How is the charging infrastructure evolving to support the growing number of electric vehicles?

The Electric Vehicle revolution is no longer a futuristic concept but a rapidly unfolding reality, driven by the urgent need for sustainable transportation and the reduction of harmful carbon emissions. At the heart of this transformation lies the crucial element of charging infrastructure. The success of widespread EV adoption hinges on the availability of a robust and accessible network of charging stations, which will in turn alleviate the ‘range anxiety’ and ‘charge anxiety’ that many potential buyers may have. As more individuals make the switch to electric vehicles, the current inadequacies of charging infrastructure are becoming increasingly apparent, making it vital to understand the intricacies of this evolving landscape.

This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the state of EV charging infrastructure, the challenges that it faces, and the promising future directions that are currently being explored.

The electric vehicle revolution is gaining momentum, but its success depends on a robust and accessible charging infrastructure. The United States is at a crucial point, with a growing focus on sustainability and the push to reduce carbon emissions. However, the inadequacy of the nation’s charging infrastructure is becoming increasingly apparent as more Americans switch to EVs. Nearly 80% of the general public express concern about the absence of sufficient charging infrastructure, which is a significant obstacle for potential EV buyers.

Current State of EV Charging Infrastructure

• Disparities Exist: In many urban areas, the number of EVs is increasing faster than the availability of charging stations. This can lead to long wait times, which can deter people from buying or using an EV. The situation is worse in rural and less affluent areas, where charging infrastructure is often severely lacking. This disparity highlights the urban-rural divide, with urban areas having more charging infrastructure.
• Multi-Unit Dwellings: A significant concern is the availability of chargers in multi-unit dwellings and rural areas. Only 14% of multi-unit dwellings in the US have access to Electric Vehicle charging, posing a challenge for urban dwellers in apartments or condos.
• Insufficient Number of Chargers: The gap between the number of Electric Vehicles on American roads and the number of EVhttps://itztechblog.com/category/technology/ev-technology/ chargers is widening. As of the end of Q1 2023, there were approximately 134,000 charging stations and 3.34 million EVs in the US. The White House aims for 500,000 public chargers, including those at workplaces and along highways. S&P Global Mobility estimated approximately 126,500 Level 2, 20,431 Level 3 charging stations, and 16,822 Tesla Superchargers and destination chargers in the United States as of January 2023.
• Range Anxiety: The fear of running out of battery power before reaching a charging station, known as range anxiety, is a significant barrier to EV adoption. Fast chargers are essential to alleviate this concern. As of June 2023, there were around 50,000 public charging stations with approximately 130,000 individual charging ports in the US. About 44,000 are Level 2 stations with over 100,000 ports, and about 6,600 are DC Fast Charging stations, providing roughly 28,000 ports. There is a notable emphasis on Level 2 ports, indicating a lack of fast-charging capabilities.
• Reliability: One study using AI models trained on Electric Vehicle review data found that charging stations in the U.S. have an average reliability score of only 78%, which means that about one in five don’t work. This makes them, on average, less reliable than regular gas stations.

Types of Charging

• Level 1 Charging: This uses a standard 120V AC plug and provides about 5 miles of range per hour of charging. Most EVs come with a portable Level 1 cordset, making it convenient for home charging.
• Level 2 Charging: This type of charging uses a 208-240 volt circuit and can add about 25 miles of range per hour. Level 2 units can range from 2.9 to 19.2 kW power output. These are common in homes, workplaces, and public locations.
• DC Fast Charging: This utilizes direct current (DC) and enables rapid charging at installed stations. As of 2022, more than 20% of public EV charging ports in the United States were DC fast chargers. DC fast chargers can provide approximately 100 to 200+ miles of range per 30 minutes of charging.
  • CCS, CHAdeMO, and NACS: DC fast chargers use different connectors, including the Combined Charging System (CCS), CHAdeMO, and J3400 (NACS). SAE International is standardizing the J3400 connector based on Tesla’s design for the NACS connector. Several vehicle manufacturers have announced adopting the J3400 connector as early as 2025, which will allow non-Tesla EVs to charge at Tesla stations with the J3400 connector.
• Extreme Fast Charging (XFC): These chargers are capable of power outputs up to 350 kW and higher and are rapidly being deployed for light-duty and select medium-duty applications.

Efforts to Improve Infrastructure

• Government Support: Governments worldwide are increasing support for public charging infrastructure to address the growing demand for EVs. The European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation mandates the deployment of fast chargers every 60 kilometers along major transport corridors. In the US, the government is working towards the goal of 500,000 public chargers. The US Department of Energy is also working with public-private partnerships to develop new battery chemistries and infrastructure.
• NREL Study: A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimated the infrastructure needed to support 30–42 million light-duty EVs by 2030. The study analyzed the daily charging needs for commuting and errands, the infrastructure needed for long-distance travel, and the infrastructure needed for ride-hailing fleets. The study recommends 182,000 publicly accessible fast charging ports, 1 million Level 2 charging ports at publicly accessible locations, and 26 million Level 1 and Level 2 charging ports at privately accessible locations.
• Private Investment: Private companies are investing in charging infrastructure as well. Companies are looking at flexible business models and comprehensive solutions to maximize the potential of charging sites.
• Collaboration: Achieving a seamless and accessible charging experience will require collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and community stakeholders.
• Battery Swapping Stations: To lessen range anxiety, battery swapping stations might be utilized in place of battery charging stations. Standard, fully charged batteries are kept on hand at battery switching points for EV drivers to swap out and continue their trip quickly.

Challenges and Considerations

• Cost: The cost of building and operating higher-capacity chargers is higher than that of lower-capacity chargers. Fast chargers are significantly more costly to build, though their greater capacity means that their overall cost-to-serve can compete with lower-capacity chargers even at lower utilizations.
• Utilization: Utilization is key to achieving efficiency with charging stations. The stand-alone, fast-charger industry uses a 20% utilization as a rule of thumb.
• Rural Areas: Up-front costs for charging stations can be higher in rural areas, especially for DCFC stations, due to the potential need for expensive electrical service upgrades.
• Consumer Sentiment: Many consumers have concerns about the ease of charging, especially on long trips, but are opening up to the prospect of purchasing EVs.

The EV charging market is expected to evolve into different segments, driven by convenience, price, loyalty, and quality, similar to the gas and diesel market. In the long run, the market is expected to settle with a mix of different providers targeting different consumer needs and preferences. While the current fast-charger network is not fully utilized, it is expected that utilization will increase as the market matures. The build-out of a national network of chargers will be critical to support greater adoption of EVs.

Current State of EV Adoption The momentum behind electric vehicle adoption is undeniably growing, both in the United States and across the globe. Fueled by environmental concerns, technological advancements, and government incentives, a rising number of new car sales are for electric vehicles. In the US, however, there’s still a significant level of consumer hesitancy towards EVs. A recent poll revealed that almost half of American adults (47%) indicated that it is unlikely they would choose an EV as their next vehicle.

This apprehension is not confined to any particular demographic but rather shared across urban, suburban, and rural populations. The challenge we face is the “chicken-and-egg problem”: many drivers are hesitant to purchase Electric Vehicles without a reliable and widely available charging infrastructure, but, on the flip side, service providers are wary of investing heavily in infrastructure development without enough Electric Vehicles on the road. This creates a critical need to strategically deploy charging options in places that are convenient to EV owners.

The Critical Need for Charging Infrastructure A robust and accessible charging infrastructure is the cornerstone of the electric vehicle revolution. Without it, the full potential of Electric Vehicle technology cannot be realized. The absence of sufficient charging points remains a significant deterrent for potential EV buyers, with many experiencing “range anxiety” – the fear of running out of battery power before reaching a charging station. But this has also evolved to “charge anxiety” which is not the fear of being able to travel to a destination, but rather if a charger will be available.

To address this, we need flexible charging opportunities at a variety of locations: homes, workplaces, and public destinations. This means not just building charging stations, but also engaging in comprehensive Electric Vehicle readiness planning within communities, ensuring that infrastructure meets the needs of residents and visitors alike. The goal is to make charging EVs as easy and convenient as refueling a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.

Types of EV Charging Stations and Technologies

The technology behind EV charging is constantly evolving. To understand the infrastructure, you first need to be aware of the different charging levels and standards:

• Level 1 Charging: This is the most basic form of EV charging, utilizing a standard 120V household outlet. It’s the slowest method, typically adding only 3-5 miles of range per hour of charging. It is suitable for overnight home charging or when a vehicle will be parked for an extended period of time, but is not optimal for the fast paced lifestyle.
• Level 2 Charging: Level 2 chargers use a 240V outlet, significantly increasing charging speeds. They can add around 12-30 miles of range per hour, making them ideal for homes, workplaces, and public charging stations. Level 2 is much better suited to faster paced lifestyles.
• DC Fast Charging (Level 3): These are the most powerful and fastest chargers, utilizing high-voltage DC power (480V). DC fast chargers can add 60-200 miles of range in just 20-40 minutes, making them crucial for long-distance travel along highways.

A common standard for DC fast charging is the Combined Charging System (CCS), which allows for both AC and DC charging through a single port .

In addition to charging levels, the location and accessibility of charging stations are vital considerations:

• Home Charging: For many Electric Vehicle owners, home charging will be the primary method of keeping their vehicles powered up. This usually involves the installation of a Level 2 charger .
• Workplace Charging: Providing charging facilities at workplaces can help promote Electric Vehicle adoption and provide convenience for employees.
• Public Charging Stations: These stations are critical for EV drivers who are away from home or work, and are necessary for enabling long-distance travel. These can be Level 2 or Level 3 stations depending on the location and purpose.
• Charging Along Highway Corridors: Strategically placed DC fast chargers along highways are essential for enabling cross-country travel and for supporting ride-hailing services.
• Battery Swapping Stations: An alternative to charging stations, battery swapping allows a vehicle to replace its depleted battery with a fully charged one. This can be a much faster method of “refueling” and reduces range anxiety.

Finally, it is important to discuss vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This emerging technology enables Electric Vehicles to not only draw power from the grid but also to feed power back into the grid, which can help to stabilize the electricity supply and potentially reduce energy costs for Electric Vehicle owners. As a next generation technology, it is still not widely available, but will be an important component in the future.

Planning and Development of Charging Infrastructure

The goal to accelerate the adoption of Electric Vehicles by 2030 requires a well-planned and strategically built national charging network. A groundbreaking study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been pivotal in this effort, providing detailed estimates on the required number, type, and location of charging infrastructure to support 30-42 million light-duty Electric Vehicles by 2030. The study considered various factors such as driving patterns, energy needs for travel, and projected Electric Vehicle adoption rates. It also included detailed regional analysis for states and communities, allowing for targeted infrastructure development.

The NREL study used multiple modeling tools:

• EVI-Pro: This tool calculated the typical daily charging needs for running errands and commuting, considering access to convenient home charging.
• EVI-RoadTrip: This tool projected the charging infrastructure necessary for long-distance travel along national highways.
• EVI-OnDemand: This tool estimated the infrastructure needed for ride-hailing fleets to electrify their operations.
• TEMPO: This NREL model estimated the number of Electric Vehicles that might be on the road under different adoption scenarios.

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation is another key player in the implementation of this national charging network. It supports programs such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, which provide funding and resources for the development of EV infrastructure.

A key takeaway of the NREL study is that it is clear on what is needed to build a future Electric Vehicle charging network. The study is already motivating key players in the field, from automakers to local governments, to target the infrastructure that is needed.

The planning and development of charging infrastructure require close collaboration between public and private entities, including automakers, charging providers, local governments, utility companies, retailers, and real estate developers. Such collaboration will ensure a coordinated approach that meets the needs of Electric Vehicle drivers and supports the growth of the EV market.

Challenges in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Despite the significant progress in planning and development, numerous challenges remain for EV charging infrastructure, and if they are not addressed the charging market could collapse:

• Reliability Issues: Public charging stations have frequently been found to be unreliable, with many stations out of service or malfunctioning. This unreliability is a major cause of frustration for EV owners, and needs to be addressed with more proactive and effective maintenance.
• High Cost: The initial costs associated with developing a comprehensive EV charging network are considerable. This includes the cost of equipment, installation, and grid upgrades, making it a significant obstacle for many communities and businesses.
• The “Chicken-and-Egg Problem”: The slower than expected build-out of charging infrastructure is caused by the feedback loop of consumers waiting for infrastructure to be built before investing in an EV, while service providers wait for more Electric Vehicles to be purchased before making investments in the infrastructure. This loop needs to be broken if EV adoption is to accelerate.
• Integration with Existing Systems: Integrating Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure into existing transportation systems, policies, and urban planning frameworks is complex and requires a coordinated effort. Many city planning initiatives still do not include an Electric Vehicle plan, which can lead to logistical problems.
• Limited Driving Range and Range Anxiety: Many Electric Vehicle owners still deal with the fear of running out of power in between charges which is commonly known as range anxiety. While range is improving this continues to be a challenge.

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges

To overcome these challenges, several strategies are being explored and implemented:

• Improving Battery Technology: Advancements in battery technology are crucial for increasing the driving range of Electric Vehicles and reducing charging times. Scientists are actively developing batteries that are more energy-dense, lightweight, affordable, and durable. The development of graphene-based batteries is a particularly promising area of research. Graphene is lightweight and has a high thermal conductivity. Graphene batteries have the potential for very quick charging and longer ranges, which helps to alleviate range anxiety.
• AI Optimization: Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a growing role in optimizing both battery performance and charging infrastructure . AI can help manage battery thermal systems more effectively and can optimize the planning of charging stations to meet the demands of EV users . Additionally, AI can be used to make Electric Vehicle charging more efficient .
• Battery Swapping: Battery swapping stations offer a unique solution by enabling drivers to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones, reducing range anxiety and eliminating the need to wait for charging to complete.
• Smart City Integration: Integrating EVs within broader smart city initiatives can help to streamline the use of Electric Vehicles, ensure more efficient energy management, improve traffic flow, and enhance the overall urban environment.
• Strategic Deployment: Charging stations need to be strategically placed in convenient locations such as parking lots, public spaces, and along highway corridors to maximize their accessibility and usability.
• Renewable Energy: Utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to charge Electric Vehicles is essential for ensuring the sustainability of the transportation system.

Business Models and Opportunities in the EV Charging Market

The EV charging market is not just a matter of infrastructure, but also a rapidly evolving landscape of innovative business models and opportunities:

• Innovative Business Models: Strategies like battery swapping and Electric Vehicle sharing are emerging as a means to address range anxiety and the high upfront cost of Electric Vehicles. Many companies are focusing on these services as a way to build a unique brand that stands out from the competition.
• Business Model Differentiation: Companies are now differentiating themselves based on new business models. Some companies, for example, focus on long distance highway charging while others focus on inner-city charging solutions.
• Growth Segments: The at-work and on-the-go charging segments are expected to see the fastest growth through 2030. This is where most consumers will find it easiest to integrate EV charging into their lifestyles.
• Strategic Partnerships: Strategic partnerships and the customer experience will be vital for companies seeking to succeed in the competitive Electric Vehicle charging market. The key is to provide a complete turnkey solution for Electric Vehicle owners.
• Economics of the Market: The EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) market has challenging economics, requiring significant upfront investment with the possibility of a long-term return on investment. Companies entering the market must have a high risk tolerance, patience, and consistent cash flow.
• Revenue Generation: Charge Point Operators (CPO) are expected to generate the majority of revenue within the EVSE market by providing comprehensive integrated solutions.

Government and Policy Support for Electric Vehicle Charging The government plays a critical role in supporting the expansion of Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes significant funding ($7.5 billion) for EV charging infrastructure. Additional programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program are key to helping build out charging infrastructure.

Government policies also encourage Electric Vehicle adoption by providing incentives such as tax credits and subsidies. These incentives help lower the upfront cost of Electric Vehicles and make them more accessible to a wider range of consumers. In addition, environmental statutes and executive orders play a vital role in directing how Electric Vehicle infrastructure is planned and developed.

Rural EV Infrastructure Rural communities face unique challenges in adopting EV infrastructure. Lower population densities, longer driving distances, and limited resources can make it difficult to implement Electric Vehicle charging solutions. To address these challenges, targeted resources such as the Rural EV Toolkit are necessary to guide rural stakeholders through the process of planning and funding for Electric Vehicle infrastructure.

Public outreach efforts are essential to build Electric Vehicle awareness, equitable access, and adoption among rural and tribal communities. Entities like the DOE-designated network of Clean Cities coalitions are particularly important for providing educational workshops, running awareness campaigns, organizing ride-and-drive events, and implementing highway corridor signage. These efforts help demonstrate the benefits of Electric Vehicles and encourage adoption in rural areas.

Future Trends and Conclusion

The electric vehicle market, and the necessary charging infrastructure, is on the verge of a major transformation. This article has covered many aspects of the EV industry including:

• The significance of a reliable and accessible charging infrastructure.
• The types of charging technologies currently in use.
• The challenges that the industry is facing, and the solutions that are being explored.
• The role that government plays in incentivizing Electric Vehicle adoption and infrastructure growth.
• The growing number of business opportunities that the Electric Vehicle revolution provides.

The future of electric vehicles is incredibly promising, with advancements in battery technology, more available charging options, and better charging speeds. Battery prices are expected to decrease significantly, making EVs more affordable and accessible to consumers. The move to EVs will significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and make a positive impact on the environment. Additionally, integrating EVs into smart city programs can help improve efficiency and urban living standards. The EVSE market is poised for exponential growth, with a projected value of $100 billion by 2040, creating many opportunities for stakeholders.

It is important to recognize the collaborative effort that is required in the coming years, including governments, private companies, and the public. Continuing collaboration and innovation will be key to building a reliable and accessible EV charging network that can support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. This is not just about the future of transportation, but about the future of our planet. The goal is not just to build more charging stations but to build an interconnected and sustainable transportation system that benefits everyone.

FAQ:

General Questions About EV Charging

Q: Why is EV charging infrastructure important?

• • A: A robust and accessible charging infrastructure is crucial for the success of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. It addresses range anxiety, encourages EV adoption, and supports the transition to a more sustainable transportation system. The absence of sufficient charging infrastructure is a significant obstacle for potential EV buyers.

Q: What is “range anxiety,” and why is it a problem?

• • A: Range anxiety is the fear of running out of battery power before reaching a charging station. It’s a significant barrier to EV adoption, even though EV ranges have improved significantly in recent years. The availability of fast chargers is essential for alleviating range anxiety.

Q: What is “charge anxiety?”

• • A: Charge anxiety is the fear about keeping an EV powered and moving due to unreliable charging infrastructure. It is related to but different from range anxiety, which is the fear of not being able to reach a destination.

Q: How does the current charging infrastructure affect potential EV buyers?

• A: Nearly 80% of the general public expresses concern about the lack of sufficient charging infrastructure, which is a major obstacle for potential EV buyers. This concern is shared across various demographics, including urban, suburban, and rural residents.

Q: Is EV charging infrastructure development keeping pace with EV sales?

• • A: No, the number of EVs on the road is growing faster than the charging infrastructure, leading to long wait times at charging stations. This is especially true in urban areas, and the situation is worse in rural and less affluent areas where charging infrastructure is often lacking.

Types of EV Charging

Q: What are the different levels of EV charging?

• • A: There are primarily three levels of EV charging:
    • Level 1 Charging: Uses a standard 110-120 volt household outlet, offering the slowest charging speeds. It can take 20 hours or more to add a 100-mile range to an EV.
    • Level 2 Charging: Uses a 240-volt outlet and offers faster charging (ranging from 2.9 to 19.2 kW output). This can provide 100 miles of range in around 4 hours. Level 2 charging is common in homes, workplaces, and public locations.
    • DC Fast Charging (Level 3): Uses direct current and offers the fastest charging speeds. It can add 100-200 miles of range in approximately 30 minutes, with outputs up to 500 kW.

Q: What is Extreme Fast Charging (XFC)?

• • A: Extreme fast chargers (XFC) are capable of power outputs of up to 350 kW and higher and are rapidly being deployed in the United States for light-duty and select medium-duty applications.

Q: What are CCS, CHAdeMO, and NACS?

• • A: These are different types of connectors used in DC fast charging.
    • CCS (Combined Charging System): Also known as the SAE J1772 combo, it can be used for Level 1, Level 2, or DC fast charging.
    • CHAdeMO: Another type of DC fast charging connector.
    • NACS (North American Charging Standard): Tesla’s charging connector. SAE International is standardizing the J3400 connector based on Tesla’s design for the NACS connector. Several vehicle manufacturers have announced adopting the J3400 connector as early as 2025, which will allow non-Tesla EVs to charge at Tesla stations.

Current State of Charging Infrastructure

Q: How many EV charging stations are there in the US?

• • A: As of June 2023, there were around 50,000 public charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States, providing nearly 130,000 individual charging ports. Within this count, approximately 44,000 are Level 2 stations, offering over 100,000 ports, while about 6,600 are DC Fast Charging stations, providing roughly 28,000 ports.

Q: Are there enough fast chargers in the US?

• • A: There is a notable emphasis on Level 2 ports, indicating a lack of fast-charging capabilities. While the number of fast chargers is growing, it’s still insufficient to meet the demand.

Q: How reliable are EV charging stations?

• • A: Research indicates that charging stations in the U.S. have an average reliability score of only 78%, meaning that about one in five don’t work. This makes them, on average, less reliable than gas stations.

Q: Are charging stations distributed equally across the US?

• • A: No, public charging stations are not equally distributed. They are concentrated more heavily in large population centers and wealthy communities and less so in rural areas and smaller cities. Some parts of the country have become “charging deserts,” with no stations at all.

Q: What is the situation with charging access in multi-unit dwellings?

• • A: Only a small percentage of multi-unit dwellings in the US have access to EV charging. This is a significant challenge for urban dwellers in apartments or condos.

Efforts to Improve Charging Infrastructure

Q: What is the government doing to improve EV charging infrastructure?

• • A: The US federal government is providing billions of dollars through initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to fund charging station deployments and related EV initiatives. There is a goal to build 500,000 public chargers.

Q: What is the NREL study, and what does it recommend?

• • A: A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimated the infrastructure needed to support 30–42 million light-duty EVs by 2030. It recommends 182,000 publicly accessible fast charging ports, 1 million Level 2 charging ports at publicly accessible locations, and 26 million Level 1 and Level 2 charging ports at privately accessible locations.

Q: Are private companies investing in EV charging infrastructure?

• • A: Yes, private companies are investing in charging infrastructure, and exploring flexible business models to maximize the potential of charging sites.

Q: What role does public outreach play in rural communities?

• • A: Public outreach efforts are important for bolstering EV awareness, equitable access, and adoption among rural and Tribal entities. These efforts can include public education workshops and awareness campaigns, ride-and-drive events, fleet outreach and training, and highway corridor signage.

Q: What are battery swapping stations, and how do they help?

• • A: Battery swapping stations provide a method of quickly exchanging depleted batteries for fully charged ones, significantly reducing charging times. This is particularly useful for fleet vehicles and helps lessen range anxiety.

Challenges and Future of EV Charging

Q: What are the main challenges in implementing EV charging infrastructure?

• A: Challenges include: High upfront costs, especially for DC fast chargers, limited exposure to EVs in rural areas, utility demand charges, lack of familiarity with permitting and siting EV infrastructure, and reliability and maintenance issues.

Q: How will the EV charging market evolve?

• • A: The EV charging market is expected to evolve into different segments driven by convenience, price, loyalty, and quality, similar to the gas and diesel market.

Q: How many charge points are expected by 2030?

• • A: The number of charge points in the US is poised to grow from about 4 million today to an estimated 35 million in 2030.

Q: What is the predicted growth of the EV charging market?

• • A: The electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) market could grow from $7 billion today to $100 billion by 2040 at a 15% compound annual growth rate.

5 Sources to organizations or topics that would be relevant to include in an article:

• U.S. Department of Energy – Alternative Fuels Data Center: This site provides a wide range of information and data on alternative fuels, including electricity, and is a key resource for understanding the current state of EV charging infrastructure, with details on charging stations, infrastructure planning, and trends. The Alternative Fuels Data Center is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office.
• U.S. Department of Transportation: The Department of Transportation’s website offers information on various transportation topics, including resources related to EV charging infrastructure, particularly in rural communities. It includes a Rural EV Toolkit designed to help rural communities plan and fund EV charging projects.
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): NREL is a leading research institution in renewable energy. Its website provides reports, data, and analysis on EV charging infrastructure needs, including their 2030 National Charging Network study, which offers detailed estimates of needed infrastructure.
• International Energy Agency (IEA): The IEA provides global analysis and data on energy, including electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Their website offers reports such as the Global EV Outlook, which details trends in electric vehicle charging, and provides data on charging infrastructure deployment in various countries.
• Harvard Business School Institute for the Study of Business in Global Society (BiGS): This site provides research and insights on the business aspects of global issues, including the state of EV charging in America. It includes studies that highlight reliability and pricing issues with current charging infrastructure.