The Case for EVs in Rural Areas

Many rural households could benefit from the cost savings of electric cars for everyday trips.

1 minute read

July 11, 2024, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of hand holding EV charger charging car with brick three-story house in background.

Southworks / Adobe Stock

In an article for CleanTechnica, Steve Hanley makes the argument that electric vehicles are, in fact, a logical option for rural drivers.

According to a recent report from advocacy group  Coltura, “Nearly 70% of US road miles are in rural areas, and without much public transit, it makes sense that more rural households have cars than urban ones.” Rural drivers, who make up 18.8 percent of drivers, use over a quarter of the nation’s gasoline. “Then there are the rural “superusers” who make up just 3.6% of the U.S. population but consume about 1,950 gallons of gas annually, or nearly 13% of the nation’s total gasoline consumption.”

All this adds up to high costs for drivers. Adopting electric vehicles could help rural residents save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And while some trips may not be possible with electric vehicles, many rural trips are relatively short and close to home.

The report concludes, “Focusing efforts on the transition of rural gasoline superusers to EVs can unlock significant economic benefits for rural households burdened by disproportionate fuel expenses and achieve a substantial reduction in national gasoline use. Further, increasing EV adoption by superusers in rural areas can catalyze expanded charging networks to enhance accessibility and convenience for all electric car drivers.”

Wednesday, July 3, 2024 in CleanTechnica

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

6 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

7 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today