Cape's EV Infrastructure Lacking

"I have introduced a resolution to the Assembly urging the County Government to write a letter to our state and federal authorities to direct some of the abundant infrastructure funds that are now available... to direct a small portion of those funds to developing fast chargers in Barnstable County..."

— Terry Gallagher

Eastham Delegate, Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates

Does Cape Cod Have EV Chargers?

07 December 2023 - EASTHAM, MA - Cape Cod's economy depends on tourists ... who increasingly arrive in electric vehicles (EVs). But the Cape lacks the needed infrastructure to support those vehicle, which raises the question: can the region remain competitive without investment in chargers? 

Advocates say the region lacks any meaningful installed base of chargers, period. The area offers only a scattering of Level 2 chargers, three Tesla fast charger stations, and a single fast charger station for all other EVs. On the outer and lower cape, the Tesla charging station in Orleans represents the only fast charging option in an otherwise fast charger desert.

Does Cape Cod Need EV Chargers?

Driving from one end of the Cape to the other - from Falmouth to Provincetown - falls on the agenda of many visitors. But taking on the the 140-plus miles (or more with side excursions!) without easy-to-find charging options along the way pushes the comfort levels of the typical EV driver.

Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Niedzwiecki said that during the past two summers the chamber has received inquires about charging availability- and that the region needs more chargers in the right locations as soon as possible. Eastham Delegate to the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates Terry Gallagher was even more blunt, asking the unaskable question: if the region is serious about tourism, will it take steps to ensure investment in EV infrastructure happens?

What was filed at Assembly regarding EV charging infrastructure?

Gallagher triggered the political process for infrastructure investment with a resolution asking the County Government to make a formal request for infrastructure funding, stressing how critical the investment is for the largest economic segment of the region.

What has been done to address the EV charging infrastructure issue?

In addition to the political side of the conversation, the Cape Cod Commission has begun working on the issue. Beginning in 2019 it developed maps to track potential charger locations and created a model by-law for EV charger siting. It has also been urging communities to look at where different types of chargers make the most sense, explore how charging stations and community goals intersect.  

More coverage about EV issues on Cape Cod:

• EVs Strut Their Stuff
• Grant Helps Regional Plans for Microgrid
• Greenlight for Carbon-free Flight