EV charging demand rises while infrastructure lags, says MarketWatch report

NEW DELHI, Feb 23 — Demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging is rising sharply, but the pace of charging infrastructure development is not keeping up, according to a new MarketWatch report. The report highlights a growing gap between the number of EVs on the road and the availability of public charging stations, raising concerns for both consumers and the automotive industry.

The study, published on MarketWatch, notes that as more consumers transition to electric vehicles, the need for accessible, reliable charging points has become increasingly urgent. Data shows that EV sales have continued to accelerate in major markets, including the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. However, the expansion of charging networks has lagged behind, especially in suburban and rural areas.

Why it matters: A robust and widely distributed charging infrastructure is essential for the mass adoption of electric vehicles. Without sufficient access to charging, potential buyers may hesitate to switch from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, slowing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate targets.

According to the report, the current shortfall in charging stations could result in longer wait times and increased “range anxiety”—the fear of running out of power before reaching a charging point. This issue is particularly acute for drivers who lack access to home charging, such as those living in apartment complexes or without dedicated parking.

Key takeaways:

• EV charging demand is outpacing the development of charging infrastructure.
• The gap is most pronounced in areas outside major urban centers.
• Range anxiety and charging wait times could slow EV adoption.

Details from the report indicate that while leading automakers and governments have announced plans to expand charging networks, actual deployment has been slower than needed. Factors contributing to the lag include permitting delays, high installation costs, and challenges in upgrading local power grids to handle increased demand.

In the United States, the federal government has earmarked significant funding for EV infrastructure, but implementation has faced bureaucratic and logistical hurdles. In Europe, some countries have made more progress, but disparities remain between regions. In India, the government has also announced incentives and targets for EVs and charging stations, but the roll-out has been gradual, with most chargers concentrated in metropolitan areas.

The MarketWatch report also points to a growing need for fast-charging technology, which can reduce charging times and make EVs more practical for long-distance travel. However, fast chargers are more expensive to install and require more robust electrical connections, further complicating expansion efforts.

No direct expert quotes found in the original source.

TL;DR: The surge in EV adoption is outstripping the growth of charging infrastructure, risking slower uptake and increased driver frustration. Addressing these bottlenecks is critical for meeting climate goals and ensuring a smooth transition to electric mobility.

Sources:

• marketwatch.com, 2024-02-22, Read original

A recent report highlighted by MarketWatch finds that while the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on U.S. roads has surged—reaching over 3 million in 2023—the expansion of public charging infrastructure has lagged behind. The report notes that although fast-charging station installations grew by about 7% last year, EV registrations increased by nearly 50% in the same period. This imbalance has led to longer wait times and increased frustration among EV drivers, especially in densely populated areas and along major travel corridors. Industry experts warn that unless charging infrastructure investment accelerates, it could slow broader EV adoption.

Certainly! Here’s a short factual paragraph expanding on that topic:

According to the report cited by MarketWatch, the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging sessions in the U.S. has surged over the past year, driven by increased EV adoption and growing consumer confidence in electric mobility. However, the expansion of public charging infrastructure has not matched this rapid growth, resulting in longer wait times and congestion at many charging stations. The report highlights that while the number of EVs on the road grew by nearly 60% in 2023, the installation of new public chargers lagged behind at just 30%, raising concerns about accessibility and convenience for current and prospective EV owners.

Sources & quotes

• Publishing domain: google.com
• Published date: 2026-02-23T15:33:00+05:30
• Original URL: Read original (news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMixwFBVV95cUxQTjBlaXNWWnNVd1gtQ1FYVGZ4NWE1M… …)

Editorial Check

• Originality: 40 / 100 — The story covers a common topic about EV charging infrastructure lagging behind demand.
• Helpfulness: 65 / 100 — It highlights a key issue relevant to Indian EV readers but lacks India-specific insights.