Fast Chargers Surge, Yet 40% of Americans Still Fear EV Range

UPDATE: Despite a rapid increase in fast chargers across the United States, 40% of Americans remain anxious about running out of power while driving electric vehicles (EVs). Recent data reveals that over 12,000 fast chargers have been installed near U.S. highways and interstates this year alone, addressing concerns for many drivers. However, fears about range and charging times persist, according to a new poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Charging anxieties rank as the second most significant barrier to EV adoption, just behind high prices. The poll indicates that only 20% of U.S. adults feel “extremely” or “very” likely to choose an electric vehicle for their next purchase. This statistic highlights the urgent need for education and awareness regarding the EV landscape, even as infrastructure improves.

Daphne Dixon, a clean transportation advocate, has taken matters into her own hands. She has completed coast-to-coast road trips in an EV each year since 2022, showcasing the charging experience and dispelling fears of range anxiety. “Range anxiety is stuck in people’s heads,” Dixon asserts, emphasizing that the number of charging stations is steadily increasing.

Traveling along Interstate 80, known as the longest interstate in the U.S., drivers now encounter fast chargers every 10 miles (16 kilometers) on average. This is a significant improvement, with fast charger availability on I-80 increasing by 44% since 2021. Overall, nearly 70% of the ten longest U.S. interstates are now within 10 miles of a fast charger, a marked increase from just 50% five years ago.

While fast chargers can fully recharge an EV in 20 minutes to an hour, many rural areas still lack adequate infrastructure. In Connecticut, for instance, the only available charger in Kent is currently out of service. Local officials are addressing this issue with plans to allocate $1.3 million in federal funds to install eight new fast chargers in nearby New Milford, part of a broader initiative following a legal battle earlier this year to restore funds for the $5 billion federal program.

The cost of EVs remains a top concern for potential buyers. The recent AP-NORC poll reveals that 80% of U.S. adults cite high prices as a significant barrier to purchasing electric vehicles. While the market share for EVs has increased to 8% in 2024, up from 1.9% five years ago, many consumers still prioritize upfront costs over long-term savings on maintenance and fuel.

Moreover, the expiration of federal incentives at the end of September has raised the effective price of new EVs by $7,500. This has left many prospective buyers feeling discouraged, despite the fact that the average American drives less than 30 miles (48 kilometers) daily—a distance comfortably within the range of most modern EVs.

EV owners like Jim Warner, who drives a Chevy Bolt with a range of 250 miles (402 kilometers), report satisfaction with the current charging infrastructure. Warner’s experiences demonstrate that with proper planning, long trips can be successfully completed without anxiety.

As the EV market evolves, it’s clear that while charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly, significant hurdles remain. The growing number of fast chargers offers hope, but public perceptions and financial barriers continue to challenge widespread adoption.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this story develops, and be part of the conversation about the future of transportation.