The 2023 EV Charging Station Report: State-by-State Breakdown

With the global focus on expanding the electric vehicle (EV) market and the impending ban on diesel and gasoline vehicle sales in the US by 2035, the prospect of owning an electric vehicle is becoming a reality for many future drivers. However, as the US is a vast country with each state operating under its own rules and regulations, the readiness of the nation for a widespread adoption of electric vehicles varies significantly. To assess the current state of EV infrastructure, we present the updated 2023 US Electric Vehicle Charging Station Report, offering a comprehensive state-by-state breakdown.

In this report, we delve into the crucial questions: How does the growth in EV adoption compare to the development of charging infrastructure? By analyzing the data, we aim to provide insights into the feasibility of a robust EV charging network and evaluate the current EV adoption rates in comparison to conventional vehicles. Additionally, we will explore the changes that have occurred since our previous edition of the report, shedding light on the evolving landscape of EVs and charging stations in the US.

• The number of EVs in the US has increased by 42% since the last edition of the report, increasing from 1,019,260 to 1,454,580.
• However, the growth in public charging outlets hasn’t quite matched that, growing from 128,549 to 143,771 over the same period, an increase of around 12%.

States with the most charging stations per EVs

When you’re considering switching to an electric vehicle you need to consider the competition for charging points. It’s all well and good to go green and try and cut your emissions, but if you can’t charge your vehicle, you aren’t going to get very far. Here are the states with the most chargers per 100 electric vehicles.

1 place – North Dakota

Total electric charging ports: 172

Registered EVs: 380

Charging stations per 100 EVs: 45.3

North Dakota leads the pack in terms of charging stations per EVs. With a total of 172 electric charging ports and 380 registered EVs, the state boasts an impressive ratio of 45.3 charging stations per 100 EVs.

While the state actually has the lowest number of electric vehicles overall, the fact that it has such a high ratio of chargers suggests that the local government is doing their bit to try and encourage residents to make the switch to electric.

2 place – Wyoming

Total electric charging ports: 213

Registered EVs: 510

Charging stations per 100 EVs: 41.8

Another state that has a relatively low uptake of electric vehicles, but with a comparatively high number of chargers is Wyoming, with 41.8 charging stations per 100 EVs.

Wyoming is one of a number of states in the United States that received government funding to create a network of chargers connecting highways right from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific.

3 place – West Virginia

Total electric charging ports: 386

Registered EVs: 1,010

Charging stations per 100 EVs: 38.2

Not far behind Wyoming in terms of its rate of chargers to cars is West Virginia, with 38.2 charging points for every 100 EVs.

The number of registered EVs in West Virginia is relatively low, but with a decent charging infrastructure starting to develop to encourage more people to make the change.

States with the fewest charging stations per EVs

Nevertheless, several states are facing challenges in keeping pace with the rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles, particularly in terms of charging infrastructure.

1 place – Oregon

Total electric charging ports: 2,472

Registered EVs: 62,532

Charging stations per 100 EVs: 4.0

Oregon has 2,472 charging ports and 62,532 registered EVs, with 4.0 charging stations per 100 EVs. Fortunately, during the last year, the number of charging points increased by 32%. This encouraging progress shows the state’s commitment to supporting electric vehicle adoption and sustainability. However, continuous efforts are required to enhance the charging network further and accommodate the increasing number of electric vehicles in the future.

2 place – New Jersey

Total electric charging ports: 2,694

Registered EVs: 47,830

Charging stations per 100 EVs: 5.6

New Jersey, despite having a high number of registered EVs at 47,830, falls short in terms of charging infrastructure. The state currently offers 2,694 electric charging ports, resulting in a meager 5.6 charging stations per 100 EVs.

To incentivize EV ownership and support the expansion of charging infrastructure, the state of New Jersey has launched initiatives. The local government provides grants to offset the cost of purchasing and maintaining electric vehicle charging stations.

It’s worth noting that New Jersey has made remarkable progress in improving its charging infrastructure. In fact, the state ranks among the top three states with the biggest increase in charging points, boasting a significant growth rate of 33.37% compared to the previous report. This positive development underscores New Jersey’s commitment to enhancing its EV charging network and accommodating the surging demand for electric vehicles.

3 place – Arizona

Total electric charging ports: 2,638

Registered EVs: 40,740

Charging stations per 100 EVs: 6.5

Arizona faces a similar challenge, with 2,638 charging ports and 40,740 registered EVs. This translates to 6.5 charging stations per 100 EVs. The state should focus on expanding its charging infrastructure to better support the growing EV population. During the last year, the number of charging points increased by 17%. 

How many EV charging stations are there in the US? State-by-state breakdown

The US states with the highest percentage of electric vehicles on the road

While infrastructure plays a crucial role, it is equally important to emphasize that numerous states are experiencing a significant uptake in electric vehicles when compared to the overall number of vehicles on the road.

1 place – California

Registered EVs: 563,070

Registered private automobiles: 14,027,931

EVs as % of automobiles: 4.01%

California leads the nation in terms of EV adoption. With a staggering 563,070 registered EVs and 14,027,931 registered private automobiles, electric vehicles account for approximately 4.01% of the total automobiles in the state. California’s commitment to sustainable transportation is evident in its high EV penetration rate.

2 place – Hawaii

Registered EVs: 14,220

Registered private automobiles: 456,261

EVs as % of automobiles: 3.12%

The island state of Hawaii may seem like a surprising place for an EV success story, but there are strong incentives, short driving distances, and a climate that lends itself to EV performance.

Hawaii ranks second, with 14,220 registered EVs and 456,261 registered private automobiles. Electric vehicles constitute around 3.12% of the state’s total automobiles. Considering Hawaii’s unique geographic challenges and commitment to clean energy, the state is making commendable progress in EV adoption.

3 place – Colorado

Registered EVs: 37,000

Registered private automobiles: 1,479,975

EVs as % of automobiles: 2.50%

Colorado holds the third position, with 37,000 registered EVs and 1,479,975 registered private automobiles. Electric vehicles account for approximately 2.50% of the state’s total automobiles. Colorado’s efforts to incentivize EV adoption and develop charging infrastructure have contributed to its significant market share of electric vehicles.

The US states with the lowest proportion of electric vehicles on the road

1 place – Mississippi

Registered EVs: 1,310

Registered private automobiles: 891,658

EVs as % of automobiles: 0.15%

Mississippi has the lowest proportion of electric vehicles on its roads. With only 1,310 registered EVs out of a total of 891,658 registered private automobiles, EVs constitute a mere 0.15% of the state’s total automobile population.

2 place – North Dakota

Registered EVs: 380

Registered private automobiles: 208,03

EVs as % of automobiles: 0.18%

North Dakota, despite its strong charging infrastructure, has a relatively low proportion of EVs on the road. With only 380 registered EVs among 208,030 registered private automobiles, electric vehicles account for just 0.18% of the state’s total automobile population.

3 place – South Dakota

Registered EVs: 680

Registered private automobiles: 311,336

EVs as % of automobiles: 0.22%

South Dakota also faces a similar challenge. The state has 680 registered EVs out of 311,336 registered private automobiles, resulting in an EV proportion of 0.22%.

States with the highest percentage of EV adoption

How have the number of EVs and charging stations in the US changed?

Following the 2020 election, the Biden administration announced that they expect 50% of all vehicles sold in the country to be electric by 2030 and the sale of fossil fuel vehicles banned by 2035, accomplished through purchase incentives, taxes and restrictions on internal combustion vehicles, new congestion charging zones and tougher emissions standards.

Since first taking a look at the EV charging station infrastructure in the US a year ago, the numbers of both electric vehicles themselves and chargers have both continued to increase.

In total, the number of electric vehicles in the US has increased by 42% since the last edition of the report, increasing from 1,019,260 to 1,454,580.

However, the growth in public charging outlets hasn’t quite matched that, growing from 128,549 to 143,771 over the same period, an increase of around 12%.

Several states have experienced significant growth in EV adoption since the last report. Oklahoma leads the pack, witnessing a remarkable 110.6% increase in registered EVs, soaring from 3,410 to 7,180. Arkansas follows closely, with a growth rate of 79.7%, seeing EV numbers rise from 1,330 to 2,390. Montana, North Dakota, and South Carolina also demonstrate substantial growth in EV adoption.

Michigan takes the top spot in terms of the growth in charging infrastructure, with a remarkable 49.34% increase in the number of electric charging points, surging from 1,806 to 2,697. Maine and New Jersey follow suit, showcasing notable growth rates of 35.37% and 33.37%, respectively. These states demonstrate a strong commitment to expanding charging infrastructure to support the increasing number of electric vehicles.

States with the biggest increase in registered EVs

States with the biggest increase in charging stations

Methodology

The number of charging outlets in each state was sourced from the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s Alternative Fueling Station Count by State, taking the number of electric EVSE ports in each state.

The number of electric vehicles in each state was sourced from the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s Electric Vehicle Registrations by State data and refers to the number of registered electric vehicles as of December 31, 2022.The number of vehicles registered in each state was sourced from the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Statistics and refers to the total number of private and commercial automobiles including taxicabs).

The 2022 US EV Charging Point Report

If you want to read our previous report you can download it here:

READ THE 2022 REPORT

Who is behind this study?

Zutobi is an online driver’s education company with the goal to make the roads a safer place. Instead of just helping students prepare for the permit test, our top priority is to teach about driving safety practices and driver safety to create better, and safer, drivers.