Growing Demand for Electric Vehicles Outpaces Sluggish Infrastructure Development: Study Reveals
In a recent report published on September 4, 2025, the HERE-SBD EV Index, a collaborative effort by Here Technologies and SBD Automotive, highlighted the ongoing growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. The index evaluated states based on factors such as the number of public chargers per road length, the average capacity of public chargers, the ratio of public chargers to EVs, and the share of EVs on the road.
The report noted a significant increase in the US's EV charging points and total charge power. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the country added 37,000 EV charging points to its overall network, a 19% increase. The total charge power increased by 52%.
Delaware retained its position as the top state for EV infrastructure for the second year in a row. However, the report highlighted a decline in Delaware's ratio of public chargers to EVs and the average charging power of public stations.
Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts followed Delaware in the top five states for EV infrastructure. Many states are steadily improving their EV charger landscapes, as evidenced by the index's state EV infrastructure and uptake ratings.
On the other hand, Nebraska, Minnesota, Arkansas, Idaho, and Alaska ranked in the bottom five states for EV infrastructure. The report attributed this disparity to the uneven deployment of the federal program at the state level and the impending expiration of EV tax credits.
The report also highlighted policy changes as an obstacle in the US EV transition. For instance, the Trump administration's six-month freeze of the federal EV charging expansion program (since reversed) was mentioned as a challenge.
Despite these challenges, the report noted that US car manufacturers like General Motors, Ford, and Tesla have actively supported the expansion of the electric vehicle charging network. They have invested in charging infrastructure and integrated their vehicles with charging standards, evolving from initial deployment and adapter solutions towards building extensive fast-charging networks and collaborating on common standards to improve interoperability and convenience for EV owners.
However, the report found that 53% of U.S. respondents cited the 'perception' of the lack of charging access as the top barrier to EV adoption. This perception, despite the significant growth in charging infrastructure, indicates that current efforts may not be sufficient to meet most regional electrification ambitions.
Robert Fisher, electrification and sustainability principal at SBD Automotive, reiterated this point, stating that the findings indicate that current efforts are not sufficient to meet most regional electrification ambitions. He emphasised that the ratio of public chargers to EVs and charging capacity as compared to the size of the EV fleet are important indicators to ensure a seamless EV ownership experience.
In conclusion, the HERE-SBD EV Index provides valuable insights into the state of EV infrastructure in the United States. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to address the perceived lack of charging access and ensure a seamless EV ownership experience for all.
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