Summary
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- Dieselgate scandal led to the creation of Electrify America and the building of EV charging stations
- Nevada’s Electric Highway program aimed to make it possible to drive from Vegas to Reno with an EV
- Many rural EV charging stations in Nevada are in poor repair, mostly operated by Greenlots (now Shell ReCharge)
- The Infrastructure Bill will help in saving EV charging in Nevada by allowing for station replacements and federal grants for improvements.
Article
The expansion of EV charging infrastructure in rural America, particularly in Nevada, has been a significant development in recent years. Following the Dieselgate scandal, where Volkswagen was fined for cheating on emissions tests, funds were allocated for building EV chargers as part of the settlement. This led to the creation of companies like Electrify America, which built charging stations along many interstate highways, making it easier for non-Tesla EV drivers to charge their vehicles. Additionally, states received funds to build charging stations, with some focusing on rural areas to improve EV accessibility.
Nevada’s Rural EV Charging Program, initiated in 2016, aimed to create an “Electric Highway” from Vegas to Reno to facilitate EV travel across the state. However, a recent report indicates that many of the charging stations built through this program are now in poor repair. Most of these stations were Greenlots stations, which have since been acquired by Shell ReCharge. Due to the change in ownership, maintenance and upkeep of these stations have become a low priority, leading to a decline in their functionality. With the closure of the Nevada Electric Highway office in 2023, there is a lack of oversight and accountability for the maintenance of these stations.
The passage of the Infrastructure Bill is expected to bring relief to Nevada’s EV charging infrastructure issues. The NEVI program, which requires the installation of 4-stall 150 kW EV charging stations every 50 miles, will help replace some of the existing faulty stations over the next decade. Additionally, discretionary programs in the Infrastructure Bill allow for federal grants to support charger repairs and network improvements, which can benefit Nevada and other states facing similar challenges with EV charging infrastructure.
To address the problems with the existing charging stations, Nevada and other states should consider taking proactive steps. While the initial funds for building the stations have been spent, additional investment to refurbish and upgrade the stations could enhance their performance. Companies responsible for maintenance should be required to sign service agreements with hardware providers to ensure ongoing monitoring, testing, and prompt repairs. By setting clear standards for maintenance and ensuring accountability, states can ensure that their investment in EV charging infrastructure is maximized and the stations remain operational for years to come.
Overall, the challenges faced by Nevada’s rural EV charging stations highlight the importance of ongoing maintenance and oversight in the expansion of EV infrastructure. With federal support from the Infrastructure Bill and proactive measures at the state level, it is possible to address the current issues and improve the accessibility and reliability of EV charging stations in rural areas. By learning from past mistakes and implementing effective strategies, states can build a robust and sustainable EV charging network that meets the growing demand for electric vehicles.
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