Electric Vehicle Charging: Fast Growth Amid Persistent Consumer Concerns

Fri Dec 05 2025 08:08:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Despite rapid increases in fast charging infrastructure, concerns about electric vehicle charging and affordability linger among U.S. consumers, highlighting a potential barrier to widespread adoption.

In the U.S., rapid growth in the number of fast EV chargers is failing to alleviate consumer fears regarding charging availability and vehicle cost. A recent poll highlights that nearly 40% of potential buyers express hesitation due to range anxiety and high prices. As electric vehicles carve out a larger market share, advocates like Daphne Dixon and Lynn Mellis Worthington emphasize the accessibility of charging options, stressing the importance of consumer education regarding electric mobility.

KENT, Conn. — For many potential electric vehicle (EV) buyers in the United States, worries about charging infrastructure remain a significant concern, even as fast chargers expand rapidly across the country. In 2025 alone, over 12,000 new fast charging stations have been established near U.S. highways, according to an analysis from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This accounts for around 20% of the quick-charging ports currently operational.

A recent survey conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that nearly 40% of U.S. adults cite range and charging time as major reasons for hesitant to purchase an EV. Surprisingly, only 20% of respondents indicate they are “extremely” or “very” likely to consider a new or used electric vehicle for their next car purchase.

Daphne Dixon, a passionate advocate for clean transportation and organizer of a coast-to-coast road trip in an EV, aims to dispel these anxieties through her online posts detailing charging experiences over 3,000-mile routes. ‘Range anxiety is stuck in people’s heads,’ Dixon explains. Despite concerns, charging stations are being added daily, making electric driving increasingly viable for the average consumer.

As drivers travel across key interstates, they are seldom more than 10 miles away from a fast charger, especially on routes like Interstate 80, which has seen a substantial growth of fast charger installations since 2021. Yet, many regions, particularly rural areas, lack coverage, contributing to fears about infrastructure.

In Connecticut, Lynn Mellis Worthington, who leads her town’s sustainability team, reports the challenges faced in finding reliable EV chargers. In her town of Kent, one outdated charger is the only community option available, emphasizing the need for development in rural charging infrastructure. Connecticut plans to deploy $1.3 million in federal funds to expand fast charging options, yet lingering issues around cost continue to keep consumers from making the switch to entirely electric vehicles.

While electric vehicles currently hold about 8% of the U.S. market share, advocates warn that high upfront costs can deter potential buyers from considering an EV. Amid federal incentives that are set to expire, consumers are increasingly focused on sticker prices rather than long-term savings associated with ownership.

This intersection of infrastructure growth and consumer hesitance points to a pivotal moment for electric vehicle adoption in America. The road ahead is clearer with the expansion of charging options, but addressing consumer fears and perceptions will be essential to realize the full potential of electric mobility.