently, there are approximately 150,000 charging stations in the United States, which is roughly equivalent to the number of gas stations. While this may seem like a significant number, it falls short when compared to the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. To accommodate future growth, we need to expand our charging infrastructure.

The Limitations of Level 2 Chargers

Most of the existing charging stations are equipped with Level 2 chargers. While these chargers are efficient, they have their limitations. On average, you can expect to gain only 10 to 20 miles of range per hour of charging with a Level 2 charger. This means that if you're in a hurry or need to cover long distances, relying solely on Level 2 chargers may not be practical.

Furthermore, there are only 27 nationwide Level 3 chargers available for non-Tesla vehicles. This scarcity poses a significant challenge for those who do not own a Tesla but still want to enjoy the benefits of electric driving. To truly support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, we need more accessible and fast-charging options.

The State of Charging Infrastructure

A recent study compared the number of chargers per resident across different states. California ranked second, with Vermont taking the top spot as the most EV-friendly state, boasting 700 residents per charger. On the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi ranked the worst, with only one charger for every 9,200 people.

For non-Tesla drivers, Oklahoma emerged as the best state in terms of charging infrastructure. However, even in states with relatively better infrastructure, challenges persist. One electric vehicle owner shared their experience of waiting for five hours to charge their Nissan Leaf at their