EV Trends in Swing States Show A Different Picture
EV Trends in Swing States Show A Different Picture
It’s easy to find and drive an EV in California, Colorado, or New York. It also may not surprise that there is less selection and fewer incentives available in Alabama, West Virginia, and Arkansas.
But what about those critical Swing States that are currently capturing so much of the media’s attention? Where do they fall in terms of access to, and support of, electric cars?
The Swing States attitudes toward EVs are nuanced with a mixed bag of attitudes, legislation, and adoption. What can EV sentiment tell us about those states and the future of EV adoption in the US?
We take a look at trends and data in six states that are the center of political - and EV - attention.
- Florida has the second highest number of EV registrations in the nation.
- Georgia is the state with the highest amount of investment from the EV industry.
- Ohio is receiving funding from industry and the government.
- Michigan is the center of the automotive industry in the US.
- Minnesota was recently crowned one of the “ Best States for Affordable EVs.”
- Wisconsin is forging ahead to support EV infrastructure.
Scroll down to read about statewide investment and incentives.
EV Registrations in Swing States
US State Average: 66,000( data)
- Florida: 231,518
- Georgia: 85,050
- Ohio: 46,128
- Michigan: 45,588
- Minnesota: 59,402
- Wisconsin: 22,776
% of EVs in Swing States
US State Average: 1.87%( data)
- Florida: 2.3%
- Georgia: 1.5%
- Ohio: 0.7%
- Michigan: 0.8%
- Minnesota: 1.0%
- Wisconsin: 0.7%
New EV Sales in Swing States
US State Average: 9.5%( data)
- Florida: 7.4%
- Georgia: 6.4%
- Ohio: 4.2%
- Michigan: 4%
- Minnesota: 6.4%
- Wisconsin: 4.3%
Average Used EV Price
US State Average: $33,866( data)
- Florida: $36,720.16
- Georgia: $37,732.96
- Ohio: $30,977.29
- Michigan: $27,944.32
- Minnesota: $31,987.10
- Wisconsin: $31,081.75
EV Variety Available
US State Average: 15( data)
- Florida: 39 (+24 models)
- Georgia: 29 (+14 models)
- Ohio: 27 (+12 models)
- Michigan: 15 (average)
- Minnesota: 15 (average)
- Wisconsin: 11 (-4 models)
Average EV Range
US Average: 94.61( Range Score)
- Florida: 94.01
- Georgia: 94.44
- Ohio: 94.41
- Michigan: 94.59
- Minnesota: 95.01
- Wisconsin: 94.78
Charging Stations by Swing State
US State Average: 1,334 stations with 3,645 level 2 and DC fast charge ports( data) On average, there are 28 EVs for every public charging port - a total of 167,213 publicly available charging outlets in the U.S.
- Florida: 3,468 stations with 10,161 level 2 and DC fast charger ports
- Georgia: 1,970 stations with 5,167 level 2 and DC fast charger ports
- Ohio: 1,657 stations with 3,946 level 2 and DC fast charger ports
- Michigan: 1,537 stations with 3,592 level 2 and DC fast charge ports
- Minnesota: 824 stations with 2,116 level 2 and DC fast charger ports
- Wisconsin: 627 stations with 1,510 level 2 and DC fast charger ports
Legislation, Incentives & Investment
Florida
Florida has the second largest EV market in the country and as recently as 2021, had auspicious plans to improve EV infrastructure in the state. However, over the past year, former Presidential hopeful, Ron DeSantis, has directed the state not to use any of the NEVI funding allocated by the federal government to build charging stations, opting to let private businesses undertake the work. This will make it much more expensive - and thus harder - for charging companies to expand in Florida.
Georgia
Georgia was a hotbed of political tension in the 2020 elections, and it promises to be a fight this year, too. It has also been a state that has benefited from at least 35 EV-related investment projects, many stemming from IRA incentives. Governor Brian Kemp has been actively courting these projects, and Georgia leads the country in the number of announced EV jobs. In fact, the EV boom is the single biggest manufacturing investment the state has ever had. Yet many Georgians on the ground say they don’t want to buy an EV - yet.
Ohio
Ohio is where the vice presidential candidate and former junior US senator, JD Vance, hails from. Although the candidate has said he would repeal available EV tax credits and implement a $7500 incentive for gas cars, the state has a wide selection of used models available at average prices. Ohio is benefiting from the EV transition with federal and private investment.
Michigan
Michigan is the unquestionable home of the US automotive industry. Jennifer Granholm, a former Michigan governor and former US Energy Secretary, has been a strong proponent of EVs. Her leadership has delivered funding and support to many domestic EV plants, including a large federal grant to revitalize the General Motors Grand River factory in 2024. Michigan has below average prices for used EVs, making it a great market for first time buyers.
Minnesota
Vice presidential hopeful Tim Walz was Minnesota’s 41st Governor, first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. His resume includes work to get Minnesota to 100% clean electricity by 2040. It was under his lead that Minnesota became a top state for EV ownership and growth, with strong incentives and laws to help drivers and owners.
Wisconsin
Up until 2024, there was a law in Wisconsin that prohibited anyone from charging for electricity by the kWh, except for utilities. This meant that public charging stations would have to charge drivers by time, rather than energy added, which would exclude public charging stations from receiving federal NEVI funding. Bipartisan support for reform foreshadows the successful adoption of EVs in the state.