EV battery experts recharged by automakers’ pledge for more charging stations

To keep pace with President Biden’s 2030 zero-emissions initiative, seven major automakers—including South Carolina’s based BMW Group, have pledged $1 billion to create 30,000 more electric vehicle charging stations across North America.

Palmetto impact

The amount of charging stations pledged could nearly double existing stations across the state and increase access along major highways and cities.

• Federal Highway Administration data shows South Carolina has almost 3.9 million licensed drivers.
• On average, South Carolinians spend approximately 50 minutes driving to and from work daily.
• In 2022, South Carolina had 918 public charging ports and 13,500 registered electric vehicles.
• When fully charged, EV batteries — depending on type — can last between one and 10 hours.
• Twenty-seven percent of South Carolina residents live in rural areas outside of major highways and cities.

Researchers from the University of South Carolina’s College of Engineering and Computing are exploring how newer materials are improving reliability and performance for the growing EV market.