U.S. alternative fuel infrastructure by fuel type 2014-2023

The landscape of alternative fuel charging stations in the United States has undergone a significant transformation, with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations leading the charge. From 2014 to 2023, the number of EV charging locations nearly increased sixfold, growing from about 10,700 to over 64,000. This rapid expansion reflects the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and the growing infrastructure to support them.

Charging infrastructure growth and challenges

While the public charging network has expanded impressively, it still faces challenges in meeting the demands of a burgeoning EV fleet. As of April 2023, there were approximately 168,400 public EV chargers across more than 64,600 locations in the United States. However, this growth may not be sufficient to alleviate consumer concerns. A recent survey revealed that 42 percent of U.S. consumers cited the lack of public charging as a major concern regarding battery-electric vehicles. To address this issue, the U.S. government has initiated the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program to further expand the public charging infrastructure. 

Future outlook and industry developments

The EV charging market is poised for continued growth, with revenue from charging stations in the United States projected to increase by 235.29 percent between 2024 and 2029, reaching an estimated 2.27 billion U.S. dollars. This growth is accompanied by industry developments such as the adoption of the North American Charging Standard. In 2023, several major automakers committed to using Tesla's charging standards by 2025, which could lead to increased utilization of Tesla's Supercharger network, known for its fast-charging capabilities and expanding presence along global roads. These developments signal a developing market and potential improvements in charging accessibility for EV owners.