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As Arizona drivers convert to electric vehicles, charging stations get easier to find

As Valley residents look for ways to help offset climate change, they continue to make the switch to electric vehicles at a rapid rate.

Salt River Project says the conversion rate exceeds expectations.

The convenience of gassing up keeps a lot of people from converting to electric vehicles.

But charging becomes easier as more drivers make the switch, and as more charging options become available.

“"I think you’re going to see more public charging options emerge very soon, and I think the more people see that, I think that will help with adoption,” said Burrell Kilmer, of SRP.

He says says Arizona’s adoption rate has been robust compared to other states, and that the utility offers rebates for charging and tried to educate consumers about the EVs.

“Our focus is about educating, debunking various myths, getting more people exposed to EVs and some of the benefits and then providing tools and resources really to help them with the charging side of the equation,” Kilmer said.

He says the utility has set a goal to have half a million electric vehicles in its territory by 2035 and is on track to meet that goal.

Ron Dungan was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2020 to 2024.