“White House Paves the Way for EV Road Trips with Expansion of Charging Stations”

^{President Biden allocates $623 million for 7,500 new EV charging stations across 22 states, aiming to combat range anxiety and accelerate the U.S. transition to electric vehicles. Read full information here.}

The Biden administration is making significant strides in addressing the critical issue of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. President Joe Biden recently announced a substantial investment of $623 million to support 47 EV charging and alternative-fueling projects across 22 states and Puerto Rico. This funding is part of a broader effort to establish a comprehensive EV charging network throughout the country.

One of the primary challenges hindering the widespread adoption of EVs in the U.S. has been “range anxiety,” a concern among consumers about the limited availability of functional charging stations. Currently, there are approximately 170,000 public chargers for an estimated 4 million EVs on American roads, leading to apprehension among potential EV owners.

To alleviate this concern, the U.S. Department of Transportation previously authorized $100 million to repair and replace non-operational charging infrastructure. The recent $623 million funding announcement aims to contribute to the expansion of charging infrastructure, including the addition of 7,500 new EV charging ports in states like New Jersey, California, Texas, and Arizona.

 

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The Biden administration has set an ambitious goal of installing at least 500,000 public chargers across the U.S. by 2030. Shailen Bhat, administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, expressed confidence that this target might be achieved even before 2030, depending on the pace at which states can collaborate with private sector companies to build charging stations.

Bhatt compared the challenge of addressing range anxiety to the development of the interstate system in the 1950s and ’60s. However, advancements in technology, such as apps and GPS, now allow users to easily locate and access charging stations, providing a more seamless experience.

In addition to funding for new charging stations, there are plans to address the reliability of existing chargers. Common issues with failed EV charging stations include problems with connectivity, internal faults, and credit card reader malfunctions. The requirement for the new charging stations is that they must be app-enabled, allowing users to check their functionality and receive assistance if needed.

The funding allocated to the 22 states and Puerto Rico will facilitate the installation of approximately 7,500 charging stations at various locations, including highways, places of worship, banks, and community businesses. With an expected increase in the number of EVs on American roads – projected to reach around 30 million by 2030 – the government aims to support the growing demand for EV infrastructure.

While the government plays a crucial role in constructing charging stations, rental car companies are also contributing to the EV transition. Hertz, for instance, rapidly transitioned to an EV fleet in 2021, placing “tens of thousands of EVs” across multiple locations. However, a recent announcement revealed that Hertz is selling 20,000 EVs, approximately one-third of its electric fleet, to purchase gasoline-powered vehicles, citing higher repair costs and depreciation values.

Other rental car companies, like Avis, are taking a more cautious approach to EV adoption, especially due to concerns about charging infrastructure at U.S. airports. The engagement of airports in supporting EV infrastructure is considered vital to the successful transition to electric mobility.

As the government and rental car companies focus on the future of the domestic EV market, the EV experience for the average American is influenced by factors such as location and travel routes. While progress is evident, challenges persist in certain regions where the charging network is not yet fully developed. The commitment to app-enabled, strategically located charging stations and ongoing efforts to enhance reliability aim to address these challenges and accelerate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the United States.