E.V. chargers expand their U.S. range into Southern states

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 17, 2026

Businesses across the Southern United States are rapidly installing electric vehicle charging stations as EV sales and registrations surge in states like Georgia, Texas, Florida, and South Carolina. This expansion, supported by automaker investments and consumer demand driven by cost savings, marks a significant shift toward broader EV adoption and infrastructure growth in a region historically less associated with electric vehicles.

A growing number of businesses in the Southern United States are installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations as the region experiences a rapid expansion in electric vehicle sales and infrastructure. While EV ownership has traditionally been linked to coastal urban centers, states such as Georgia, Texas, Florida, and South Carolina are seeing significant growth in both electric vehicle registrations and charging station installations.

In Savannah, Georgia, a Bojangles restaurant recently added EV chargers to its parking lot, joining other businesses that aim to attract electric vehicle drivers by offering charging access alongside their regular services. Richard Del Valle, Bojangles’s chief information officer, noted that the company recognized a portion of its customers were EV owners, prompting the installation of these chargers to meet customer demand.

Data from industry analysts indicates that Georgia saw a 29 percent increase in available charging ports compared with the previous year, with similar growth occurring throughout the Southern states. Texas and Florida rank just behind California and Illinois in the number of newly installed charging stations in the second quarter of the year. South Carolina also posted significant percentage growth in chargers, ranking third nationally.

Automakers are investing heavily in the region as well. Hyundai operates a major plant near Savannah, producing Ioniq electric models as well as battery components in partnership with LG Energy Solution. Mercedes-Benz manufactures its EQS and EQE electric SUVs in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, while BMW recently announced plans to produce an electric version of its X5 SUV in Spartanburg, South Carolina. These investments have received support from state and local officials, including South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who emphasized the economic benefits of such developments.

Charging infrastructure is often integrated with existing businesses where customers can spend the time needed to recharge. For example, Buc-ee’s travel centers in Texas and Florida, known for their food offerings, have installed Mercedes-Benz high-powered chargers at 28 locations. Madeline Ebert, senior director of product management at the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, stressed the importance of providing amenities that allow EV owners to use charging time productively.

Consumers in the South cite economic factors as a significant motivation for EV ownership. Clyde Campbell of Savannah, who operates a transportation service using a Volkswagen ID.Buzz electric van, noted substantial savings on fuel costs compared to his former gasoline-powered vehicle. Similarly, Southern electric utilities are promoting EV adoption through rebates and discounted nighttime charging rates, encouraging owners to recharge during off-peak hours to ease grid management.

Despite political debates surrounding electric vehicle incentives at the federal level, consumer demand in Southern states appears driven largely by practical considerations, including cost savings and increasing model availability. Automakers and businesses are responding by expanding charging networks to support current owners and attract new customers, signaling broader acceptance and infrastructure development for electric vehicles throughout the traditionally conservative region.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.