EV Charging Utilization Trends: Insights from Stable Auto’s Latest Data - Courtesy of Stable Auto

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to rise across the United States, charging infrastructure is rapidly evolving to meet the growing demand. Stable Auto, a leader in EV charging data analysis, has released new insights based on usage trends at Level 3 (DCFC) and Level 2 (L2) charging stations nationwide. These trends are key to understanding how the EV charging landscape is adapting to the needs of the growing number of electric vehicle owners.

Stable Auto’s data reveals an upward trend in charging demand, particularly for Level 3 DC fast chargers (DCFC). Despite initial concerns that DCFCs might not be profitable due to low utilization rates, the data shows that many stations are now approaching profitability. In fact, December saw a peak in DCFC utilization, reaching 19%. This surge is likely attributed to the increased travel during the holiday season, showing that during periods of high demand, the infrastructure is starting to catch up with the rise in EVs on the road. The growing demand for fast charging stations is a clear indicator that as more people purchase EVs, the need for an accessible and efficient charging network becomes even more critical.

Level 2 chargers, typically slower chargers compared to DCFCs, also experienced notable growth throughout 2024. The utilization of L2 chargers rose from 10.7% in January to 14.9% by December, representing a steady increase in demand. The growth of L2 chargers reflects the increasing adoption of EVs in both urban and suburban areas, as more homeowners and businesses install these chargers to support daily driving needs. While slower, L2 chargers provide a convenient and cost-effective option for daily charging, especially for drivers with fixed routines and less need for long-distance travel. As more people charge overnight or during off-peak hours, L2 stations become a vital part of the charging ecosystem.

One of the most notable trends uncovered by the data is the growth in EV charging demand beyond major cities and coastal areas. While states such as California and New York have led the charge in EV adoption and infrastructure, the growth of charging demand is now more evenly spread across the country. Thirteen states across the West, South, Southeast, and Northeast have seen average DCFC utilization surpass 15%, a threshold that signals a profitable operation for these charging stations. Additionally, another ten states are approaching this threshold with utilization rates between 10% and 15%. These trends suggest that EV adoption is expanding more evenly across the U.S., including in areas that were once considered secondary EV markets. It’s clear that charging infrastructure growth is now aligning with the national trend toward electric vehicles, making EVs more accessible to people in all regions.

However, this growth hasn’t been without its challenges. While most states have seen increased utilization rates, 13 states have reported declines in utilization rates from Q2 to Q4 2024, even as overall charging demand continued to rise. Notably, Montana and Wyoming experienced meaningful declines in usage, which are likely linked to seasonal shifts and changes in out-of-state travel patterns. This highlights the need for ongoing infrastructure investment to handle seasonal variations in EV charging demand. As regions experience fluctuating demand, there will need to be an increased focus on ensuring that charging stations are properly distributed to accommodate peak periods and seasonal trends, including adjustments for less-populated areas.

The broader picture painted by Stable Auto’s data is that EV charging infrastructure is beginning to catch up with the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road. With over 38% year-over-year growth in DCFC stations in 2024 and a 25% increase in L2 chargers, the overall network is expanding, though wait times and queues at busy stations remain common during peak travel times. The data suggests that while EVs are gaining ground, continued investment in charging infrastructure will be essential to meet the needs of future consumers. Companies, governments, and local authorities will need to continue working together to build out a network that ensures that EV charging is as seamless as possible, both for urban and rural communities.

Looking forward, the EV industry will need to focus on ensuring that charging stations remain accessible and efficient, particularly during high-demand periods. As more charging stations become operational and utilization rates continue to rise, the focus will need to shift toward addressing potential bottlenecks, improving the user experience, and ensuring that the infrastructure supports widespread EV adoption. New technologies, including smarter charging solutions that use real-time data to manage queues and predict peak charging times, could play a vital role in reducing wait times and improving accessibility.

Additionally, incentives and subsidies may be needed to support the expansion of charging networks in underserved areas. Ensuring that all regions, especially rural or low-income communities, have access to reliable charging infrastructure will be crucial in making sure that electric vehicles remain accessible to all drivers. Local governments may also play a role in incentivizing the installation of chargers in areas where private investment is lacking.

The broader adoption of electric vehicles is contingent not only on the vehicles themselves but also on a well-distributed, robust charging infrastructure. Stable Auto’s data reveals encouraging trends, but the work to ensure the availability, efficiency, and convenience of EV charging continues. As the EV market grows, so too must the network of charging stations that will help to drive its success.

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