Introducing the EV Readiness Index

A closer look at EV Readiness in the US
While LeasePlan has published an annual European version of the index since 2018, the USA index ranks states on a weighted scale based on five unique factors, including favorable state legislation and incentives, EV penetration, charger to vehicle ratio, public charger availability and climate suitability.
In 2022, data showed that Nevada, Mississippi and Hawaii are the best prepared states for electric vehicle transition. All three states have a healthy climate for EVs, with Nevada and Mississippi also providing a reasonable amount of public charging stations.
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Key takeaways
No state ranked as EV ready
No states ranked in the top bracket for readiness, and the top three states crept into the second rating bracket of EV accepted. States that ranked highest are not classified as realistic environments for EV transition but are merely better prepared than others. These rankings incorporate the fluidity of the transition to electric vehicles and growth of the market and will shift as the EV landscape evolves.
Climate suitability is crucial to EV readiness
Climate suitability plays a significant role in determining EV readiness. Cold environments are not yet ideal for EV operation due to the impact low temperatures have on driving range, charging speed and duration. On average, states that experience colder weather need to take additional measures in their EV transition efforts to secure a successful transition. European countries like Norway have proven that cold climates are not impossible to overcome, but proactive measures must be taken to ensure EV readiness.
Public charging infrastructure lags
For the purpose of this index, only public charging was assessed. While it’s promising to see federal government commitments, such as the planned $7.5 billion to accelerate EV adoption from the Infrastructure Bill, developing this network of chargers will likely take years and make public-only charging solutions impractical.
Although the states that rose to the top in this year’s index are surprising, it’s clear that individual states are making progress towards a greater adoption of electric vehicles. Public charging infrastructure and meaningful federal policies are critical to taking EV adoption from aspirational to attainable in the US.