The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum, and Pennsylvania is actively working to build the necessary infrastructure to support this shift. While challenges remain, the state has made significant progress in expanding its network of charging stations, offering incentives for businesses and residents, and planning for a future where EVs are a convenient and reliable mode of transportation.
Current State of EV Charging in Pennsylvania
As of 2023, Pennsylvania boasted over 1,400 public EV charging locations with more than 3,696 charging ports. This accounts for approximately 2.4% of all charging stations in the United States. While this is a good start, the state is continuously expanding its network to keep pace with the growing number of EVs on the road. In 2022, the number of registered EVs in Pennsylvania increased from 26,800 to over 47,000, and as of December 2023, the number had reached approximately 47,361. Currently, there are more than 63,000 EVs registered in the state, supported by over 4,200 public plugs in more than 1,600 locations.
Urban Areas Lead the Way
Major urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have the highest concentration of charging stations. Philadelphia and its surrounding areas have 392 stations, while Pittsburgh has 248. Allentown also has over 200 charging locations. However, as you move outside of these major urban areas, the availability of EV charging stations can become more limited.
Rural Charging Network
Recognizing the need for charging options outside of cities, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has been building a rural network of EV charging stations since 2018. Currently, there are 41 stations in various state parks and forests. This network is expected to double in size over the next few years, providing EV charging options for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Federal Funding and the NEVI Program
Pennsylvania is set to receive $171.5 million over five years as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding is crucial for accelerating the development of EV charging infrastructure across the state. The first round of funding awarded $34 million to support 54 projects across 35 counties, with a focus on establishing Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) along major highways.
Building Out Alternative Fuel Corridors
The NEVI program aims to ensure that EV charging stations are available every 50 miles along major highways. This initiative will facilitate travel between major urban areas and reduce range anxiety for EV drivers. Pennsylvania is leading the way in building EV charging stations, with 80 stations expected to be constructed by the end of 2025 through three rounds of federal funding. As of December 2024, five NEVI-funded charging stations are operational in Pennsylvania. These stations have already delivered more than 4,300 charging sessions, powering over 525,000 miles of EV travel.
Types of Charging Stations
There are generally three types of EV charging stations:
- Level 1: These are the slowest and use a standard 120-volt household outlet. They are often used for overnight charging at home.
- Level 2: These chargers use a 240-volt outlet and can add between 14 and 35 miles of range per hour. They are commonly found in homes, workplaces, and public charging stations.
- DC Fast Chargers (DCFC): These are the fastest charging options available and are typically found along major highways and in commercial areas. They can add up to 200 miles of range in 30 minutes.
The NEVI program is focused on deploying DC Fast Charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.
Incentives for EV Charging
To encourage the adoption of EVs and the development of charging infrastructure, Pennsylvania offers a variety of incentives:
Rebates for Businesses and Organizations
- Driving PA Forward Initiative: This initiative incentivizes the installation, operation, and maintenance of EV charging equipment, including Level 2 charging stations and DC fast chargers (DCFCs). Rebates can cover 50% to 80% of total project costs, or $3,000 to $4,000 per plug for Level 2 chargers. DC fast charging rebates can cover up to 65% of total project costs and up to $250,000 per project.
- Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program (AFIG): School districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses can receive up to $300,000 when deploying Level 2 charging stations or DC fast chargers that service light- and medium-duty fleets.
- PECO Programs: PECO offers rebates for make-ready costs associated with the installation of new Level 2 EV chargers. Commercial and industrial customers can receive rebates for 50% of the cost of EV charging equipment, installation, and make-ready work, with a maximum incentive of $60,000.
Rebates for Home Charging
- Some utility companies such as Central Electric Cooperative and Northwestern Rural ECA offer rebates for residential customers who install Level 2 EV chargers at home. These rebates can range from $100 to $150.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the progress made, some challenges remain in expanding EV charging infrastructure in Pennsylvania.
Range Anxiety
One of the main barriers to EV adoption is range anxiety, the fear that an EV will run out of power before reaching a charging station. The expansion of the charging network, particularly along major highways, is crucial for addressing this concern.
Charging Station Reliability
Some public chargers have had issues with breaking down or experiencing technical difficulties. Regular maintenance and upgrades are essential to ensure that charging stations are reliable and accessible.
Equitable Access
Ensuring that EV charging is accessible to all communities, including those in underserved areas, is important. Future funding and programs should focus on addressing any disparities in charging infrastructure availability.
Legislative Challenges
Partisan gridlock in the General Assembly has hindered some legislative action on clean energy and EVs. This can affect the pace of infrastructure development and the implementation of EV-friendly policies.
The Future of EV Charging in Pennsylvania
Despite these challenges, the future of EV charging in Pennsylvania looks promising. The state’s commitment to expanding the charging network, coupled with federal funding and private investment, should pave the way for increased EV adoption and a more sustainable transportation system. With the ongoing development of the EV infrastructure, it is getting easier to find a charger for your EV in Pennsylvania.
Finding Charging Stations
Several online resources can help EV drivers locate charging stations in Pennsylvania:
- PlugShare: This app and website provide a comprehensive map of EV charging stations, including user reviews and real-time availability.
- Chargefinder: This online resource has a detailed list of charging stations, including those in Philadelphia.
- Felt: This platform offers access to a detailed dataset of electric vehicle charging stations in Pennsylvania, including station names, locations, access times, and the number of Level 2 EVSEs available at each site.
By using these tools, EV drivers can plan their routes and ensure that they have access to charging options when they need them.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania is making significant strides in building a robust and reliable EV charging network. Through a combination of federal funding, state initiatives, and private investment, the state is working to overcome the challenges associated with EV adoption and create a more sustainable transportation future. As the number of EVs on the road continues to increase, the ongoing expansion of charging infrastructure will be crucial for ensuring that EVs are a convenient and viable option for all Pennsylvanians.
