California EV Chargers Outnumber Gas Pumps

California has surpassed the number of gas nozzles with its public and shared private electric vehicle (EV) chargers, totaling 178,549 compared to 120,000 gas pumps, marking a 48% increase in chargers. The majority of these are Level 2 chargers, suitable for longer charging sessions, while only about 9.5% are DC fast chargers capable of rapid charging. This growth is attributed to significant state investments, including a $1.4 billion plan to expand EV infrastructure and hydrogen networks. Despite these advancements, there are concerns about the functionality and maintenance of these chargers, with reports suggesting up to 20% may be non-operational. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasizes the state's commitment to enhancing clean transportation and addressing EV infrastructure gaps, particularly in underserved areas. California's leadership in EV adoption is evident, yet logistical challenges such as charger locations and maintenance persist.