EV CHARGING

200,000 Charging Ports and Counting: The Key to Stress-Free Electric Travel Across the U.S.

October 19, 2024

The U.S. has reached 200,000 public EV charging ports nationwide, with a goal of 500,000 by 2030.
Drivers can now travel over 57% of the busiest corridors with fast chargers available every 50 miles, expected to increase to 70% by next year.
The new J3400 connector (NACS) standard makes more public EV charging stations accessible to a wider range of electric vehicles.

The growth of EV charging stations across the U.S. is changing the way we think about electric vehicles. With 200,000 public EV charger ports now available, as reported by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, people in all 50 states have easier access to reliable charging options.

This milestone is a real step toward making electric travel possible for millions of Americans, whether you live in a city, a small town, or somewhere in between. And it’s only the beginning. The goal is to have 500,000 chargers by 2030, a goal that’s quickly becoming a reality thanks to efforts from both the Biden-Harris Administration and private sector.

What makes this progress so exciting is the freedom it offers. For too long, many people hesitated to switch to electric vehicles because of range anxiety, that constant worry about running out of battery with no charging station nearby. But now, thanks to both public funding and private investment, you can drive on over half of the busiest highways in the U.S., knowing there’s a fast EV charging port every 50 miles.

And by next year, that coverage will jump to 70%. The rapid growth of EV charging stations means you don’t have to stress about getting stranded or changing your route just because of limited charging options. This expansion is making it easier than ever for drivers to confidently go electric without any second-guessing.

Volvo EX40 test drive and demo at Electrify Expo NY — _{Volvo EX40 test drive and demo at Electrify Expo.}

However, it’s not just about installing new chargers. The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, working with local communities, states, and industry leaders, is focused on making the EV charging experience seamless and reliable.

Beyond increasing the number of chargers, they’ve committed to upgrading and repairing existing stations, ensuring that broken chargers are a thing of the past. This focus on maintaining quality, alongside quantity, means that the EV charging network is designed to be trustworthy, allowing drivers to count on it day in and day out.

Standards are a big part of making EV charging easier for everyone. The new J3400 (NACS) connector standard is what most EV drivers have been waiting for. It’s designed to make more charging stations compatible with a wider range of electric vehicles, including the Tesla Supercharger network.

This means no matter what kind of EV you drive, finding a compatible charging station will get a whole lot easier. As electric cars become more popular, this standard ensures that the charging network grows with the demand, so no one gets left behind on the road.

The push for a national EV charging network also creates new jobs and boosts local economies. Every new EV charging port and station means more opportunities, especially in areas that have been left behind by tech advances in the past. This network is designed to include everyone, no matter where they live.

And the best part? It’s happening right now. Programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program, the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) program, and the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility (EVC-RAA) program are making it possible, bringing more charging options and fast-charging hubs to communities across the country.

Lucid Air test drive and demo at Electrify Expo NY

It’s no surprise that electric vehicles are becoming more popular, now making up nearly 19% of the U.S. light-duty vehicle (LDV) market. With more EV models hitting the streets, the availability of public charging ports is expanding fast, making it easier for people to switch from traditional gas-powered cars to electric ones.

EVs aren’t just for the early adopters anymore. They’re quickly becoming the smart choice for anyone who wants convenience, great performance, and real savings. As the number of EV charging stations keeps growing, hitting the road in an EV is now simpler than ever. You can take a road trip across the country with confidence.