PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- State transportation officials are beginning to look at rolling out sections of a recharging network for electric vehicles.  Mike Behm, Director of Planning and Engineering says the focus for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure or NEVI Formula is on the state’s interstate system.

South Dakota would need 13 charging stations along the interstates to bring them to “ready” status but Behm says getting there will bring challenges, specifically with electric infrastructure.

Behm says approximately 550 surveys about electric vehicle implementation in South Dakota shows E-V owners want to see charging stations that replicate traditional convenient stores.

E-Vs are a very small proportional share of vehicles in the state at point-one-two-percent.  Behm says even with an aggressive growth projection South Dakota is not expected to see even half a percent of passenger SUV’s through 2026.