Nevada‘s journey to build out its electric vehicle (EV) charging network has been slow and disjointed, according to a report by The Nevada Independent. Despite ambitious plans and significant funding, the state has struggled to create a comprehensive EV charging network, leaving drivers facing “range anxiety” on long trips.

From Vision to Reality: The Electric Highway That Wasn’t

In 2016, then-Governor Brian Sandoval unveiled Nevada’s first state-sponsored EV charging station, dubbing U.S. Highway 95 the “first electric highway in the United States.” But the reality didn’t match the hype. The Ford Focus EV used in the demonstration had to be shuttled to the event site due to its limited 76-mile range and the lack of charging infrastructure along the route.

Fast forward to 2024, and Nevada’s EV charging landscape remains patchy. The state has only about 2,155 charging ports across 600 stations – that’s just one station for every 73 registered EVs. Compared to other Western states, only Wyoming, Idaho, and New Mexico have fewer charging ports.

A Hodgepodge of Plans and Players

The slow progress is partly due to a lack of clear responsibility for building out the charging network. It’s been a mix of efforts from NV Energy, state agencies, federal programs, and private entities.

Paul Bordenkircher, secretary of the Nevada Electric Vehicle Association, summed it up: “It is certainly one of our greater frustrations. We need a lot more infrastructure and a lot more buildout. Especially for a state as wide open as we are.”

NV Energy’s Underwhelming Performance

In 2021, NV Energy proposed a $100 million plan to rapidly expand EV charging stations across Nevada. The utility aimed to deploy nearly 2,000 chargers at 120 stations by 2024. However, the results have been disappointing. As of mid-2024, only three charging stations have been completed, with another 14 under design or construction.

Christi Cabrera-Georgeson of the Nevada Conservation League didn’t mince words: “Every time we give NV Energy the ability to run a program, it falls short. The company has yet to explain why the vast majority of EV charging stations authorized in SB448 haven’t been built and are not ready to use.”

Federal Funding to the Rescue?

There’s hope on the horizon with $38 million in federal funding awarded to Nevada through 2027 for EV infrastructure. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) plans to build between 38 and 45 charging stations along interstates and U.S. highways.

However, challenges remain. NDOT must find private partners to fund 20% of each station’s cost, which can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Plus, some areas, like a 250-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 93, lack the basic electrical infrastructure needed for charging stations.

EVXL’s Take

Nevada’s struggles highlight the complexities of building out EV charging infrastructure, especially in rural areas. But it’s a challenge we must overcome to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles. As we’ve seen with Tesla’s Supercharger network, a reliable charging infrastructure is crucial for EV adoption and long-distance travel.

Nevada’s story serves as a cautionary tale for other states planning their EV infrastructure. It underscores the need for clear planning, accountability, and coordination between utilities, state agencies, and private partners. As EV technology continues to advance, it’s crucial that charging infrastructure keeps pace to support drivers and reduce range anxiety.

What are your thoughts on Nevada’s EV charging rollout? Have you experienced challenges finding charging stations on road trips? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Photo courtesy of Tesla.