SOUTH CAROLINA — The state’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure ranks 27th in the U.S., and it appears that standing won’t improve anytime soon. South Carolina has paused its EV charging program after President Donald Trump issued an executive order in January halting federal funding disbursements for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI).
Missed Opportunities for Federal Funding
Even before the executive order, South Carolina was one of eight states that had chosen not to open applications for businesses to access NEVI funds.
The NEVI program was designed to help private businesses offset the initial costs of installing EV charging stations, which can be expensive. Many private investors are hesitant to enter the market, fearing competition with utility companies that can offer charging at lower rates.
EV Adoption on the Rise
Despite the funding pause, electric vehicle sales continue to grow nationwide. According to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s Q3 2024 report, the third quarter saw the highest EV sales in U.S. history with 408,688 units sold. In total, the first nine months of 2024 saw 1.14 million EVs sold nationwide.
South Carolina currently has 438 charging locations with 1,429 ports, ranking 27th in the nation in terms of EV-to-charger ratio.
Future Uncertainty & International Interest
Although Trump’s funding freeze affects future federal disbursements, states that secured NEVI funding before the executive order will still receive their allocated resources. Meanwhile, the Federal Highway Administration is expected to release updated NEVI Formula Guidance this spring, which could determine the program’s future.
South Carolina’s SC+EV Initiative was launched to prepare the state for increased EV adoption through reliable and accessible charging networks. However, the pause in NEVI funding could delay infrastructure expansion at a time when experts predict rapid EV adoption. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation estimates that to meet the growing demand, the U.S. would need to install 466 new chargers daily through 2030.
As federal funding remains uncertain, Canada—South Carolina’s second-largest trade partner—could play a role in EV development.
For now, the future of EV charging infrastructure in South Carolina remains uncertain, as state officials await further federal guidance while private investors weigh their options.
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