The surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought an unexpected challenge to the forefront in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. Despite being the third-largest EV market in the nation, the region faces a critical shortage of charging infrastructure, leading to what has been termed a „charging desert.“ A recent study by real estate giant CBRE has shed light on this issue, highlighting the growing disparity between EV ownership and accessible charging options.
What is a ‘charging desert’ and how was it discovered?
CBRE utilized an advanced digital mapping tool to assess EV charging needs nationwide, with the aim of informing charging networks and property owners about optimal locations for installing new EV chargers. This tool combined data from approximately 80 sources, including mobile phones, housing types, and EV ownership, to provide valuable insights into the charging landscape. By comparing these sources, CBRE was able to determine whether most EV owners charged their vehicles at home or work.
LA’s charging deserts: Key areas lacking sufficient EV infrastructure
The digital mapping tool revealed that certain parts of Los Angeles have significant charging deserts, where there are not enough public, accessible fast-charging stations to meet the area’s needs. Some of these areas include Inglewood, Long Beach, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Lomita, Southwest Torrance, Westwood (UCLA), Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton), and Redondo Beach.
Why are there ‘charging deserts’?
Several factors contribute to the existence of charging deserts, including a strong rental market where most individuals do not have the ability to charge their EVs at home. For example, Inglewood, where almost 70% of residents are renters, lacks public chargers despite a significant number of registered EVs in the area. Issues such as inadequate power infrastructure and limited parking space in densely populated urban areas like Los Angeles also pose challenges for installing charging stations.
Challenges of EV charging infrastructure in the US
While the EV market in the US is experiencing significant growth, there remains a considerable gap in charging infrastructure to support this shift. CBRE’s analysis underscores the urgent need for enhanced investment and development in EV charging solutions to accommodate the anticipated increase in EV adoption in the coming years.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Despite Los Angeles having a substantial number of registered EVs, there are significant gaps in accessible charging options. The city is taking steps to address this issue by installing chargers on light poles, but more investment and development are needed to support the transition to electric vehicles nationwide. As the US prepares for a potential second wave of EV buyers, addressing the challenges of EV charging infrastructure will be crucial in facilitating this shift.
In conclusion, the shortage of charging infrastructure in Los Angeles and other parts of the US highlights the importance of investing in and developing EV charging solutions to support the growing demand for electric vehicles. By addressing the challenges of charging deserts and expanding access to charging stations, cities can better accommodate the transition to a more sustainable transportation system.