Electrify America, a prominent network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States, has recently celebrated the opening of its very first charging station in North Dakota. This move is part of the company’s strategic efforts to bolster EV infrastructure in northern states, encouraging coast-to-coast adoption.
At present, Electrify America boasts a vast network of over 840 charging stations, encompassing more than 3,700 individual fast chargers across 47 states. The inauguration of the North Dakota station is a noteworthy step in the endeavor to expand their network, particularly addressing gaps in the northern part of the country where EV infrastructure is relatively sparse.
This newly established station in North Dakota is situated at The Shoppes at Jamestown, specifically at 2617 8th Ave along Interstate 94. It offers six of Electrify America’s cutting-edge chargers, delivering an impressive output of up to 350 kilowatts. Although these chargers currently employ the CCS1 charging plug, Electrify America has plans to introduce NACS-compatible options in the future.
Brandy Mathie, the Director of Site Acquisition and Portfolio Management at Electrify America, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, “With our entry into North Dakota, EV drivers now have access to hyper-fast charging speeds in 47 states. This marks a significant milestone in making EV ownership accessible to communities across the nation.”
The company also revealed that, in addition to the station in Jamestown, another station is in the pipeline for Grand Forks, near Interstate 29. Two additional sites are slated for launch in North Dakota next year, bringing the total to four. A similar expansion plan is anticipated in other northern states, facilitating long-distance travel for electric vehicle owners.
It’s important to note that the relatively limited charging infrastructure in certain areas often stems from a lower number of electric vehicles in those regions. This correlation was underscored in a report presented by the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office earlier this year. In 2022, North Dakota recorded only 1.3 plug-in electric car registrations per thousand people, marking one of the lowest levels in the country and trailing significantly behind the national average of 8.66 in the U.S.
Investing in new charging stations in areas with lower EV adoption can be a challenging endeavor, but there is hope that the gradual growth of EV adoption will lead to an improved charging infrastructure in these regions.
