There are many efforts underway to improve access to EV charging stations across the country. EV drivers are facing many challenges when it comes to finding somewhere to charge their cars. Currently, there aren’t enough to sustain EV drivers, especially when traveling long distances. On road trips, drivers must map out their route to ensure they pass enough EV charging stations until they reach their destination. However, when drivers reach their charging stations, it’s not guaranteed that these charging stations are reliable or available. Drivers have been reporting that many charging stations across the country have maintenance issues such as broken cords and damaged ports. There may also be long lines at charging ports or someone waiting too long to move their vehicle out of the designated charging spots. This adds to the pre-existing range anxiety drivers face when traveling.

The Biden-Harris Administration is putting forth legislation and programs to handle the infrastructure and availability issue for EV charging stations. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program has a goal of expanding EV charging accessibility across the country by installing EV charging stations every 50 miles on major interstates. The newest funding program, the Ride and Drive Program sponsored jointly by the Department of Transportation and Department of Energy, is working towards making EV charging stations more reliable.

More businesses are trying to adapt to the need for EV charging stations. When electric cars first hit the market, it was harder to find EV charging stations, especially while navigating through charging deserts. Now, when drivers are searching for places to stop, they can easily find them through various GPS apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps. With some EV charging subscriptions, they can even locate the closest EV charging station through those apps as well. These apps lead drivers to EV charging stations located at local businesses, restaurants, or rest stops. More hotels are adding EV charging stations amenities for guests during their travels as well.

Click here to read the full article, originally published May 31, 2023, by MSN.