Ohio, like many other states, is navigating the complex transition to electric vehicles (EVs). While EV adoption is growing, the state faces significant challenges in building a robust public charging infrastructure to support this shift. This article explores the current state of EV charging in Ohio, the obstacles hindering its development, and the initiatives underway to address these issues.
The Current State of EV Charging in Ohio
While Ohio is making strides, it still lags behind national averages in terms of the availability of public EV charging stations.
- Number of Charging Ports: As of late 2024, Ohio has approximately 235 publicly available non-Tesla DC Fast Charging (DCFC) ports and 1,964 publicly available Level 2 EVSE non-Tesla ports. There are also 406 electric vehicle charging station locations throughout the state.
- Growth Rate: Ohio has seen a 35% increase in public charging stations between 2020 and 2024, compared to the national average of 40% during the same period.
- Types of Chargers: The charging infrastructure includes Level 2 chargers, which are suitable for overnight charging, and DC fast chargers, which are needed for long-distance travel and quick top-ups.
- Geographic Distribution: While some charging stations exist in urban areas, there are still significant gaps in rural areas, particularly in southern and northwestern Ohio. A goal is to have 9 out of 10 Ohioans within a 25-mile radius of an EV charging station.
Public vs. Private Charging
Most EV charging occurs at home or work, but public charging stations are crucial for longer journeys and for drivers who do not have access to home charging. Public charging availability can significantly impact the appeal of EVs, especially for those concerned about “range anxiety”.
The Ohio Turnpike
The Ohio Turnpike is incorporating EV charging options at its service plazas, with both Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America charging stations available at multiple locations.
Challenges to EV Charging Infrastructure Development in Ohio
Several challenges are hindering the growth of Ohio’s EV charging network.
Funding and Investment
- Initial Costs: Building and maintaining EV charging stations require substantial investment, and while federal funds are available, they aren’t always enough.
- State Incentives: Currently, there are no State of Ohio funds available for EV charging infrastructure. However, Ohio’s electric distribution utilities (EDUs) have programs available for supporting EV charging infrastructure deployment.
Infrastructure Limitations
- Gaps in Coverage: There are significant gaps in charging infrastructure, particularly along major state and U.S. routes, and in southern Ohio.
- Rural Areas: Developing charging stations in rural locations is more challenging due to the lower population density and potentially higher installation costs.
- Multi-Family Dwellings: The deployment of charging infrastructure at multi-family developments is challenging due to access to reliable parking, billing, sufficient power supply, and ownership concerns.
Logistical and Regulatory Hurdles
- Permitting and Approvals: Obtaining the necessary permits and approvals for installing charging stations can be a complex and time-consuming process.
- Grid Capacity: Ensuring that the electrical grid can support the increased demand from EV charging is crucial, especially as EV adoption rates continue to rise.
- Data Privacy and Security: The expansion of EV charging infrastructure raises significant data privacy and security concerns, which need to be addressed to protect user data.
- Legal and Regulatory Complexities: The sale and provision of electricity are heavily regulated at the federal and state levels, adding another layer of complexity.
Consumer Adoption and Range Anxiety
- Range Anxiety: The fear of running out of charge is a major deterrent for potential EV buyers, and a robust charging network can alleviate this concern.
- Public Awareness: Many people are still unsure about EVs, and there is a need for greater public awareness and education regarding EV technology and charging options.
- Vehicle Costs: The initial cost of electric vehicles can be a barrier to entry for some consumers. In addition, confusion about vehicle tax incentives and shrinking residual values on used EVs are also impacting buyer hesitancy.
Initiatives and Funding Programs
Despite these challenges, Ohio is actively working to expand its EV charging infrastructure through various initiatives and funding programs.
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program
- Funding Allocation: Ohio will receive $140 million over five years through the NEVI program to establish a network of EV chargers across the state.
- Priority Areas: These funds must initially be used to deploy fast chargers at least every 50 miles along 1,854 miles of Ohio’s FHWA Designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs).
- Minimum Standards: Charging locations along AFCs must have a minimum of four ports capable of delivering at least 150 kW each.
- Future Expansion: Once Ohio’s AFCs are certified as “fully built out,” the state can use the remaining NEVI funds for publicly available EV charging stations in other locations.
- NEVI Compliant Chargers: Ohio currently has at least a dozen NEVI-compliant charging stations, with plans to add 45 additional fast-charging locations with at least 4 ports each.
Federal Grants
- Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program: Northwest Ohio received $14 million to fund the installation of up to 68 electric vehicle charging stations across Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, and Sandusky counties.
- Additional Funding: The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration awarded $635 million in grants for EV charging and infrastructure, with Ohio being among the recipients. The City of Cleveland is receiving nearly $4 million to install 92 EV ports, and the Lucas County Transportation Improvement District will receive over $14 million to install ports across Northwest Ohio.
Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC)
- Federal Grant: SOPEC received over $4.1 million in federal grants to install seven EV DC Fast Charging (DCFC) stations within one mile of three designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) in Ohio.
- Additional Funding: SOPEC also received a $12.5 million federal grant to build 50 charging stations across southern Ohio.
DriveOhio
- Statewide Coordination: DriveOhio is coordinating the deployment of EV charging infrastructure across the state.
- New Charging Stations: DriveOhio has opened seven new EV charging stations recently, bringing the state’s total to thirteen new stations since this time last year.
- Future Plans: DriveOhio is planning future phases to build outside of the alternative fuel corridor network to increase access to EV charging.
Other Initiatives
- AES Ohio: Has supported the installation of 20 electric vehicle charging stations across its service area, at locations including government buildings, schools, and non-profit properties.
- Local Efforts: Various cities and organizations are also working to install EV chargers in their respective communities, focusing on equity and accessibility.
The Path Forward
While Ohio faces challenges in building a robust EV charging infrastructure, it is also making significant progress through federal and state initiatives. The key to success will be:
- Continued Investment: Securing further public and private investment in EV charging infrastructure.
- Strategic Planning: Prioritizing the deployment of charging stations in areas where they are most needed, especially rural and disadvantaged communities.
- Streamlined Processes: Improving permitting and regulatory processes to make it easier and faster to install charging stations.
- Public Education: Raising awareness and educating the public about the benefits of EVs and the availability of charging infrastructure.
- Collaboration: Fostering collaboration between government agencies, utilities, private companies, and local communities.
Ohio’s EV charging infrastructure is not yet on par with national standards, but through a combination of federal funding, strategic initiatives, and a growing commitment to sustainable transportation, the state is on the path to create a more accessible and convenient charging network for its residents. As the number of EVs on the road increases, it is critical that Ohio continues to invest in and expand its charging infrastructure to meet this growing demand.
