As electric vehicle adoption surges, one major concern remains—can the U.S. charging network keep pace? With more EVs hitting the road, the demand for reliable, fast, and accessible charging stations is skyrocketing. While federal and state initiatives aim to expand infrastructure, challenges like slow charger deployment, inconsistent coverage, and outdated grid capacity pose serious roadblocks. This article explores whether the current charging network is enough, what improvements are needed, and how this issue could impact EV ownership in the coming years.

An EV surge

Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular and more widespread in recent years. The increased demand for EVs means a greater need for more public charging stations and a much better electric grid that can handle greater capacity. There may be some serious roadblocks that will keep the number of EV owners from growing, causing automakers to rethink their investment into electric vehicles. How could these challenges impact the need for improvements in the coming years? Could we see more reliable, fast, and accessible charging systems in the future?

A Band-Aid Fix

Tesla came to the rescue, to some degree, of the charging infrastructure. Previously, only Tesla-branded vehicles could use the company’s Supercharging network, but once a deal was struck, many vehicles could use these charging stations. This meant drivers with NACS-compatible charging plugs could pull up at a Teal Supercharger and plug in. Tesla allowed access by updating the software in most stations, but non-Tesla vehicles still charged at slower speeds than Tesla models. Still, adding these charging stations increased the number of available public charging stations significantly, but this only provides a band-aid fix at best.

The original plan thwarted

When the decade began, President Joe Biden drafted Presidential Orders to increase the number of public charging stations to 500,000. This project, funded by the federal government, was a good start, but most experts could not have predicted the demand for EVs that would grow furiously over the next few years. As emissions regulations became stricter, more drivers began to choose EVs. Automakers have dumped billions of dollars into developing electric vehicles, and the need for more than one million charging stations has become evident. Unfortunately, the growth of this network has already hit another major roadblock.

A huge roadblock

The political climate in the United States is tenuous at best. Unfortunately, when one party succeeds another in the Oval Office, the work of the previous administration can sometimes be in jeopardy. This is exactly what happened beginning on January 20 of this year. Immediate orders were put in place when the newly elected official took office, and Joe Biden’s term was over. This mean the billions that had already been spent on the EV charging infrastructure would go to waste unless plans continued, but that wasn’t the order given.

Why the stoppage of EV charger growth?

When parties fundamentally disagree and are extremely opposed to each other, the country can sometimes suffer. Despite the growing demand for EVs, which should translate immediately to the need for more public charging stations, the latest administration paused billions of dollars that were already allocated to states to build fast electric car chargers. Some states halted work on Inauguration Day, but some continued on. Many of those have since stopped building chargers due to the stoppage of federal funding coming from the most recent orders of the White House.

The power grid could be problematic

Although the current EV climate has cooled, especially since January, it’s expected that nearly half of all vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2030 will be electric. This means half the drivers will switch from using fossil fuels to renewable electricity, but there might be a serious problem. The current electric grid isn’t likely capable of keeping up with the demand required to fuel this many EVs. The electric grid is an aging system that’s built for a world that uses fossil fuels for many things.

Some automakers have produced more band-aid solutions including using EVs as battery backups for the electric grid. Part of the issue is the grid isn’t made to store energy, only supply it at an on-demand basis. This electric grid needs to be updated with storage facilities to back up the on-demand portion.

The EV charging infrastructure might be in jeopardy of failing miserably thanks to much higher demand than originally expected, the halting of federal funds, and an aging electric grid. Can anything be done to save this part of the automotive industry?

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EV truck designers have been late to the game in introducing electric vehicles, but they’re starting to catch up. Find out what’s got buyers most excited now and what to look out for when it comes to compact electric trucks.

So far, most automakers who have tried their hands at creating EV pickups have tasked their most creative minds with finding ways to electrify current models. The Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevy Silverado EV are great examples.

All that is poised to change. Automakers are beginning to embrace the idea of designing smaller, compact electric trucks with greater utility to city drivers. Let’s take a look at what’s already available and what’s in the works.

Currently Available Electric Trucks

The Rivian R1T is one of the smallest EV pickups available, though technically, it’s a midsize light-duty truck. With an estimated range of 420 mi, it’s got a payload capacity of 1,764 lbs and can tow up to 11,000 lbs.

Other larger alternatives include the Tesla Cybertruck, GMC Sierra EV, and GMC Hummer EV Pickup. So far, no compact EV pickups are currently for sale in the US.

Legacy Automakers Toy With Smaller Electric Trucks

Several mainstream automakers are considering the idea of releasing smaller EV pickups within the next few years. GMC and Chevrolet are working on a future compact EV pickup based on an AEV platform.

Some experts are also pining for a compact GMC Hummer EV, though the automaker has yet to indicate that it’s got anything in the works. On the other hand, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon EVs should be available for the 2027 model year.

Some sources say the Ford Maverick may also be getting an EV variant as soon as 2028, and Ram plans to release a Dakota EV midsize pickup based on its STLA large platform for the 2027 model year.

Newcomers to the Game

There’s plenty of room for innovation in the EV truck market, as US startup Rivian has already proven. The Rivian R1T is one of the most popular electric pickups available. Soon, other aspiring US automakers, including Canoo and TELO, will join the startup.

Canoo, an EV automotive startup based in California, plans to release a compact pickup slightly smaller than the Ford Ranger. The tiny truck should have a range of 200 mi and charge in 28 minutes on a DC fast-charger. There’s no official release date yet, but Canoo is taking preorders.

Perhaps even more exciting, another startup called TELO Trucks is working on a compact electric pickup small enough to fit in the footprint of a MINI Cooper with a 60-inch bed and seating for five. It will have a 350 mi range and put out 500 hp of power.

Most experts believe these compact pickups represent a general market shift toward smaller EV utility vehicles. They combine capability with a footprint that makes them more appropriate for city driving, which could be the ideal pickup for the future.

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Tesla’s Story

Tesla began the EV market as we know it today and the company remains the strongest seller of EV models in the world. From China, BYD is close, but nothing in the United States compares. The Tesla Model Y is currently the world’s best-selling vehicle. Alongside the compact SUV, the Model 3 sedan is the second most popular. Higher-end models include the Model S sedan and the Model X SUV. Most recently, the Cybertruck has captured the imaginations of EV buyers.

Rivian’s Story

Several EV startups have tried to take on Tesla and gain success, but only a few have managed to produce a large number of vehicles and get them to customers. Rivian is one of those. The California company began in 2009 and in 2021 it launched its first vehicle, the Rivian R1T pickup truck. It was the first electric pickup of the modern EV era. Rivian followed that with the R1S, a big SUV based on the same platform. Rivian also makes a delivery van for Amazon, one of its original investment backers.

Comparing Rivian and Tesla Vehicles

Tesla’s trademark is mostly medium-sized sedans and SUVs, while Rivian is going after buyers who want larger vehicles with off-road ability. Rivian’s brand description embraces the outdoors. Both Tesla and Rivian vehicles are packed with cutting-edge and thoughtful features.

For example, the R1T has a nifty gear tunnel where you can stash items between the cab and bed. The Rivian truck and SUV have a choice of four motors, an adjustable height suspension, and multiple drive modes for taking on rough terrain.

On the other hand, Tesla’s vehicles are strongly geared toward urban and suburban driving. They’re designed to deliver on-road performance, and that’s especially true if you look at a sporty model like the Model S Plaid. There is some overlap between the two brands, including modern technology and design simplicity.

Both Rivian and Tesla have done away with physical buttons, which is cool on one front, but frustrating when you need to use the touchscreen simply to change the air vent direction.

Buying a Tesla or Rivian

One perk of buying either a Tesla or a Rivian is that you can order easily online. Both companies reject the traditional dealership model and instead sell their models directly to customers via their websites. This easy ordering method makes both companies feel distinctly modern and it may even represent the future of the auto industry.

Which Should You Choose?

It’s difficult to say that one brand is heads and tails better than the other as they both appeal to different consumers. If a truck or a large SUV with impressive off-road chops is your preference, then Rivian beats Tesla easily. However, Rivian doesn’t have an answer for Tesla’s sportier offerings either. So, it largely depends on what you want.

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At first, EV trucks seemed like a niche product. Now, popular models like the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford F-150 are becoming electrified, and the EV revolution is ready to hit the ground running.

When the EV revolution started to take off, automakers began electrifying small hatchback cars. They’ve come a long way since then. Find out what’s happening with popular EV trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Cybertruck, and others.

New in 2024: The Chevrolet Silverado EV

With 440 miles of estimated range, the Chevrolet Silverado EV can take drivers further than competitors. When it’s time to top off the charge, drivers can plug in at home or stop at public fast-charging stations to pick up 100 mi of range in 10 minutes.

The Chevy Silverado EV’s electric motors produce 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque, and the impressive electric pickup can make it from 0 to 60 in under 4.5 seconds. It can also tow up to 10,000 lbs, more than enough to meet most contractors’ daily needs.

Because the Silverado EV is brand-new, it has all the most impressive modern features. Buyers can also purchase a GM Energy Vehicle-to-Home Enablement Kit to provide power by using the trucks for up to 21 days during a blackout.

What’s Ford Up to With the F-150 Lightning?

The F-150 Lightning has been around for several years, and the automaker has made only minor changes. The F-150 Lightning’s two electric motors make a combined 452 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to the extended-range battery boosts the power up to 580 hp.

As with the Silverado EV, the F-150 Lightning can tow up to 10,000 lbs, albeit only with the extended-range battery. Expect towing heavy loads to reduce the range. No automaker has yet come up with a way to combat this issue.

The EV pickup can charge from 15 to 80 percent in 44 minutes on a DC fast charger and supply three days of power to the average household as a backup generator.

The Futuristic-Looking Tesla Cybertruck

The Tesla Cybertruck looks nothing like a standard pickup. However, it’s one of the best-known of the EV trucks. The Cybertruck features two electric motors that are good for 600 hp, plus an upgrade to a three-motor setup that puts out 834 hp. Theoretically, the Tesla Cybertruck can tow up to 11,000 lbs and haul 2,500 lbs.

The Cybertruck’s range varies substantially depending on how many motors drivers want, so there will always be a trade-off between range and power. With two motors, it maxes out at 340 miles per charge. Adding an optional range-extender battery pack to the bed bumps that number up to 440 miles.

Additional Competitors Joining the Race

The Silverado EV, F-150 Lightning, and Cybertruck are the best-known of today’s EVs. However, they’re being joined by more newcomers to the field every year. Additional options include the Rivian R1T, GMC Sierra EV, GMC Hummer EV Pickup, Ram 1500 REV, and others.

Interested buyers who are still driving gas trucks right now should make a point of discussing what it takes to make the switch to EV with their dealers. That way, they’ll be sure to get the right home charging stations to fit their needs.

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2023 Tesla Model 3: The most affordable Tesla

The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest model from this brand, offering competitive pricing across the range. The Model 3 is a Top Safety Pick+ winner from the IIHS and earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA. This safe and impressive electric car is eligible for the Federal EV Tax Credit, reducing the price by up to $7,500 for qualifying owners. The price range for the Model 3 is $40,240 to $53,240 covering three trims. You’ll find a lean and sparse interior when you step inside the Tesla Model 3. This small Tesla has a large touchscreen in the center of the dashboard to handle most of the controls required in the cheapest Tesla car. The Model 3 is the cheapest Tesla car, and it has up to 358 miles of driving on a full charge in the Long Range model. Both the Long Range and Performance models include AWD to send power to all four wheels for better traction and stability. The Model 3 is where affordability meets practicality in the EV world.

2023 Tesla Model Y: Could this small Tesla EV be right for you?

The Tesla Model Y is second on the list of the longest-range electric SUVs ranked by Kelley Blue Book. The Model 3 and Model Y share a platform, allowing the Model Y to be a small and useful electric SUV. The shared platform ensures that the Model Y achieves the same safety ratings as its sibling, hitting top marks with the IIHS and NHTSA. The Tesla Model starts at $47,490 and goes up to $54,490 across three trim levels. Surprisingly, the Tesla Model Y offers three rows of seats, despite its small footprint. Legroom in the third row is tight, but this area is still useful for small children or short drives across town. The second row brings up to 41.8 inches of legroom, making passengers comfortable. The second and third rows fold flat to open up 72.1 cubic feet of space behind the front seats in the 5-seat models, while 7-seat versions have 67.9 cubic feet of cargo room.

2023 Tesla Model S: Long-range luxury electric car dominance

The 2023 Tesla Model S isn’t the cheapest Tesla car, but the pricing fits in the luxury electric vehicle class. Only the Lucid Air brings a longer driving range than the Model S, which includes a maximum of 405 miles of EV driving on a single full charge. Only two versions of the Model S exist, the Standard, which starts at $88,490, and the high-performance Plaid model, which costs $108,490. When a performance EV is on the menu, the Tesla Model S Plaid is extremely quick, rocketing you to 60 mph in only 2.0 seconds, which is staggeringly fast. The Model S has interesting qualities, including the option of a regular steering wheel over the new Tesla yoke-style system. When you want a luxury EV with the highest level of tech, the Model S is what you’ll want to drive.

2023 Tesla Model X: Fast and futuristic Tesla fun

Although far from the cheapest Tesla model, the Model X is an impressive luxury electric SUV that captures the hearts and minds of those in its presence. The Model X brings luxurious comfort and a minimalistic cabin with three rows of comfortable seats to be a fantastic family SUV. The Tesla Model X, similar to the Model S, has two trims. The Standard trim starts at $98,490, while the Plaid trim costs $108,490. In addition to the luxury qualities, the Tesla Model X is the longest-range electric SUV on the road today, with up to 348 miles of electric driving range on a single charge. This Tesla SUV, along with the other models, can recharge at any of the many Tesla Supercharging stations located throughout the country. Although the price of the Tesla Model X isn’t low, it could be worth every penny you spend on it. Currently, these four Tesla models make up the entire vehicle lineup. The new Tesla Cybertruck is on the way, which will give this electric car brand five great EV models to choose from.

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