EV charging plans: What if every US vehicle were electric? Where do the charging sites go?
May 29, 2025
We¡¯re not all electric, but as we decide where to put EV chargers, we must look at demand, existing infrastructure, and equity
What would it look like if every household vehicle in the United States were electric? Could US infrastructure support that many electric vehicles (EVs)? Simply put: No. If we were to wave a magic wand and turn each of those vehicles into an EV overnight, industry experts estimate the country would need around 1.2 million public EV chargers to support that demand. As of 2024, there were only 192,000 publicly available EV chargers in the US.
Recent years have seen exponential growth in EV sales, thanks in part to significant federal investment. However, in some US states, sales have been slow due to a lack of charging infrastructure.
There are many factors that go into EV charging plans and site selection. At the top of that list is equity. We need to distribute charging stations fairly to meet the needs of historically disadvantaged communities. Another key factor is demand. If cities, municipalities, and private charging companies want to see returns on their investments in EV infrastructure, drivers need to use them. And lastly, supporting infrastructure is essential for EV charging plans to work. These sites can¡¯t be built, installed, and then forgotten. Equipping them with the necessary utility and transportation infrastructure will go a long way in helping them succeed.
ZEVDecide generates optimal charging infrastructure recommendations by accounting for a comprehensive range of siting factors that include sensitive cultural considerations. Shown here is the West Hartford, Connecticut, Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan.
So, how can agencies make sure they are addressing all these issues? It starts with a strong, fundamental understanding of the main factors that make EV charging plans and infrastructure successful. Then, agencies can gather the data needed to make on-the-ground decisions. With so many factors at play, our team applies ZEVDecide?, a tool we designed to enhance EV charger site selection with industry-leading optimization.
Prioritizing equity in public EV charging plans
When collecting, integrating, and analyzing data, it is important to separate demand from need. Demand shows us where the chargers are most likely to be used. Need focuses on where investment may help overcome societal barriers to EV adoption. How can we prioritize equitable distribution if we don¡¯t understand which communities might need them most?
Gathering the right data and including it in EV charging plans is a crucial first step. This helps locate future charging sites more equitably. For instance, it¡¯s important to consider low-income neighborhoods where private investment may be slower or nonexistent. And it¡¯s essential to look at historically marginalized communities, too. We also need to prioritize areas that lack off-street parking. Or those that experience congestion and air-quality issues. By addressing these factors, we can create a fair and effective distribution of charging infrastructure.
Our EV charging plans also need to look at sites with supporting roads to increase traffic to the new station. If users can¡¯t conveniently get to the charging station, how can we expect them to use it?
To apply these considerations, we will go a step further. With ZEVDecide, we can see the need for where investment may overcome overarching societal barriers to EV adoption. Here are the steps we recommend to help make the right decisions in EV charging site selection.
EV charging plans help project where chargers will be needed most
Locals and visitors who own EVs drive the demand for Level 2 charging, which is commonly found in home, workplace, and public spaces. The demand for direct current fast charging (DCFC) is like that of a gas station. It is driven by both local and through traffic.
National and global trends are often used to determine need. However, local vehicle registration data and travel demand statistics provide a more accurate projection for EV charging plans. That helps us develop a range for potential EV adoption. We can use factors such as a region¡¯s observed growth in adoption, statewide targets and mandates, and demographics.
Finding the right infrastructure to support EV chargers
Another aspect to keep in mind is supporting infrastructure. Is there any existing infrastructure that can be used to help reduce costs and timelines? For example, is there access to nearby power sources? Or can we repurpose a gas station? Getting answers to those types of questions are key for EV changing plans. Other factors include the location of other charge points. Is the new charging station going into an area that needs it?
Our EV charging plans also need to look at sites with supporting roads to increase traffic to the new station. If users can¡¯t conveniently get to the charging station, how can we expect them to use it? We also need to look into environmental, health, and safety impacts. And then we have to manage them appropriately. It¡¯s important to understand them as they can increase site-development costs, permit requirements, and contribute to the overall installation timeline.?
Environmental, health, and safety considerations need to be managed appropriately to support equitable EV infrastructure development.
Land use and the business model of a property owner also impact site selection, both in terms of compatibility (commercial vs. residential) and the type of charger (e.g., Level 2 or DCFC). For example, a restaurant or grocery store with longer dwell times would be ideal for free Level 2 charging to attract customers, while a gas station could support DCFC charging for a fee. For DCFC sites, amenities such as lighting, food, shopping, and restrooms are also important to consider.
The Route Forward
Well-utilized and cost-effective chargers provide the most value. And it doesn¡¯t matter if the investment comes from a government-funding program or is backed by investors. If our EV charging plans also focus on equity, it will help address historic disinvestment while aligning with federal EV funding programs. And that¡¯s where ZEVDecide helps the most. It integrates robust datasets to identify potential EV charging sites where they will be the most effective, economically designed, and built to help support equitable distribution.
If we focus on these key points, we can prioritize investments in electric vehicle chargers that are both effective and equitable. Whether you are a public agency, a site developer, or charging network company, it¡¯s important to evaluate these factors holistically to make sure you can meet your EV charging plans.?
