Savvy Business Owners are the Answer to the U.S. Public EV Charger Shortage
- june7668
- May 25
- 4 min read
In 2024, a record 1.3 million electric vehicles (EVs) were sold in the U.S., according to Cox Automotive. While the number of public EV chargers has doubled over the last four years, there is still a significant shortage, creating opportunity for smart business owners who are ready to capture--and monetize--that demand.
It's No Longer a Chicken or Egg Problem
Historically, there has been an uneasy tension between people who are thinking about purchasing an EV and companies who are thinking about putting in EV charging infrastructure:
People may be reluctant to buy an electric car unless they are confident they will have somewhere to charge it.
Companies may be hesitant about investing in EV chargers unless they are certain there will be enough EV drivers plugging in.
But now, the U.S. has now reached a tipping point where the level of EV adoption and anticipated EV sales has transformed public EV chargers from an amenity to a necessity.
The Current State of EV Adoption in the U.S.
J.D. Power projects EV sales to account for 9.1% of all vehicle sales in 2025. Notably, while the early days of EV adoption were defined by premium segment vehicles, the current trend is shifting to the more affordable mass market segment, where EV sales rose 58% in 2024. California still has the highest concentration of EV ownership, but the fastest growing rates of EV adoption are in New York, Florida, Colorado, Michigan, and Texas.
Even in the current environment, where customers continue to be frustrated with public EV charging, J.D. Power forecasts that the EV sales will account for 26% of all vehicle sales by 2030. This surge will enhance the demand for reliable public charging infrastructure, particularly in urban areas where many drivers count on public EV chargers rather than home installations.
This growing trend highlights the need for savvy business owners to consider how the evolving EV landscape might influence their operations. For those in sectors such as transportation, hospitality, and retail, the ability to provide convenient and accessible charging options can offer a competitive edge.
The Public EV Charger Shortage in the U.S.
Studies suggest that to adequately support the current and projected number of EVs, a significant increase of nearly 2 million public charging ports will be needed by 2030.
Last year, approximately 1,000 new public EV chargers were installed per week in the U.S. As of the end of 2024, there are 204,000 public charging ports available in the country across more than 73,000 locations. However, there are 3.5 million EVs on the road today. Assuming an optimal ratio of one public charging port for every 10 EVs, there is currently a shortage of 146,000 public charging ports--and that does not even include the 1.5 million EVs that are expected to be delivered in 2025.
To make matters worse, J.D. Power's E-Vision Intelligence Report found that customer satisfaction with public DC Fast Charging (DCFC) and public Level 2 charging networks fell sharply in the third quarter of 2024. Major drivers of low customer satisfaction scores were:
Lack of things to do at or near the charging station
Ease of charging
Interestingly, the main cause of the significant decline in customer satisfaction with DCFC was the expansion of the Tesla Supercharger network to non-Tesla vehicles.
The discrepancy between the number of chargers required and what is currently available underscores a significant opportunity for businesses, property owners, and local governments alike to capitalize on bridging this gap.
Factors Contributing to the Charger Shortage
Several factors contribute to the shortfall of EV chargers:
Funding: While some government initiatives are aimed at expanding EV infrastructure, funding limitations may hinder rapid deployment.
Geographic Disparities: Certain regions, particularly rural areas, are lagging in charger installations compared to urban centers. This disparity complicates access for EV drivers.
Technical Challenges: Upgrading existing infrastructure to accommodate fast chargers poses both financial and logistical challenges for businesses and municipalities.
Lack of Reliability: Many public chargers are not working due to faulty installations, poor maintenance, or issues with software updates. According to research by Harvard Business School, which analyzed more than 1 million public EV charging station customer reviews, charging stations in the U.S. have an average reliability score of just 78 percent. This means that approximately one in five chargers does not work.
Implications for Business Owners
The current and future public EV charger shortage presents several opportunities for business owners:
Increased Customer Demand for Charging Options
As EV adoption grows, consumers will increasingly seek convenient charging solutions during their travels. Businesses that can provide accessible charging stations will attract more customers.
For instance, if you own a retail store, installing EV chargers can enhance the shopping experience for customers. They can charge their vehicles while they shop, resulting in longer visits and potentially bigger basket sizes.
Competitive Advantage
Installing EV chargers can set your business apart from competitors who have yet to invest in EV infrastructure. In markets where many consumers prefer sustainable options, being an early adopter can foster brand loyalty among eco-conscious consumers. In addition, as cities move to adopt regulations promoting sustainable or green energy practices, businesses with existing EV infrastructure will be better positioned to adapt to--and comply with--such changes.
New Revenue Stream
Increasingly, savvy business owners are recognizing the advantages of installing and owning public EV chargers, rather than just renting their parking spaces to charge point operators who reap the revenue from EV charging fees. With networked EV chargers and charging station management software, it is easier than ever for business owners to create a new income stream from EV charging without losing focus on their core business and what they do best.
At EnergiSpot, we help businesses and property owners electrify with EV charging solutions that fit the needs of their customers and residents, minimizing the impact of electrification, optimizing charging revenue, and delivering a delightfully different EV charging experience. To find out if adding EV chargers to your footprint is right for you, contact us.
Conclusion
The public EV charger shortage is a reality that businesses must acknowledge and address. For companies willing to adapt and invest in EV infrastructure, the shortage is also an opportunity that can be leveraged to boost their competitiveness and their bottom line, while providing a much-needed public service.
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