NC hits electric vehicle registration goal two years early with more than 80,000 on the road
More than 80,000 electric vehicles are on the roads in North Carolina, according to new vehicle registration numbers announced by Governor Roy Cooper’s office today, up from 10,000 in 2018.
"We knew the private markets were shifting to electric vehicles so we set bold goals that would help North Carolina communities be ready. Now it’s happening even faster than we anticipated," said Governor Roy Cooper. "The key is making EVs more affordable with the assurance that charging stations are available most places, and that’s why we are modernizing state policies and working to build out charging infrastructure in every community all across North Carolina."
Increased EV adoption is a key milestone in the fight against climate change. Transportation is the largest contributor to the state’s carbon footprint, making up 36% of emissions in North Carolina.
Increased EV adoption means there is greater demand for energy and EV chargers.
Duke Energy said in a statement, in part: "As EV customers and industry continue to grow in North Carolina, the EV economy will play an increasingly important role in our state's long-term economic success."
Jed Routh is a new EV owner and the vice president of markets at Kempower, a fast charging manufacturer that recently set up its North America headquarters in Durham.
"The supply chain is certainly ready," Routh said. "And not only is it ready, it's local." Kempower says it will meet Buy America requirements that at least 55% of components manufactured at the facility will be made in America.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has funded more than 1,000 charging ports across the state through a Volkswagon settlement and is releasing a proposal for the first round of dc fast chargers across major highways in the coming weeks.
The state aims to boost infrastructure to support a goal of 1.25 million EVs on the road by 2030.
