A new report reveals which U.S. states are powering ahead—and which are stalling out—in the race toward electric mobility.
Key takeaways
- The Northeast remains the most EV-friendly region in the U.S.
- Delaware ranks first again as the top state for EV ownership.
- Alaska is the most difficult state for EV owners.
- Alabama, Kentucky, Iowa, and New Mexico show major improvements in EV readiness.
Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle? Your experience as an EV owner could dramatically differ depending on where you live. The newly released HERE-SBD EV Index 2025 reveals stark contrasts between states, with some offering world-class charging infrastructure while others leave drivers stranded with limited options.
What Are the Best US States to Own an EV?
The Northeast continues its dominance as the most EV-friendly region in America. According to the 2025 rankings, the top five states for electric vehicle owners are:
- Delaware (Index Score: 73.5)
- Washington, D.C. (Index Score: 67.6)
- New Jersey (Index Score: 66.2)
- New York (Index Score: 65.7)
- Massachusetts (Index Score: 63.7)
Delaware claims the top spot for another consecutive year, maintaining its position as America’s premier destination for EV owners. While the First State doesn’t lead in any single category, it excels across all key metrics evaluated by the index.
Rounding out the top ten are Nevada (63.2), Vermont (63.2), Connecticut (62.7), California (61.8), and Maine (59.3). These states demonstrate that a strong commitment to EV infrastructure creates a superior ownership experience.
Why Are These States Good for EV Owners?
The HERE-SBD EV Index evaluates states based on four critical factors that directly impact the EV ownership experience:
1. Charging Station Density
Top-ranked states offer significantly more public charging stations per mile of road. This means EV drivers rarely need to worry about range anxiety or planning elaborate routes around charging stops. In Delaware and the surrounding Northeast corridor, drivers can find chargers conveniently located along major highways and in urban centers.
2. Fast-Charging Capability
Not all chargers are created equal. Leading states have invested heavily in high-powered fast-charging technology, which can replenish an EV’s battery in minutes rather than hours. This infrastructure makes long-distance travel practical and reduces the time drivers spend waiting at charging stations.
3. EV Adoption Rates
States with higher EV adoption demonstrate strong consumer confidence and typically offer better state-level incentives, more dealership options, and greater public awareness. Delaware scored an impressive 23 out of 25 points for EV fleet share, indicating that electric vehicles represent a substantial portion of registered vehicles on the road.
4. Charger Availability
Having chargers is one thing, but having enough chargers relative to the number of EVs on the road is equally important. The best states maintain favorable ratios of public chargers to registered EVs, reducing competition for charging spots and wait times during peak hours.
What States Are the Worst for EV Owners?
If you’re considering an EV purchase, you might want to think twice if you live in these bottom-ranked states:
- Alaska (Index Score: 19.6)
- Idaho (Index Score: 34.8)
- Arkansas (Index Score: 35.8)
- Minnesota (Index Score: 38.2)
- Kansas (Index Score: 40.2)
Alaska presents the most challenging environment for EV ownership in the entire nation. The state’s vast distances, extreme weather conditions, and limited charging infrastructure create significant obstacles. Previous reports have noted that as many as 20% of chargers in Alaska were out of order at various times, adding frustration to an already difficult situation.
Other states struggling with EV infrastructure include Nebraska (38.7), Kansas (40.2), Mississippi (42.2), Missouri (42.2), and Wisconsin (42.6). These states typically suffer from sparse charging networks, longer distances between chargers, and slower charging speeds.
Regional Trends and Notable Improvements
While the Northeast maintains its leadership position, some states are making impressive strides in EV readiness:
Alabama’s Dramatic Rise: The state surged from 31st place in 2023 to 13th in 2025, primarily due to significant investments in fast-charging technology. This 18-position jump demonstrates how strategic infrastructure improvements can rapidly transform a state’s EV landscape.
Kentucky’s Major Leap: Rising from 45th to 28th place, Kentucky has made substantial progress through aggressive installation of high-powered charging stations.
Iowa and New Mexico: Both states added 300 or more new public charging points, showing commitment to expanding EV infrastructure.
The Infrastructure Gap: A Growing Concern
Despite progress in some areas, the HERE-SBD EV Index reveals a troubling reality: infrastructure growth is not keeping pace with consumer needs and electrification goals. The United States added 37,000 new charging points last year, representing 19% growth. However, more than half of Americans still express reluctance to purchase an EV, primarily citing inadequate charging infrastructure and higher purchase prices.
This infrastructure gap varies dramatically by region. While European countries added 245,000 public charging points in the same period, the United States continues to lag behind in total charging availability, despite making gains in charging speed technology.
What This Means for Prospective EV Buyers
For consumers considering an electric vehicle purchase, location matters more than ever. Living in a top-ranked state means:
- Reduced range anxiety with abundant charging options
- Shorter charging times thanks to fast-charging technology
- Better resale values due to higher EV adoption
- Access to state-level incentives and rebates
- More competitive EV selection at dealerships
Conversely, residents of lower-ranked states may face:
- Limited charging infrastructure requiring careful trip planning
- Longer wait times and potential charger unavailability
- Higher likelihood of encountering non-functioning chargers
- Fewer dealership options and test-drive opportunities
- Reduced state-level financial incentives
The Road Ahead
As the automotive industry continues its transition toward electrification, the disparities between states highlight the urgent need for coordinated infrastructure investment. Federal programs and state initiatives will play crucial roles in closing these gaps and ensuring that all Americans can confidently make the switch to electric vehicles.
For now, EV ownership remains a tale of two Americas: one where charging infrastructure supports widespread adoption, and another where prospective buyers must carefully weigh the challenges against the environmental and long-term cost benefits.
Whether you’re already an EV owner or considering joining the electric revolution, understanding your state’s ranking can help you make informed decisions about vehicle purchases, route planning, and advocacy for improved infrastructure in your community.