California Leads the Way in EV Charging Infrastructure
California has long been at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with the state being home to Tesla, Rivian, and a booming tech industry. With some of the highest gasoline prices in the country, it’s no surprise that EVs have become increasingly popular in the Golden State. In fact, California now boasts more EV charging ports than traditional gas stations.
According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), there are approximately 178,000 public and shared private EV chargers in the state, compared to only 120,000 gas nozzles. This means there are 48% more EV chargers than gasoline pumps in California, making it easier than ever for EV drivers to find a place to charge up.
While the majority of these chargers are slower Level 2 chargers, there are also around 17,000 DC fast chargers available for those in need of a quick charge. This infrastructure growth is in response to the increasing demand for EVs, with about a quarter of all new car sales in California being electric vehicles.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has been proactive in promoting EV adoption and expanding charging infrastructure. The state is investing $1.4 billion in EV charging and hydrogen fuel access, as well as working to improve charger reliability and streamline the permitting process for new installations.
California has set ambitious goals for zero-emission vehicles, with plans to have 68% of all new cars sold in the state be zero-emission by 2030, and a complete ban on the sale of gas cars by 2035. While these goals may face challenges from the federal government, California remains committed to leading the way in sustainable transportation.
Overall, the growth of EV charging infrastructure in California is a positive sign for the future of electric mobility. With more charging options available than ever before, EV drivers can enjoy the convenience and cost savings of driving electric. And with gas prices continuing to rise, making the switch to an EV is looking more appealing by the day.