Electric Vehicles: Our Regional Advantage
Electric vehicles are a growing part of our region's transportation ecosystem.
In January of 2025, 6.31% of all new vehicles registered in the Columbus Region were electric (EVs or Plug-In Electric Hybrids) Since 2015, the Columbus Region has seen a 1200% growth in EV adoption, outpacing total EV registrations among Ohio cities. Local EV demand mirror national trends. Domestic sales across the country grew by 15% last year with major automotive manufactures now offering more than 100 different electric vehicle models to choose from.
Yet this isn’t simply about technological change or positive environmental impact.
Transportation innovation is about:
Creating high-value jobs and attracting & expanding advanced manufacturing investments
Providing cost-effective mobility solutions for residents and businesses
Preparing transportation infrastructure for regional growth and mobility trends
Enhancing regional economic resilience and energy security
High-value jobs & manufacturing growth
Consumer choice is naturally driving EV adoption. Ohio manufacturers are rising to the demand. Our state is home to the second-largest automotive vehicle and parts manufacturing workforce in the nation. To date, EV and battery manufacturing has added $7B in investment and over 6,000+ jobs in the state.
Companies like Honda have already invested $5 billion in electrified mobility research, production, and infrastructure. 67% of their vehicles are built in the US. Additionally, Intel's new semiconductor factory will support EV production with critical components, creating an estimated 3,000 additional jobs. Battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution has established a facility in Grove City, employing 850 workers. This commitment to domestic production helps insulate our region from some international trade fluctuations while creating sustainable local jobs and economic growth.
Consumer benefits and cost-savings
While jobs and manufacturing growth is important, equally so are benefits to the drivers themselves. The average cost to charge an EV at home from empty in Ohio is $11.42. As of April 17, 2025 the average cost of a gallon of regular gas is $3.10 in the state of Ohio. To fill a 15-gallon tank it would cost a driver $46.50. That’s an increase of over 300% to fully ‘fuel up.’ Typical drivers of EV see annual fuel savings of approximately $1,600. The US Department of Energy offers a quick fuel savings calculator to calculate the savings for specific vehicles.
The average new vehicle purchase in the United States is $49,740. This exceeds the price of many electrified models. Falling battery costs and lower maintenance expenses make EVs increasingly affordable—often matching or undercutting gas-powered vehicles over a four-year lifespan. Not to mention EVs emit no harmful tailpipe emissions, reducing the health impacts of air pollution.
Improving infrastructure for the future
The City of Columbus has been on top of this EV trend since the beginning. We are strategically developing an end-to-end electric vehicle ecosystem, positioning ourselves as a national leader in mobility innovation.
Our approach focuses on:
Strategic infrastructure and economic development
Workforce training and talent attraction
Leveraging local research and testing assets
Maintaining a competitive edge in emerging technologies
The City of Columbus passed an EV Readiness Ordinance to accelerate the deployment of EV charging stations and prepare for future infrastructure needs. Since 2023, Columbus has installed 147 public charging stations across the city, with another 85 planned for completion by December 2025.
Key locations include:
Downtown parking garages (42 stations)
Shopping centers and grocery stores (38 stations)
Public parks and recreation areas (29 stations)
Municipal buildings and libraries (23 stations)
Workplace charging hubs (15 stations)
As of January 1, 2024 a percentage of any newly constructed parking spaces must be “EV Capable,” meaning they have the electrical conduit necessary to install a charging station in the future. Installing this capability during construction saves 75% in cost compared to retrofitting. It also helps meet the goal of maintaining a 10:1 public charger-to-EV ratio to support this boom in growth.
Ride & Drive - come experience EVs firsthand
Since 2017, Smart Columbus has been hosting Ride & Drives across the region. A Ride & Drive is a hands-on experiential education event showcasing innovations in advanced mobility options across the Columbus Region. Participants can test drive the newest electrified vehicles in a no-sales environment and learn about transportation options from micro-mobility to mass transit.
Moving Forward: What This Means for Columbus
The growth of electric vehicles in Columbus represents more than a transportation trend—it's a transformative economic opportunity for our region. Columbus has positioned itself at the forefront of this transition, ensuring our community benefits economically while contributing to a more resilient future.