Expanding Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Opportunities, Challenges, and How to Access the Network

By Jessica WrightLast Updated August 29, 2025

Photo by Oxana Melis on Unsplash

Introduction: The Critical Role of EV Charging Infrastructure Expansion

The rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market is transforming the transportation landscape across the United States and globally. As more individuals, businesses, and governments commit to reducing carbon emissions, the demand for robust, accessible, and equitable EV charging infrastructure continues to rise. Industry experts estimate that supporting the projected 33 million EVs on U.S. roads by 2030 will require adding approximately 1 million public chargers within just five years, including over 170,000 DC fast chargers-more than triple the current count [1] . This article explores the latest trends, challenges, and actionable pathways for participating in the expansion of EV charging infrastructure.

Current Landscape: Growth, Distribution, and Demand Drivers

The U.S. public charging network continues to expand steadily, even amid policy shifts and economic headwinds. In the second quarter of 2025, public charging infrastructure grew by 5%, with both Level 2 (L2) and DC fast charging (DCFC) segments contributing to this robust performance [2] . Notably, ChargePoint led L2 expansion, capturing 50% of all capacity growth, while Tesla Supercharger saw record deployments in the DCFC segment.

This expansion is not only about numbers but also about strategic distribution. Most chargers are concentrated in private single-family homes, highlighting a pressing need to deploy public charging stations in underserved urban, rural, and lower-income areas [1] . California, for instance, remains a leader in EV infrastructure investment, with over 40,000 new charge ports planned, supported by substantial state funding [3] .

Opportunities in EV Charging Infrastructure Expansion

The ongoing expansion presents significant opportunities for businesses, municipalities, and entrepreneurs. Utilities, city planners, property developers, and fleet operators can benefit from participating in infrastructure programs, whether by installing charging stations on their properties, integrating charging solutions into new developments, or collaborating on public-private partnerships.

For businesses interested in hosting or operating charging stations, consider the following steps:

Assess Demand and Site Suitability: Evaluate your property’s proximity to major transportation routes, urban centers, and underserved areas. Consider factors like grid capacity and existing electrical infrastructure.
Research Funding and Incentives: Many states and utility companies offer rebates, grants, or tax incentives for installing EV charging infrastructure. You can find current opportunities by searching for “EV charging incentives” along with your state or utility provider’s name. Visit official state energy departments or utility websites for verified program details.
Select Charging Technology: Decide between Level 2 chargers (suitable for most businesses and multi-unit dwellings) and DC fast chargers (ideal for highway corridors and high-traffic commercial locations). Charging speed improvements are ongoing, with DC fast chargers becoming more accessible [5] .
Partner with Network Providers: Major charging network operators, such as ChargePoint and Electrify America, offer turnkey solutions and can assist with installation, operation, and maintenance. For partnership inquiries, visit their verified company websites and seek out ‘host a charger’ or ‘partner’ pages.
Plan for Accessibility and Equity: Ensure compliance with ADA regulations, and consider strategies for expanding access in underserved communities. Consult local government planning offices for guidance on inclusive infrastructure projects.

Challenges in Scaling Charging Infrastructure

Despite steady growth, several challenges remain. Infrastructure deployment is often hampered by electrical grid constraints, permitting delays, and variable equipment costs. For example, while charging technology has evolved rapidly, the pace of electrical infrastructure upgrades across the U.S. has lagged, requiring careful coordination among utilities, regulators, and developers [3] . Additionally, market concentration among a few major charge network operators may limit innovation and local participation [2] .

Further, equitable access remains a persistent issue. Rural areas, communities of color, and lower-income neighborhoods are less likely to have convenient access to public charging stations. Organizations and policymakers are increasingly prioritizing investments in these regions, but program availability and funding can vary significantly by location [1] .

Case Studies and Real-World Applications

California’s Charging Network Expansion: California’s $437 million utility program, the largest of its kind in the country, plans to deploy over 40,000 new charging ports, prioritizing both urban and rural locations. This large-scale investment is expected to support the state’s aggressive EV adoption goals and serve as a model for other states [3] .

Electrify America’s Nationwide Expansion: Electrify America, one of the largest public charging networks, continues to expand, particularly along interstate corridors and in urban centers. The company’s strategy focuses on high-speed DC fast charging and increased network reliability, helping to address range anxiety for long-distance travelers [4] .

Private Sector Collaboration: Many property owners and retail businesses are now partnering with established network providers to offer charging as an amenity, attracting clientele and supporting broader EV adoption. Examples include shopping centers, hotels, and parking operators working with major charging brands for seamless integration.

How to Access EV Charging Infrastructure Services and Opportunities

Individuals, businesses, and public entities seeking to participate in or benefit from the expansion of EV charging infrastructure can take multiple approaches:

For Businesses and Property Owners: Contact major charging network providers-such as ChargePoint or Electrify America-directly through their official websites to explore partnership options for hosting charging stations. You can also search for state or utility incentive programs by visiting your state’s energy department website or your electric utility’s official site and looking for “EV charging incentives” or “transportation electrification programs.”
For Local Governments and Planners: Work with regional planning commissions, utility companies, and transportation agencies to identify grant opportunities, infrastructure development programs, and public investment options. Search for “EV charging grants” and include your state or local jurisdiction for targeted results.
For Drivers: The fastest way to locate charging stations is to use map-based applications from reputable networks (such as PlugShare, ChargePoint, or Electrify America), which provide up-to-date station information, pricing, and availability. Always download apps from the official app stores or verified company sites.
For Equipment Providers and Installers: Join industry associations and attend conferences such as the annual EV Charging Infrastructure USA event to network with stakeholders and stay updated on market trends [3] .

Alternative and Emerging Approaches

As the market matures, several alternative approaches are gaining traction:

Community Charging Hubs: Some regions are piloting shared charging hubs in multi-family, mixed-use, and underserved neighborhoods. These projects are often coordinated by local governments in partnership with private sector operators and may be eligible for grant support. To explore programs, consult your city’s transportation or sustainability office.

Fleet Electrification: Commercial and municipal fleets are increasingly transitioning to electric vehicles, driving demand for depot charging solutions. Fleet operators should work directly with manufacturers and energy consultants for tailored infrastructure planning.

Grid Integration and Smart Charging: Innovations in energy management, such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and demand response, are being piloted in select markets. These solutions help optimize grid capacity and reduce operating costs. Interested parties can seek pilot program participation through their utility or regional grid operator.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

The expansion of EV charging infrastructure is crucial for accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and achieving climate goals. While significant opportunities exist, success requires careful planning, strategic partnerships, and a focus on equity and accessibility. Whether you are a business owner, policymaker, or EV driver, numerous pathways are available to engage with this rapidly evolving sector. For more information, consult your state energy department, local planning office, or the official websites of major charging network providers.