Mountain West Sees Significant Growth in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
As federal incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) dwindle, the Mountain West region is quietly making strides in EV infrastructure development, according to a new report from the Environmental Defense Fund. This development is crucial for supporting the growing number of EVs on the road.
Over the last two years, the number of public EV charging stations in the Mountain West has surged by approximately 40%. This expansion is strategically focused on major travel corridors and smaller communities, making it easier for EV owners to embark on longer journeys without range anxiety.
States such as Colorado and Arizona are leading the charge with robust EV policies that enhance infrastructure access. Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah also show commendable progress. However, states like Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana are trailing in this green transition.
Kevin Moran, a researcher with the Environmental Defense Fund, highlighted the dual motivations behind this policy push: environmental protection and addressing the practical needs of residents. “States are prioritizing EV charger infrastructure, and so that reflects how the Mountain West states are viewing the needs of their people and the opportunities for clean transportation,” Moran said.
Transportation is a major contributor to climate pollution in western states, and Moran pointed out that wider EV adoption could significantly benefit air quality and public health. “Every metropolis in the Mountain West struggles with clean air,” he noted. “The science shows that we can improve air quality through broad adoption of electric vehicles and cleaner transportation.”
The future of EV expansion in the Mountain West will increasingly depend on state governments’ leadership in policy formulation and infrastructure development, ensuring that the momentum for cleaner transportation continues.
This report was prepared by the Mountain West News Bureau, in collaboration with KUNR, Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNC in Northern Colorado, KANW in New Mexico, Colorado Public Radio, KJZZ in Arizona, and NPR. Additional support comes from affiliate newsrooms across the region. Funding for the Mountain West News Bureau is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Eric and Wendy Schmidt.
