Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, and with that popularity comes a greater need for accessible and reliable charging infrastructure. Utah is making significant strides in expanding its EV charging network, making it easier than ever for EV owners to travel throughout the state. This article explores the current state of EV charging in Utah, highlighting the progress made and what the future holds for electric vehicle drivers in the Beehive State.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles in Utah
Utah is experiencing a notable increase in electric vehicle adoption. The number of registered EVs in Utah has grown significantly, jumping from just 2,500 in 2016 to over 16,000 by 2021. While the percentage of registered vehicles that are electric is still relatively small, at 0.46%, the growth rate is impressive and indicates a growing interest in electric transportation. This increase in EV ownership has driven the need for a robust charging infrastructure to support these vehicles.
Current State of EV Charging Infrastructure in Utah
As of today, Utah has hundreds of EV charging stations available to the public. These charging stations include both Level 2 chargers, which are suitable for home or workplace charging, and DC fast chargers, which can rapidly charge an EV in as little as 30 minutes. Salt Lake City alone has over 1,100 public charging stations, with over 200 of them being free for public use.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
- Total charging stations: Hundreds across the state, with Salt Lake City having over 1,100.
- Fast charging stations: Over 240 DC fast chargers across the state, capable of fully charging a vehicle in about 30 minutes.
- Charging ports per 100 EVs: Approximately 17.6, indicating room for growth.
While these numbers show a promising start, the state is actively working to expand and improve the availability of charging stations.
Key Initiatives Expanding Utah’s Charging Network
Several key initiatives and programs are contributing to the expansion of Utah’s EV charging infrastructure:
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program
Utah is actively participating in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, a federal initiative designed to establish a nationwide network of EV charging stations. Utah’s NEVI plan has been approved, and the state is set to receive significant funding to deploy charging infrastructure along public roads. This plan will focus on creating an interconnected network that ensures EV owners can travel across the state without worrying about running out of charge.
- NEVI Funding: Utah is receiving about $36 million in federal funding. When combined with private investment, the program is expected to invest around $43 million in the state’s charging network.
- Strategic Sites: The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has identified 15 strategic sites for new EV fast chargers on major state roads, including interstates, US-6, and US-191.
- Phase 1 Awards: The first phase of the program has awarded funding for 15 NEVI sites and one discretionary exception site. The awarded sites are enhancing the accessibility and reliability of EV charging in Utah.
- Private Sector Involvement: Private companies are partnering with the state to own and operate these charging stations, which will be available to the public 24/7.
Utah’s Statewide EV Charging Plan
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is leading the state’s effort to create a statewide EV plan, with the aim of providing EV charging station facilities along certain state highways at distances no greater than every 50 miles. This plan involves identifying optimal locations for charging stations and ensuring their timely installation.
- 50-Mile Mandate: The plan mandates EV charging stations every 50 miles along key state highways.
- UDOT Leadership: UDOT is responsible for leading state agencies in this effort.
- Timeline: The initial locations were determined by June 30, 2021, with an installation target of December 31, 2025.
Workplace Charging Initiatives
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) offers a Workplace EV Charging Funding Assistance Program, providing rebates to businesses and non-profit organizations for the purchase and installation of EV charging stations.
- Rebate Program: The program offers up to 50% of the cost to purchase and install Level 2 and DC fast charging stations.
- Eligible Entities: Utah-based businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities (excluding State Executive Branch agencies) are eligible for the rebates, with a maximum rebate of $75,000 each.
- Program Goals: The program aims to expand charging availability at workplaces, encouraging EV adoption among employees.
Utility Incentives
Many utilities in Utah, such as Rocky Mountain Power, offer incentives for installing EV charging infrastructure at both residential and commercial properties. These incentives help reduce the cost of installing chargers and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
- Rocky Mountain Power: Provides cash incentives covering up to 75% of charger costs.
- Diverse Programs: Many other utilities offer rebates and incentives to support EV adoption.
Salt Lake City’s EV Readiness Ordinance
Salt Lake City has taken a proactive approach by adopting an electric vehicle readiness update to its Off-Street Parking Ordinance. This ordinance ensures that new multi-family properties are equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support EV charging.
- EV-Ready Spaces: New properties must provide a minimum of 20% EV-ready parking spaces, with electrical conduit and sufficient capacity for future charging stations.
- Existing Requirements: In addition to the new EV-ready requirements, properties still have to provide 1 charging station per 25 parking spaces.
- Equitable Access: This measure is aimed at bringing more equitable access to EV charging, allowing more people to consider EVs as an option.
Where to Find Charging Stations in Utah
There are several resources available to help EV owners locate charging stations throughout Utah:
- PlugShare: A comprehensive map that shows the location of 1,141 public charging stations in Salt Lake City, with 227 of those being free.
- ChargeHub: A directory of charging stations across Utah, including locations in various cities and towns.
- ChargeFinder: An online map for locating EV charge points, including options to filter by charging speed.
- Felt Maps: A dataset of 257 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations across Utah that provides key details on location, access times, and charger types.
- Rocky Mountain Power: Provides a list of public charging stations at several locations in Utah.
The Future of EV Charging in Utah
Utah is on track to significantly expand its EV charging infrastructure in the coming years. By the end of 2024, Utah aims to double its current fast-charging capacity with the addition of 15 new sites through the NEVI program. This ambitious expansion will not only support the growing number of EVs on Utah’s roads but also make it easier for both residents and visitors to travel in an environmentally friendly way.
Here are some key advancements to look forward to:
- Doubled Fast-Charging Capacity: The addition of 15 new fast charging sites by the end of 2024 will greatly improve travel options for EV owners, enabling longer trips.
- Enhanced Network Reliability: The NEVI program and other initiatives will ensure a more reliable and accessible charging network across the state.
- Increased Public Awareness: Ongoing public education efforts will help inform consumers about the benefits of EVs and the growing charging infrastructure.
- Private Sector Growth: As the EV market continues to expand, private investment in charging infrastructure is also expected to grow, further enhancing the network.
Overcoming Challenges
While the progress in expanding EV infrastructure is promising, some challenges remain:
- Grid Capacity: Ensuring that the power grid can handle the increased demand from EVs.
- Charging Time: Addressing the concern that charging an EV can take significantly longer than filling a gas tank.
- Public Awareness and Education: Ensuring that potential EV buyers understand the current state of the charging infrastructure, and the many incentives available to them.
Conclusion
Utah is rapidly developing its EV charging infrastructure, making it easier and more convenient to own and operate an electric vehicle. Through a combination of state initiatives, federal funding, private investment, and utility programs, the state is working toward a future where EV travel is seamless and accessible to all. As the number of EVs on the road continues to grow, the expansion of charging stations will undoubtedly make Utah a leader in electric vehicle adoption and sustainable transportation.
