In a move to bolster its nationwide presence, Electrify America has recently inaugurated its very first charging station in North Dakota. As we look at the electrification map, it’s evident that there are substantial gaps in the northern parts of the U.S., underscoring the need for improved EV infrastructure in these regions. This initiative by Electrify America is aimed at bridging these gaps, enhancing the accessibility and convenience of electric vehicle (EV) charging nationwide.
Electrify America, one of the largest EV fast-charging networks in the United States, currently boasts a robust network comprising more than 840 stations, each equipped with over 3,700 individual fast chargers, spanning 47 states. However, these gaps in the northern regions of the country have been a noticeable weak point in the network’s coverage. The recent station opening in North Dakota marks a substantial step towards closing these gaps.
Situated at The Shoppes at Jamestown, specifically at 2617 8th Ave along Interstate 94, this newly launched station features six of Electrify America’s next-generation chargers, each capable of delivering a formidable 350 kilowatts of charging power. These chargers are currently equipped with the CCS1 charging plug, providing fast and efficient charging for a variety of electric vehicles. Moreover, Electrify America is preparing for future adoption by planning to offer NACS (North American Charging Standard) connectors at their stations.
Brandy Mathie, the Director of Site Acquisition and Portfolio Management at Electrify America, emphasized the importance of this milestone by stating, “With our entrance into North Dakota, EV drivers are now able to enjoy hyper-fast charging speeds in 47 states. This is a significant milestone in making EV ownership accessible to all communities.”
According to Electrify America, there is more to come for North Dakota. A station in Grand Forks, located near Interstate 29, is set to open soon. Two additional sites are planned for North Dakota next year, making a total of four new stations in the state. This approach reflects Electrify America’s commitment to fostering long-distance travel for electric vehicle owners across the country.
One factor contributing to the weaker charging infrastructure in these areas is the lower prevalence of electric vehicles in the region. A report from the Department of Energy (DOE)’s Vehicle Technologies Office revealed that North Dakota had only 1.3 plug-in electric car registrations per thousand people in 2022. This is notably lower than the national average of 8.66 in the United States. As a result, investment in new charging stations in areas with low EV adoption can be challenging, but it is a necessary step towards promoting the widespread use of electric vehicles in these regions.
This expansion by Electrify America in North Dakota exemplifies the commitment of charging networks to address disparities in EV infrastructure and make fast and convenient charging accessible to EV owners across the nation. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, the hope is that the adoption of electric vehicles in these areas will improve, thereby encouraging further investment in charging infrastructure. Electrify America’s presence in North Dakota represents a pivotal move towards achieving this goal.
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