LeasePlan USA released the results of its first USA EV Readiness Index, a comprehensive analysis of the preparedness of all 50 states and the District of Columbia for electric vehicle transition. While LeasePlan has published an annual European version of the index since 2018, the USA index ranks states on a weighted scale based on five unique factors, including favorable state legislation and incentives, EV penetration, charger to vehicle ratio, public charger availability and climate suitability.

Unlike other EV studies, LeasePlan USA assessed the balance of EVs and public chargers instead of evaluating cost of charging and cost parity between battery electric vehicles and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Forecasts for this cost equilibrium shorten yearly, and climate has proven to be an increasingly important factor in the EV transition.

As part of the study, LeasePlan calculated a readiness score by state. In 2022, data showed that Nevada, Mississippi and Hawaii are the best prepared states for electric vehicle transition. All three states have a welcoming climate for EVs, with Nevada and Mississippi also providing a reasonable amount of public charging stations whereas Hawaii already has begun integrating EVs into its overall vehicle market.

“Although the states that rose to the top in this year’s index are surprising, it’s clear that individual states are making progress towards a greater adoption of electric vehicles,” said Matt Dyer, CEO of LeasePlan USA. “Public charging infrastructure and meaningful federal policies are critical to taking EV adoption from aspirational to attainable in the US.”

No states are ranked in the top bracket for readiness, and the top three states crept into the second rating bracket of EV accepted. States that ranked highest are better prepared than others while in lower ranked states drivers might encounter more challenges. This study shows that there is ample room for improvement across the Unites States. These rankings incorporate the fluidity of the transition to electric vehicles and growth of the market and will shift as the EV landscape evolves.

Cold environments are not yet ideal for EV operation due to the impact low temperatures have on driving range, charging speed and duration. On average, states that experience colder weather need to take additional measures in their EV transition efforts to secure a successful transition.