In recent years, electric vehicles, or EVs, have become commonplace around the world. This kind of growth is incredibly fast, with a year-on-year increase of EV registration by 40% in 2023. However, EVs do not exist in a vacuum; they require a vast system of complex infrastructure to keep running. From charging stations to sourcing battery materials or just maintaining an entirely different type of car, the industries involved are moving as fast as they can to keep up with demand.
A Quick History of the American EV Market
Who would have thought that a country famous for muscle cars and gas would pave the way for an electrified car fleet? Well, it isn’t that surprising. Technological innovation driven by competition is at the heart of America’s automobile industry and has been since Henry Ford rolled out his Model T in 1908. Surprisingly, electric vehicles predate even the Model T. In the 1830s, a man called Robert Anderson invented an electric carriage, and a handful of electric vehicles were invented throughout the 1900s.
The turning point for EVs in America was a response to California’s 1996 zero-emission vehicle mandate. To meet the mandate, General Motors developed the EV1 from scratch instead of modifying existing models as other automakers began to do.
So why is GM not at the forefront today? Tesla. Well, it’s not that cut and dry, but in 2008, Elon Musk’s flagship company unveiled the Tesla Roadster–the first car to use lithium-ion batteries alongside a host of other technological features that left a big impact on the car industry.
Explosive Growth
The surge in growth is unprecedented and has been driven by growing environmental awareness, advancements in EV technology, and government incentives like tax credits. Major automakers have responded with new EV models to attract a broad range of customers, expediting the shift away from gasoline-powered cars. The market is now more competitive than ever, with companies like Tesla, Ford, and GM ramping up production to meet demand. This growth is the beginning of a broader shift toward electrification across the automotive industry, although it is not without challenges.
The Charging Station Bottleneck
A victim of their own success, EVs are selling at a faster rate than existing infrastructure–in many areas–can keep up. By some estimates, EV drivers face a shortage of chargers in 47 states, and although the Biden administration provided billions to fund new charging stations, as of 2023, none had been built. That does not mean the private sector is sitting around and waiting; Tesla already has 2,409 supercharger stations with 27,772 supercharger ports in the US, and it has set aside 500 million to spend expanding the network.
Aside from public charging stations, many plug in at home. Most EVs can charge from a household plug socket–albeit at a slower pace. There are also hundreds of different home chargers that you can install to speed up the process, and many connect to solar or other renewable systems.
The trouble EV chargers in the home and elsewhere contain some complex electronics–which must be maintained by skilled professionals, for which there is a shortage. When it comes to addressing this shortage of qualified technicians and installation teams, promoting courses like the online electrical and computer engineering program from Kettering University Online and other reputable institutions is key in training the next generation and ensuring the future of EVs.
Addressing the Challenges
To overcome the bottleneck, manufacturers must use a multi-pronged approach. The first step experts are recommending is to increase the use of public-private partnerships to accelerate charging station deployment, with automakers, utility companies, and governments sharing costs and benefits.
Another key step is to streamline permit processes by cutting red tape, as, unfortunately, local and state regulations often slow installations. In the coming years, upgrading the grid capacity to meet rising electricity demand will be essential. With millions of electric cars on the road, experts know the electricity grid will need to increase its capacity to meet the demand.
Other simple solutions, like standardizing charging technology across manufacturers, could simplify the process for consumers and regulators alike. Last but not least, increased investment in workforce training programs is needed now to ensure there are enough qualified technicians to install and maintain charging stations nationwide.
The Future is Electric
We can clearly see that the future of cars is electric. The question now is how to keep up. With an enhanced electricity grid, less red tape, and a skilled workforce to maintain the charging network, the American electric car industry should be able to continue full steam ahead.
