Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
EV chargers are easier to find in wealthier, whiter neighborhoods in Richmond and across the country, an analysis by Axios’ What’s Next team found.
Why it matters: Automakers and lawmakers are pushing electric vehicles as a cleaner alternative to traditional cars.
- But concerns about access to charging are one of the biggest obstacles preventing more car buyers from going electric, along with the high prices of EVs.
By the numbers: In the Richmond area, majority-white areas are 2.69 times more likely to have a charging station than non-majority-white areas, according to analysis of the 35 US cities with the highest proportion of sales of electric vehicles.
- Nationally, majority white treaties are 1.4 times more likely.
Getting closer: The highest concentrations of EV charging stations in the Richmond area are in the 23230 ZIP code, which includes Scott’s Addition and Libbie Mill, according to the data.
- A group of porters at The Current, a recently opened luxury apartment building in Manchester, represents the second highest local concentration.
Yes, but: There are just over 100 EV charging stations with unrestricted public access in the Richmond area.
Methodology: The analysis was based on electric vehicle market share data from S&P Global Mobility and charger location information from the US Department of Energy.
Reality check: Charging is just one hurdle when it comes to electric car fairness.
- Price is also a major concern. The average EV sold for $61,448 in December, according to Kelley Blue Book, putting them out of many car buyers’ budgets.
What we are seeing: Virginia is on track to adopt California’s vehicle emissions standards next year under a “clean car” law passed in 2021.
- It would require that about 8% of new cars sold by manufacturers be electric or hybrid. The percentage would increase annually after that, the AP reports.
- Republicans are pushing to repeal the mandate, calling it unrealistic, but this week Democrats in the state Senate blocked the effort.