Nevada's Slow Charge: The Struggle to Build a Robust Electric Highway Network

Nearly a decade after former Governor Brian Sandoval's ambitious vision to transform Nevada's highways into an "Electric Highway," the state's efforts to build a comprehensive network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have faced significant challenges and delays. While electric vehicles have gained popularity nationwide, Nevada's charging infrastructure has struggled to keep pace, leaving many EV drivers facing "range anxiety" and limited options when traversing the state's vast and rural landscapes.

Powering the Future: Nevada's Uneven Transition to Electric Mobility

The Unfulfilled Promise of the Nevada Electric Highway

In 2016, Sandoval's ceremonial charging of an electric Ford Focus at the state's first publicly funded EV charging station in Beatty was meant to showcase Nevada's commitment to embracing electric transportation. However, the reality was that the vehicle had to be shuttled to the event, as the state's charging network was still woefully inadequate, with the car's limited 76-mile range unable to make the journey from Las Vegas to Beatty on a single charge.Despite Sandoval's grand vision of turning Highway 95 into an "Electric Highway," the subsequent years have seen only a partial realization of that goal. While the number of EVs registered in Nevada has grown exponentially, from around 1,000 in 2015 to nearly 54,000 by 2023, the state's charging infrastructure has struggled to keep pace.

A Patchwork of Responsibility: The Challenges of Coordinating EV Charging Deployment

The responsibility for building charging stations in Nevada has been a complex and often disjointed affair, with a hodgepodge of stakeholders, including NV Energy, the state government, federal agencies, and private entities, all playing a role. This lack of a cohesive plan has resulted in a "mishmash" of charging stations, leaving many EV drivers unsure of where to find reliable and accessible charging options.NV Energy's much-touted initiative to install 120 charging stations within a three-year period has fallen well short of its goals, with only three stations completed and another 14 under construction as of mid-2024. Meanwhile, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is just now beginning to utilize federal funds to build its first charging station, highlighting the slow pace of progress.

Navigating Nevada's Charging Deserts: The Challenges of Rural Electrification

The vast and sparsely populated nature of Nevada presents unique challenges for building a comprehensive EV charging network. Federal guidelines call for charging stations to be located no more than 50 miles apart along interstates, a target that is simply not feasible in many parts of the state.On U.S. Highway 93, for example, there is a 250-mile stretch between Ely and Las Vegas with no electricity, making the installation of charging stations prohibitively expensive. This leaves EV drivers facing the prospect of being stranded or forced to rely on limited charging options, further exacerbating the "range anxiety" that has long plagued electric vehicle adoption in Nevada.

Mapping the Charging Landscape: The Lack of a Centralized Charging Station Directory

Adding to the confusion and frustration for EV drivers in Nevada is the lack of a comprehensive, centralized directory of charging stations. With most stations being built by private businesses or equipment manufacturers, there is no official master list that drivers can access, particularly in areas with poor cell service or non-functioning charging stations.This lack of transparency and coordination has left many EV owners unsure of where to find reliable charging options, further hindering the adoption of electric vehicles in the state. As Paul Bordenkircher, secretary of the Nevada Electric Vehicle Association, noted, "We are still in a pain point when it comes to EV charging stations."

The Path Forward: Navigating Nevada's Electrification Challenges

Despite the challenges, there are signs that Nevada's EV charging infrastructure is beginning to move in the right direction. The state's recent acquisition of $38 million in federal funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program has the potential to significantly expand the number of charging stations along the state's interstates and highways.Additionally, the passage of SB448 in 2021 has required NV Energy to develop a comprehensive "Economic Recovery Transportation Electrification Plan," which aims to invest $100 million in expanding EV charging across the utility's service territory. While the implementation of this plan has been slow, it represents a step in the right direction.As Nevada continues to grapple with the complexities of building a robust EV charging network, the state's policymakers, utilities, and transportation agencies will need to work together to overcome the unique challenges posed by the state's vast and rural landscape. Only then can Nevada truly realize the promise of the "Electric Highway" and provide EV drivers with the confidence and convenience they need to embrace the future of sustainable transportation.