Seattle Named the Top Market for EVs

The West Coast and California in particular dominate a recent top 10 listing of the best markets for electric vehicles (EVs).

However, Seattle is the best metro area for electric cars due to a combination of factors including the high number of EVs, charging options, and clean energy production, according to Storage Cafe.

Los Angeles has the most electric vehicles and the largest number of public charging stations among the 100 largest metro areas.

Growth Requires Infrastructure Expansion

Jodi V. Meade, CRX, CSM, Avison Young, principal & national director, Automotive Properties Group, tells GlobeSt.com that successful EV adoption can’t grow without infrastructure expansion.

“It is imperative that infrastructure growth keeps pace with manufacturer output of EVs,” according to Meade. “Challenges still exist in severe weather climates in taxing battery performance and reliability. There is certainly more work in technology to be done to create trouble- and worry-free EV experience. Range anxiety is real.”

She said developers are integrating charging units into their new developments as an amenity which is good progress for expanding the availability of charging stations. It is important to note that there are many different types of charging units on the market now which can often be confusing as to what manufacturer should be used. It’s a new technology that everyone is having to adapt to.

“Ultimately, it will be interesting to see how the landscape will adapt over the next three to five years,” Meade said. “We still have a lot to accomplish when it comes to supplying the power supply to EVs on a large scale across a wide range of vehicle uses and types.”

Florida a ‘Most-Friendly’ Solar Region

Nine western hubs are in Storage Café’s top 10 best places for EVs with Miami being the outlier.

Dan Catalfumo, chairman and CEO, Catalfumo Companies, tells GlobeSt.com that Florida is one of the most solar-friendly regions in the U.S. – making it the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy their EVs. “The state also offers numerous incentives that make driving E.V.s all the more affordable,” he said.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Palm Beach Gardens, has one of the most EV-friendly new condo buildings in Florida, with excellent and eco-friendly transportation options.

The project is creating the most progressive EV-friendly structure in Florida that can simultaneously power and charge up to 280 cars, said Catalfumo, who is servicing the property.

All 106 units of the building will come equipped with two EV2 chargers, with an additional 24 and 44 chargers for guests and private garages, respectively.

Never Mind ‘Range Anxiety’

Jonathan Chariff, CEO of South Motors Automotive Group, tells GlobeSt.com that Miami is a young dynamic city that is extremely environmentally conscious.

“With that, we attract those that are seeking the sun, fun, and a city that puts a high importance on the environment,” Chariff said.

“We attract that customer base and those who have the ability to own a primary and secondary vehicle are looking to go to EVs. The ability to find a local charging station is easier here than in most and the infrastructure is only going to continue to grow. Those that own EVs here do not suffer from what we call ‘range anxiety’ because of it. As a dealer, EVs don’t stay on the lot long. Inventory is either pre-sold before it gets to our lots, or it sells immediately.”

Too Early to Call ‘Best Markets’

Bob Hess, practice leader and senior principal for Newmark’s Global Consulting and Strategy Solutions Group, tells GlobeSt.com that with the EV industry still in its early stages, it’s a bit premature to call out which markets will ultimately come out on top — especially as there is a slew of new and pending programs and incentives that will further optimize the sector and uncover new areas of opportunity.

“Across the EV value chain, variations in criteria and customer needs have made it so each project is unique with different drivers pushing development forward,” Hess said.

“For example, if you’re mining and want to process graphene or lithium near your source, you’ll have different drivers and typically seek different opportunities than someone more focused on a captive model, in which OEMs and auto manufacturers care more about having their battery and cathode and anode suppliers nearby.”

On a regional level, he said there’s been several successes and new project announcements from the Midwest, Southeast, and Arizona.

Additionally, a major EV business operation recently launched in St. Cloud, Minnesota, while Panasonic just announced plans to open a new battery plant in Kansas. Canada has also maintained early strength as a prime contender in the EV market, with Quebec and Ontario making great strides as industry leaders, according to Hess.

Plenty of Growth Outside of the West Coast

Blake Snider, CEO of EOS Linx, tells GlobeSt.com that Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Arizona, New Jersey, and New York are emerging as strong markets in this sector and driving the adoption of EVs.

Central Florida is also becoming a hotspot for EV growth by identifying and incorporating EV charging facilities along interstates where chargers are not currently installed, Snider said.

“California continues to lead the way with the highest EV adoption rate, in part because of their long history of environmental regulations, incentives for EV buyers, and robust charging infrastructure,” according to Snider.

“Investment from both public and private agencies, including the federal infrastructure law, are providing the resources needed for the development of this infrastructure. To meet this increasing demand nationwide, numerous infrastructure installations will continue in apartment communities, hotels, gas stations, shopping centers, and other locations convenient for drivers and their charging needs.”