Summary
- Electric vehicle sales have increased in Arizona, leading to a need for more charging stations
- Arizona has 1,323 publicly accessible EV charging stations with 3,912 ports
- Fear of running out of power keeps some EV drivers from taking long trips in Arizona
- EV charging infrastructure takes time to build and is costly for homeowners and businesses
- Arizona received $76.5 million to install 18 fast-charging stations on interstate highways, with the goal of having them ready by late 2025
Article
The number of electric vehicles (EVs) registered in Arizona has tripled in the last year and a half to 89,798. This increase in EV ownership has outpaced the installation of charging stations, with only 1,323 publicly accessible charging stations in the state. The growth of the EV sector has been attributed to federal tax credits for buyers, which can amount to up to $7,500 for new EVs and up to $4,000 for used EVs. There is a recognized need for more charging stations in Arizona to alleviate fears of running out of battery power on long trips and to encourage further adoption of EVs.
The shortage of charging stations in Arizona has created range anxiety among some EV owners, particularly those with older models that have lower ranges. The costs associated with installing charging stations are also a deterrent for many homeowners, with a Level 2 charger costing up to $900 plus installation fees. Public charging stations can cost significantly more, ranging from $3,500 to $7,500 per port. The high costs of installation may discourage both current EV owners and potential buyers from investing in home or public charging stations.
To address the need for more charging infrastructure, the Arizona Department of Transportation announced plans to install a network of 18 fast-charging stations on interstate highways. Each station will have at least four charging ports and will be located along major highways such as I-10, I-8, and I-40. These stations will be funded through a $76.5 million grant over five years from the Federal Highway Administration, with private developers contributing 20% of the cost. The goal is to have some stations operational by late 2025.
Marc Campbell, assistant vice president for sustainability at Arizona State University, emphasized the importance of ongoing public-private collaboration to ensure that Arizona has a sufficient number of charging stations. Campbell noted that fear of running out of battery power away from home is a significant barrier to greater adoption of EVs in the state. In addition to network expansions along highways, there is a need for more charging stations in residential areas, businesses, and other public locations to support EV owners.
Tony Manjooran, chief operating officer at BreatheEV, highlighted the need for Arizona to provide greater accessibility to charging stations for EV owners. He stressed the importance of ensuring that EV owners can charge their vehicles outside of their homes, particularly when they need it the most. With the increasing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles, it is crucial for the state to invest in expanding charging infrastructure to meet the growing demand. By providing more charging options for EV owners, Arizona can encourage further adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, signed into law by President Joe Biden, includes federal tax credits for EV buyers as part of an effort to promote domestic production of EVs, batteries, and raw materials. These tax incentives have played a significant role in driving the growth of the EV sector in Arizona and across the country. With more EVs on the road, the need for additional charging infrastructure will continue to grow. State and federal officials are working to address this need by investing in projects to expand charging networks and make EV ownership more accessible and convenient for drivers in Arizona.
Read the full article here