Futuristic city with electric vehicles and charging stations.

Electric Vehicle Charging: Are We Really Ready for the EV Revolution?

Theo Raines in Tech & Innovation December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research reveals a surprising gap in EV infrastructure and a roadmap to a greener future."

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is gaining momentum, driven by the promise of cleaner transportation and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. As EVs become more affordable and technologically advanced, consumer interest is soaring. However, a significant hurdle remains: the availability of sufficient charging infrastructure to support widespread EV adoption.

A recent study published by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and the Santa Fe Institute sheds new light on this critical issue. By applying scaling analysis, a method traditionally used to understand complex systems, the researchers have uncovered a surprising trend in the deployment of EV chargers and proposed a roadmap to address the looming infrastructure gap.

This article delves into the study's findings, exploring the concept of super-linear scaling in EV infrastructure, its implications for future development, and the steps needed to ensure a smooth transition to an all-electric transportation ecosystem. We'll break down the complex data and offer insights relevant to everyday EV enthusiasts and those considering making the switch.

The Unexpected Math of EV Chargers: Why More Isn't Always Enough

Futuristic city with electric vehicles and charging stations.

The study's core finding revolves around the concept of "scaling analysis," a method used to examine how infrastructure needs change in relation to population size. Typically, infrastructure like roads and gas stations exhibits sub-linear scaling, meaning that as a population grows, the infrastructure doesn't need to increase at the same rate. This is because of efficiencies gained through density and optimized resource allocation.

However, the researchers discovered that EV charger deployment currently follows a super-linear scaling pattern. This means that the number of EV chargers is increasing faster than the population in certain areas. This seemingly positive trend actually points to a critical imbalance.

Sub-linear Scaling: Infrastructure increases at a slower rate than population growth (e.g., gas stations).
Super-linear Scaling: Infrastructure increases at a faster rate than population growth (currently, EV chargers).
The Implication: Super-linear scaling suggests that EV chargers are concentrated in specific areas, potentially neglecting other regions and creating accessibility issues.

The researchers argue that this super-linear scaling indicates the relative infancy of EV charging infrastructure. While gas stations are strategically placed to maximize efficiency over a mature network, EV chargers are currently driven by social adoption dynamics, concentrated in areas with early EV adopters rather than reflecting true needs across the population. The study emphasizes that EV charging networks need to mature beyond simply targeting early adopters.

Bridging the Gap: A Roadmap for EV Infrastructure Development

The study offers a crucial roadmap for addressing the EV infrastructure gap, advocating for a shift towards strategic deployment based on power delivery needs rather than simply responding to social trends. By estimating the EV infrastructure gap at the county level, the researchers provide a framework for targeted expansion.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad341,

Title: Super-Linear Scaling Behavior For Electric Vehicle Chargers And Road Map To Addressing The Infrastructure Gap

Subject: econ.em cs.sy eess.sy

Authors: Alexius Wadell, Matthew Guttenberg, Christopher P. Kempes, Venkatasubramanian Viswanathan

Published: 06-04-2022

Everything You Need To Know

What is the main problem identified with the current EV charging infrastructure?

The main problem is that the current EV charging infrastructure is lagging behind the increasing popularity of electric vehicles. A study reveals that the number of EV chargers is increasing at a super-linear rate compared to the population in certain areas, creating an imbalance and potential accessibility issues. This concentration contrasts with the more efficient, sub-linear scaling observed in infrastructure like gas stations.

What does 'super-linear scaling' mean in the context of EV chargers, and why is it a concern?

Super-linear scaling in the context of EV chargers means that the number of chargers is increasing faster than the population growth in specific areas. This is a concern because it suggests that the chargers are not being deployed strategically to meet the needs of the entire population. Instead, they are often concentrated in areas with high social adoption, potentially neglecting other regions and creating access challenges for a broader range of EV drivers. It contrasts with sub-linear scaling seen in other infrastructure types like gas stations, where growth is more proportionate to population needs.

How does the study suggest improving the EV charging infrastructure?

The study suggests a shift towards strategic deployment based on power delivery needs rather than simply responding to social trends. It advocates for a framework that estimates the EV infrastructure gap at the county level, allowing for targeted expansion. The goal is to move beyond simply catering to early adopters and create a more balanced and accessible charging network for all EV owners.

What is the difference between sub-linear and super-linear scaling in infrastructure, and what examples were given?

Sub-linear scaling means that infrastructure increases at a slower rate than population growth, which is often seen with gas stations due to efficiencies gained through density and optimized resource allocation. Super-linear scaling means that infrastructure increases at a faster rate than population growth, which is currently observed with EV chargers. This super-linear scaling suggests that EV chargers are concentrated in specific areas due to social adoption dynamics, potentially creating accessibility issues and not meeting the needs of the entire population.

Why is the current super-linear scaling of EV chargers a sign of the infrastructure's 'infancy'?

The super-linear scaling of EV chargers is considered a sign of the infrastructure's 'infancy' because it indicates that the deployment is still driven by social adoption dynamics, rather than a mature, strategically planned network. Unlike gas stations, which benefit from years of optimization and strategic placement, EV chargers are currently concentrated in areas with early EV adopters. As the market matures, the study suggests a move towards a more balanced deployment strategy that considers the actual power delivery needs across different regions to ensure wider accessibility and a more efficient charging network.