30:1 Do we need public charging to equal gasoline options?

The ratio of public fueling options between the northern Wisconsin cities of Three Lakes and Cable is striking: there are 30 gasoline fueling stations across these municipalities and along the route, but only one public electric vehicle (EV) charging option in Minocqua. This 30:1 ratio raises an important question: do EV charging options need to match gasoline options in number and availability? The answer is not straightforward. Understanding how EV owners refuel and the challenges faced by rural EV travelers sheds light on this issue.

How EV owners refuel differently than gasoline drivers

Unlike gasoline vehicles, EV owners often do not rely solely on public charging stations. Many can recharge their vehicles at home using a standard 120V 15-amp circuit, known as Level 1 charging. This method is slow but sufficient for many daily needs. For example, if an EV owner drives an average of 30 miles round-trip to work, charging overnight or over a weekend can replenish the battery fully.

Upgrading to Level 2 charging, which uses a 240V 30-60 amp circuit, significantly increases charging speed. With Level 2, most EVs can gain 100 to 150 miles of range overnight. This means many drivers wake up with a full battery, eliminating range anxiety for daily commutes and errands.

This home charging advantage means the need for public charging stations is different for EVs than for gasoline vehicles. Gasoline drivers must visit a station regularly because they cannot refuel at home. EV drivers, by contrast, can start each day with a full charge if they have access to home charging.

The challenge for EV travelers in rural areas

While home charging works well for daily local driving, it does not solve the problem for EV travelers exploring remote or rural locations. The current goal for public fast-charging stations is to have one every 50 miles to support longer trips. This network is well developed in urban and suburban areas but remains sparse in rural America.

In northern Wisconsin, for example, the single public charging option in Minocqua is not enough to support EV travel between towns like Three Lakes and Cable. This lack of infrastructure can discourage EV owners from visiting or traveling through these areas, limiting tourism and commerce opportunities.

Rural communities face unique challenges in expanding public EV charging:

• Lower population density means fewer customers to support the cost of installing and maintaining chargers.

• Longer distances between towns require strategically placed fast chargers to enable reliable travel.

• Limited electrical infrastructure in some areas can make installing high-power chargers expensive or technically difficult.

  
  

Why public charging does not need to equal gasoline options

Given these factors, public EV charging does not need to match gasoline fueling options one-to-one. The difference in refueling habits means fewer public chargers can still meet the needs of most EV owners. Key reasons include:

• Home charging reduces demand for public stations.

• Slower Level 1 and Level 2 charging at home covers daily driving needs.

• Public fast chargers focus on longer trips and travelers without home charging access.

• Charging times are longer, so fewer stations can serve more vehicles over time.

  
  

That said, expanding public fast-charging infrastructure in rural areas remains important to support EV adoption and travel. Public chargers act as safety nets for those without home charging and enable longer journeys.

Practical steps for rural communities and EV travelers

Rural communities can take several steps to improve EV charging availability without matching gasoline station numbers:

• Identify key travel corridors and install fast chargers every 50 miles or less.

• Partner with local businesses to host chargers, attracting EV drivers to shops and restaurants.

• Seek grants and funding from state and federal programs supporting EV infrastructure.

• Promote home charging education to help residents install Level 2 chargers.

  
  

EV travelers should plan routes carefully in rural areas, using apps and maps that show available chargers. Carrying a portable Level 1 charger and knowing local options can reduce range anxiety.

The future of rural EV charging

As EV adoption grows, rural charging infrastructure will improve. Advances in battery technology will increase range, reducing reliance on public chargers. Meanwhile, more affordable and faster charging equipment will make installations easier.

The 30:1 ratio between gasoline and public EV fueling options in northern Wisconsin highlights the current gap but also reflects the different nature of EV refueling. Public charging does not need to equal gasoline options to support EV drivers effectively, especially when home charging is factored in.

Communities and travelers can work together to build a practical, reliable charging network that supports rural EV use and encourages more people to make the switch.