EV Charging Access Grows, Yet Range Anxiety Persists for Buyers

More than **70%** of the miles on the ten longest interstates in the United States are now within **10 miles** of a fast electric vehicle (EV) charger. Despite this significant advancement, many potential buyers continue to experience **range anxiety**, ranking it as a major concern alongside the high cost of EVs.

An analysis by the **Associated Press**, utilizing data from the **National Renewable Energy Laboratory**, reveals that over **12,000** fast chargers have been added near U.S. highways and interstates in just this year. This increase represents about **20%** of the total quick-charging ports currently available. Yet, a recent poll conducted by the **Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research** and the **Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago** found that approximately **40%** of U.S. adults still cite range and charging time as significant reasons for hesitating to purchase an electric vehicle. Only **20%** of respondents indicated they would be “extremely” or “very” likely to choose an electric vehicle for their next car.

Daphne Dixon, a leader in a nonprofit advocating for clean transportation, is actively working to challenge these perceptions. Since **2022**, she has embarked on coast-to-coast road trips in an EV, utilizing a vibrant hot pink theme to draw attention. Throughout her **3,000-mile** (4,828-kilometer) journeys, Dixon shares her experiences and highlights the growing availability of charging stations, aiming to alleviate fears surrounding EV range.

Dixon asserts, “Range anxiety is stuck in people’s heads,” pointing out the increasing installation of chargers and the narrowing price gap between gas and electric vehicles. “A lot of people still fear that there’s not enough chargers, but what they’re not seeing is that chargers are being put in every single day.”

Expanded Charging Infrastructure

Traveling along **Interstate 80**, the longest interstate in the U.S., drivers can expect to find fast chargers within a reasonable distance. The distance between chargers has decreased significantly, with a **44%** increase in charger coverage on I-80 since **2021**. Nationwide, nearly **70%** of the combined length of the ten longest interstates is now within **10 miles** of a fast charger, up from only half five years ago.

Fast chargers play a crucial role in promoting EV adoption, as they can recharge a fully electric vehicle in as little as **20 minutes** to **an hour**, compared to home chargers that often require **four to ten hours** for a full charge.

In **Connecticut**, where Dixon resides, residents still express concerns about the availability of charging stations. During a recent trip along **Route 7**, which features a scenic landscape but limited charging options, Dixon noted the lack of fast chargers, particularly in rural areas. Lynn Mellis Worthington, chair of the town’s sustainability team in **Kent**, mentioned the only charging station in the area is a defunct machine at the town hall.

To address these challenges, Connecticut’s state government plans to allocate **$1.3 million** in federal funds for the installation of eight fast-charging ports at two stations in **New Milford**, located **15 miles** (24 kilometers) down Route 7 from Kent. These funds were initially set to be canceled earlier this year by the **Trump administration** but were reinstated in **August** after legal challenges from multiple states regarding the cessation of the **$5 billion** program established under the **Bipartisan Infrastructure Law** of **2021**.

Mellis Worthington and her husband contemplated purchasing an electric vehicle when replacing their **15-year-old Pontiac Vibe** this year. Ultimately, they opted for a hybrid due to the high prices of fully electric vehicles that met their range needs. “Our next car will definitely be an EV,” she stated.

Cost Remains a Major Barrier

While charging concerns persist, the cost of electric vehicles remains the primary barrier to purchase for many consumers. According to the AP-NORC/EPIC poll, only about **20%** of U.S. adults said that high prices do not deter them from considering an EV.

As of **2024**, electric vehicles hold approximately **8%** of the U.S. market share, a significant increase from **1.9%** five years ago, based on data from **Atlas Public Policy**. Daniel Wilkins, a policy analyst at Atlas, notes that while owning an EV may lead to lower long-term costs due to reduced maintenance and cheaper electricity compared to fuel, the initial sticker price remains a critical focus for buyers.

The expiration of federal incentives at the end of **September** effectively adds **$7,500** to the final bill for many prospective buyers, raising additional concerns.

Despite these challenges, advocates point out that the average American drives no more than **30 miles** (48 kilometers) per day, well within the range of modern electric vehicles. Most current EV owners, such as **Jim Warner** from **Bloomfield**, report that they charge their vehicles primarily at home. Warner, who owns both an EV and a plug-in hybrid, has successfully taken his **Chevy Bolt**, which has a range of approximately **250 miles** (402 kilometers) per charge, on multiple long trips without significant issues.

“The first trip, I turned the heat off. I made sure I drove 65,” Warner recalled. “The second time I just drove normally and had no problem.”

As the infrastructure for electric vehicles continues to grow, addressing consumer perceptions and financial barriers will be essential for increasing adoption rates across the country.