Statement: In a crucial move, major U.S. utilities plan nationwide EV charging network

Media Contacts
Eve Lukens-Day

Josh Chetwynd

More than 50 companies coming together to fill electric vehicle charging infrastructure gaps

Environment America

PHILADELPHIA – The National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), a group made up of more than 50 U.S. power companies, announced its formation Tuesday with the goal of building out a network of fast-charging stations along major U.S. corridors by 2023. 

As electric vehicle (EV) sales have surged this past year, limited availability of charging infrastructure remains a primary barrier to greater EV adoption. Fast chargers, which can replenish the majority of an EV’s battery life in under an hour, are especially important for ensuring that long-distance electric travel is possible. The coalition plans to work alongside state and federal efforts. As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework, $7.5 billion in government funding will be allocated for EV charging over the next five years.

Environment America and PIRG have been longtime advocates of expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure as a key factor in fast tracking transportation electrification. 

In response, experts from Environment America and PIRG issued the following statements:

“This is an important development because the National Electric Highway Coalition’s plan to provide crucial access to fast chargers across the country, in tandem with state and federal efforts, puts a future powered by clean, green, EVs well within reach,” said Environment America Global Warming Solutions Associate Eve Lukens-Day. “Transportation is the number one source of warming emissions in the United States, and the majority come from everyday cars and trucks. We’ve seen the devastating impacts of climate change this past summer, from deadly heat waves to raging wildfires and record flooding. To curb the progression of this crisis, we need both the public and private sectors to charge full-steam ahead toward vehicle electrification, and the formation of the NEHC drives us in the right direction.” 

“Building a national network of fast-charging stations is an essential piece of the puzzle in getting to a clean, zero-emission transportation system. This move by utilities to embrace the importances of EV infrastructure – along with Congress’ recent move to increase funding – are game changing,” said PIRG Transportation Associate Mac Dressman. “This initiative will make it easier for Americans to switch to electric vehicles, meaning better air quality for millions and huge strides in lowering our climate-damaging carbon emissions.”

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