Electric vehicles and the shortage of charging stations in the US
Electric vehicle sales in the US are growing, but the charging infrastructure is not keeping up with demand. In the first quarter of 2025, the number of installed fast-charging stations decreased by 21% compared to the previous year. BloombergNEF has already adjusted its forecasts for the number of charging devices in 2025 from 360 thousand to 285 thousand.
“If this trend continues, the annual installation of charging stations in the US could decrease by 30% or more by 2030,” noted analyst Ash Wang.
Political changes and their impact
After Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, federal funding for the development of charging infrastructure was suspended. Previously, the Biden administration allocated $5 billion over five years to create a nationwide network of charging stations. However, the pace of construction has slowed significantly.
According to the US Department of Energy, there are currently over 208 thousand public charging ports in the country. But to support the growing demand for electric vehicles, an additional 174 thousand new charging points are needed annually. The current lag complicates further development and makes it more expensive.
The future of infrastructure
Experts believe that the cessation of government support will lead to a reduction in private investment in charging infrastructure. This could trigger a shortage of charging stations and make operating electric vehicles more difficult.
Despite political disputes, the numbers indicate a serious imbalance: electric car sales are growing, but the charging station network is not keeping up with this growth. Without coordinated action by the government and businesses, infrastructure could become a major obstacle in the transition to electric vehicles.
Recent events show that the development of the charging network depends not only on demand but also on political will. If the situation does not change, the US risks finding itself in a situation where electric vehicles are available, but charging them becomes increasingly difficult.