Charging Forward
By now, it’s clear: the future of driving is electric. But in Greater Cincinnati, that future is arriving with a deliberate hum rather than a lightning bolt. While cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are racing ahead with widespread EV adoption and high-powered infrastructure, Cincinnati is choosing a measured, strategic path—one that’s quietly gathering momentum, bolstered by regional investments and a strong municipal vision.
And frankly, it’s about time.
Why the Need for EVs Is Urgent
Electric vehicles aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity. They’re a response to worsening air quality, a tool for fighting climate change, and a way to reduce our dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. As battery technology improves and costs come down, EVs are more attainable than ever. Add in rising gas prices and federal incentives, and it’s no longer just the environmentally conscious early adopters driving this shift—it’s everyday drivers who want reliable, affordable, future-forward transportation.
Where Cincinnati Stands Now
As of 2022, Ohio had around 24,500 registered EVs. While Cincinnati’s individual contribution isn’t broken out, the city has made it clear it’s committed to electrification. Back in 2017, Cincinnati passed a forward-thinking rule requiring all publicly funded parking garages to include EV chargers—starting at 1% of spaces, with room to expand to 5%. It was a small but symbolic move, one that signaled that EVs weren’t a trend—they were the plan.
Since then, the region has kicked things into gear. In 2024 alone, the city added 18 electric vehicles to its municipal fleet, bringing the total to 60 EVs and 9 plug-in hybrids. That’s not just progress—it’s a promise, especially considering the city’s goal of transitioning its entire fleet to electric by 2035. Mechanics are being trained. Charging hubs are being built. The future isn’t waiting—it’s being planned for.
Charging Ahead: Infrastructure Investments
One of the biggest challenges for any city looking to support EVs is infrastructure. Without enough places to charge, adoption stagnates. Fortunately, Cincinnati’s approach is no longer just incremental—it’s transformative.
Thanks to the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI), Greater Cincinnati is receiving a major boost in 2024 with $11.1 million earmarked for 43 new EV charging stations. These aren’t just going to downtown garages—they’re spreading to places like Hamilton and Middletown, ensuring suburban and exurban areas aren’t left behind.
Add to that an additional $3.2 million awarded to Anderson Township, Boone County, and others, and it’s clear: this is a region investing not just in chargers, but in confidence. EV owners shouldn’t have to plan their day around a power outlet, and with these changes, they won’t have to.
Cincinnati vs. Other Cities
Compared to smaller towns, Cincinnati is doing well. Rural areas face obvious challenges—less population density, fewer funds, and slower infrastructure rollout. But even when placed next to other medium-sized cities like Columbus (which had about 2% of new car sales being EVs as of 2018), Cincinnati holds its own.
Of course, larger cities are ahead. They benefit from economies of scale, aggressive incentives, and denser networks of public and private chargers. San Francisco had a 3.33% EV market share a decade ago. But the goal isn’t to match their pace—it’s to make progress that works for our community’s unique geography, economy, and needs.
A Post-Tesla Market
And then there’s the elephant in the showroom: Tesla. For years, Tesla was the name in EVs. Cutting-edge, aspirational, and—for many—attainable thanks to falling prices and wide availability. But with the company’s founder now a lightning rod of political controversy, many Cincinnatians are rethinking whether a Tesla badge fits their values.
The good news? There’s never been a better time to consider other options.
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E led non-Tesla EV sales in 2024, with over 51,000 units sold. It’s sporty, smart, and unmistakably American. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, with its sleek design and tech-forward interior, moved over 44,000 units. Ford’s F-150 Lightning brings EV power to the truck-loving Midwest, while GM is turning heads with the Cadillac Lyriq and the Chevrolet Equinox and Blazer EVs. Even newcomers like Rivian are making waves with the rugged R1S SUV.
This isn't a Tesla world anymore. It’s an electric one.
Where We’re Going
Cincinnati’s EV journey is one of deliberate progress—and real potential. With a goal of full municipal electrification by 2035, an expanding network of public and private chargers, and regional coordination supported by programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grant, the pieces are falling into place.
Yes, there’s work to be done. Public awareness, incentives, and equity in infrastructure development must remain top priorities. But this is no longer a conversation about “if” EVs will take off here—it’s about how we continue to accelerate their adoption without leaving anyone behind.
The road is long, but in Cincinnati, we’ve got our foot on the pedal. And increasingly, that pedal is electric.