Published in 2025
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming attractive to consumers due to their ability to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, lower operating costs, and benefit from government incentives. Yet a barrier to EV adoption is the lack of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations, which contributes to range anxiety. Studies also show that DCFC stations are more commonly found in affluent communities than in disadvantaged communities (DACs). Achieving convenient and equitable access to EV infrastructure requires thoughtful planning and policymaking, tailored to the demographic characteristics of different communities. This study investigates the current state of EV charging infrastructure in Virginia, projects battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption and future EV charging needs, and proposes optimized solutions to tackle the shortage of DCFC stations and address socioeconomic disparities. To achieve these goals, this study utilizes data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center, S&P Global Mobility, Virginia Clean Cities, the American Community Survey, the Justice40 Initiative, Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled estimates, Alternative Fuels Corridors, Mile Marker and Exit Numbers, and the EVI-Pro Lite: Daily Charging Need Tool. This study’s analysis spans multiple geographic scales, including census tracts, counties, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) districts, and metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). This study’s key results include:
Supplemental files can be found at: https://library.vdot.virginia.gov/vtrc/supplements
Last updated: February 7, 2025