Electric Vehicles & Rural Transportation

The rapid growth in electric vehicles (EVs) today is part of a fundamental shift in transportation that promises substantial benefits to individuals, businesses, communities, and the entire Nation. All Americans, regardless of where they live, should have the opportunity to benefit from the lower operating costs, reduced maintenance needs, and improved performance that EVs provide. Similarly, all communities—including communities of color, underserved communities, and environmental justice communities—deserve equitable access to economic opportunities and improved air quality. The Nation will benefit from the successful adoption of EVs as one important element in the Federal Government’s strategy to eliminate climate-related emissions from transportation, alongside investments in quality transit, bicycle, and pedestrian networks that give Americans real choices in how to travel.  

Value of Electric Vehicles for Rural Communities

In rural parts of the country—home to 20 percent of Americans and almost 70 percent of America’s road miles—EVs can be an especially attractive alternative to conventional vehicles. Rural residents drive more than their urban counterparts, spend more on vehicle fuel and maintenance, and often have fewer alternatives to driving to meet their transportation needs. Over the long run, EVs will help residents of rural areas reduce those costs and minimize the environmental impact of transportation in their communities. 

The Federal Government has set a goal to make half of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, and to build a convenient and equitable network of 500,000 chargers to help make EVs accessible to all Americans for both local and long-distance trips. On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also referred to as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which contains $7.5 billion in new funding for EV charging stations, makes EV charging infrastructure eligible for additional Federal funding programs, and provides funding for numerous other EV-related initiatives. This funding will benefit rural communities across the country by providing a ready source of capital for EV infrastructure projects.

Watch Secretary Buttigieg discuss the importance of electrifying rural transportation with Mayor Ty Coleman of Alamosa, CO, and Commissioner Tarryl Clark of Stearns County, MN.

Watch Secretary Buttigieg’s interview with NATV on how Tribal communities can benefit from this investment in EV infrastructure.