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EV Readiness Index Study shows which U.S. States are most prepared for an electrified future

LeasePlan USACredit: Tesla

Published

3 years ago

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Perhaps one of the most crucial parts of the transition to electric vehicles as a nation is each state’s ability to commit to an electrified future. As some areas were quick to adapt to EVs due to their geographic location in relation to the most innovative companies, others are well off the pace and are possibly years away from being even remotely prepared. A new survey that reveals the EV Readiness Index, a 1-5 ranking in several factors that effectively grades a state’s preparedness for an electrified future, shows that many states are on their way, only a few are ready, and several are nowhere close.

LeasePlan USA, a self-proclaimed “Car-as-a-Service” company, released the results of its EV Readiness Index study in the United States. All fifty states, including Washington DC, were assessed.

The Index ranks each state on a weighted scale, scoring between 1 and 5 points based on five factors: favorable state legislation and incentives, EV penetration, Charger-to-Vehicle ratio, public charger availability, and climate suitability. States with scores between 20 and 25 were considered to be “EV Ready,” while between 15 and 19.9 points were labeled “EV Accepted.” Between 10 and 14.9 points would be graded “EV Progressive,” while the worst states, which scored anything less than 10 points, were recognized as “Least EV Ready.”

The study recognized three states as the most prepared: Nevada, Mississippi, and Hawaii “mainly due to top scores in climate suitability, but also reporting better than average scores in charger suitability,” the study said. However, no state scored between 20 and 25 points, constituting it “EV Ready.”

LeasePlan USA

The least ready states were Idaho, Alaska, and Minnesota, which scored only 1 out of a possible 5 points in climate suitability, EV penetration, and Charger-to-Vehicle ratio. Idaho and Alaska also scored poorly in state legislation and incentives that would promote EV ownership.

Surprisingly, California was only considered “EV Progressive,” with its score being 14.5 points. It scored a perfect 5 out of 5 in terms of EV penetration as it has a 2.99 percent market share of electric vehicles in the overall passenger vehicle market. Hawaii at 2.20 percent and Washington at 1.80 percent joined California as the states with the best EV penetration. Mississippi, North Dakota, and West Virginia were the states with the worst EV penetration, scoring 0.09 percent, 0.10 percent, and 0.11 percent, respectively.

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Only two states scored above 2 points in the Laws & Incentives portion of the study: California with a perfect 5 and New York with 3. California has a whopping 134 forms of legislation or purchasing incentives favorable to EVs, while New York has 42. “A great example from California is the Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Rebates for Fleet Vehicles offered by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). SMUD offers rebates to businesses for the purchase of new commercial light-, medium-, and heavy-duty PEVs, ranging from $750 per vehicle for Class 1-2b and passenger vehicles, up to $15,000 per vehicle for Class 8 assets,” the study states.

All Fifty States and Washington D.C. Ranked

Each state will be listed in order by score from high to low, followed by a dash. The next five numbers will coordinate with the scores from 1-5 in the following categories: Law & Incentives, EV Penetration, Charger-to-Vehicle ratio, Charger Availability, and Climate Suitability.

  1. Nevada – 15.50 – 2, 2, 1, 3, 5
  2. Mississippi – 15.0 – 1, 1, 3, 3, 5
  3. Hawaii – 15.0 – 1, 3, 1, 2, 5
  4. Massachusetts – 14.50 – 2, 2, 2, 4, 3
  5. California – 14.50 – 5, 3, 1, 1, 5
  6. North Carolina – 14.25 – 2, 1, 1, 3, 5
  7. South Carolina – 14.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 5
  8. Alabama – 14.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 5
  9. Georgia 14.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 5
  10. Louisiana – 14.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 5
  11. Arizona – 14.00 – 2, 2, 1, 2, 5
  12. Missouri – 13.50 – 1, 1, 3, 4, 3
  13. New York – 13.50 – 3, 1, 2, 4, 3
  14. Wyoming – 13.00 – 1, 1, 5, 3, 3
  15. Washington D.C. – 12.75 – 1, 2, 2, 3, 3
  16. Texas – 12.75 – 2, 1, 1, 2, 5
  17. West Virginia – 12.50 – 1, 1, 4, 3, 3
  18. Colorado – 12.50 – 2, 2, 1, 3, 3
  19. Tennessee – 12.50 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 4
  20. Florida – 12.50 – 1, 1, 1, 2, 5
  21. Utah – 12.25 – 1, 2, 1, 3, 3
  22. Kansas – 12.00 – 1, 1, 3, 3, 3
  23. Maine – 12.00 – 1, 1, 3, 3, 3
  24. Rhode Island – 12.00 – 1, 1, 3, 3, 3
  25. Arkansas – 12.00 – 1, 1, 3, 3, 3
  26. Iowa – 11.50 – 1, 1, 2, 3, 3
  27. Oklahoma – 11.50 – 1, 1, 2, 3, 3
  28. Connecticut – 11.25 – 2, 1, 1, 3, 3
  29. Maryland – 11.25 – 2, 1, 1, 3, 3
  30. Virginia – 11.25 – 2, 1, 1, 3, 3
  31. Michigan – 11.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3 ,3
  32. Ohio – 11.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 3
  33. Nebraska – 11.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3 ,3
  34. Indiana – 11.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 3
  35. Pennsylvania – 11.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 3
  36. New Hampshire – 11.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 3
  37. Delaware – 11.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 3
  38. Kentucky – 11.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 3
  39. New Mexico – 11.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 3
  40. New Jersey – 11.00 – 2, 2, 1, 2, 3
  41. Oregon – 11.00 – 2, 2, 1, 2, 3
  42. Washington – 11.00 – 2, 2, 1, 2, 3
  43. Vermont – 10.50 – 2, 2, 3, 3, 1
  44. North Dakota – 10.00 – 1, 1, 5, 3, 1
  45. Illinois – 9.50 – 1, 1, 1, 2, 3
  46. South Dakota – 9.00 – 1, 1, 3, 3, 1
  47. Montana – 8.50 – 1, 1, 2, 3, 1
  48. Wisconsin – 8.25 – 2, 1, 1, 3, 1
  49. Minnesota – 8.25 – 2, 1, 1, 3, 1
  50. Alaska – 8.00 – 1, 1, 1, 3, 1
  51. Idaho – 8.00 – 1,1, 1, 3, 1

I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.

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Joey has been a journalist covering electric mobility at TESLARATI since August 2019. In his spare time, Joey is playing golf, watching MMA, or cheering on any of his favorite sports teams, including the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, Miami Heat, Washington Capitals, and Penn State Nittany Lions. You can get in touch with joey at joey@teslarati.com. He is also on X @KlenderJoey. If you're looking for great Tesla accessories, check out shop.teslarati.com

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Tesla appears to be mulling a Cyber SUV design

In a new video titled “Sustainable Abundance,” Tesla was showing the Cybercab clay models being autonomously molded. In the back, there are very clearly several models of a Cybertruck-inspired SUV:

Published

15 hours ago

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September 1, 2025

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla appears to be mulling a Cyber SUV design, which would encapsulate the stainless steel exoskeleton of the Cybertruck but with elements of an SUV.

The company has been hearing from consumers and fans for some time that it is in need of a full-size SUV in its lineup.

Tesla is missing one type of vehicle in its lineup and fans want it fast

The Model X is more compact than what people are looking for, and although the company has said its focus for some time would be on developing affordable models and the Cybercab, which only enables two-passenger travel, it appears that it may be considering other options.

In a new video titled “Sustainable Abundance,” Tesla was showing the Cybercab clay models being autonomously molded. In the back, there are very clearly several models of a Cybertruck-inspired SUV:

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This would not be the first time Tesla has placed projects it is developing in the back of a promotional video, as it did something similar when it was unveiling the improvements it made to the new Model Y earlier this year.

It appeared to show two new body styles sitting in the back under car covers:

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There are two things that could prevent this from becoming a future, developed product that reaches the market. One of them seems to be a definitive no, but Tesla’s plans could certainly change, especially given the strong push from fans for this type of vehicle.

Tesla said it wouldn’t build a Stainless Steel exoskeleton vehicle again

Tesla said in its Q4 2024 Shareholder Deck that Cybertruck’s stainless steel exoskeleton would not be used in future vehicles in the top line:

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This seems like a definitive no in terms of developing an SUV based on Cybertruck’s aesthetics. However, that could always change.

Tesla’s main focus in autonomy currently

Developing an SUV of this size has been previously dismissed by Tesla, as its focus is on autonomy, AI, and robotics. However, it will still need to develop attractive and useful vehicles that address a large market, and the United States has a strong affinity for SUVs and crossovers.

It seems totally feasible that Tesla could bring this type of vehicle to market to appease the many fans who have called for the company to build it. Tesla has not committed to anything at this point, which is the most important thing to remember.

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Tesla receives European Ecolabel (EMAS) seal for Giga Berlin-Brandenburg

The EMAS seal highlights Tesla’s existing environmental measures in the facility.

Published

22 hours ago

on

September 1, 2025

By

Credit: Tesla/X

Tesla has been awarded the European Ecolabel (EMAS) seal for Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg. 

The EMAS seal highlights Tesla’s existing environmental measures in the facility, such as extensive reforestation efforts and reduced water usage. It also emphasizes Tesla’s commitment to improve its environmental initiatives.

Giga Berlin’s environmental initiatives

The EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) seal is a long-term environmental management system that focuses on compliance with regulations and improving environmental performance, as noted in a Tagesspiegel report.

Plant manager André Thierig noted that Tesla has already planted over 2 million trees to replace the trees that have been felled to make way for Giga Berlin. Tesla is also targeting an additional 5 to 15 MW peak solar capacity this year to make the plant more sustainable. “We will continue to promote photovoltaics in the future,” he said.

Giga Berlin’s consumption and energy use

In 2024, Giga Berlin consumed about 419,503 MWh of energy, with electricity accounting for more than half, followed by natural gas. The facility is looking to lower natural gas use by redirecting the use of process heating water via waste heat. Water consumption was listed at 2.16 cubic meters per vehicle, significantly below the industry average of 3.5.

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This year, Tesla Giga Berlin is looking to recycle 90% of the Model Y plant’s process wastewater. Around 11,000 employees currently work at Giga Berlin, which produces 5,000 vehicles per week or roughly 250,000 units annually.

Certification welcomed but not without criticism

The EMAS program requires companies to disclose resource use, emissions, and improvement plans. Over 40 companies in Brandenburg have EMAS certification.

Brandenburg’s Environment Minister Minister Hanka Mittelstädt (SPD) described Tesla as a role model for the region. “Everything is public, and that also creates a certain amount of trust,” she said, noting that Tesla is a “beacon” in the industry.

Monique Zweig, Managing Director of the East Brandenburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), shared her optimism in a comment to rbb24. “At Tesla, you can see that climate goals go hand in hand with industry,” Zweig stated.

Unsurprisingly, local activists expressed skepticism. The Association for Nature and Landscape in Brandenburg, which is against Tesla, questioned whether the certification could be used as “greenwashing.”

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The group also alleged that the certificate could pave the way for weaker oversight for the EV maker. “The seal is ‘greenwashing’ to portray the company as more environmentally friendly,” spokesperson Steffen Schorcht noted.

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I traded my ICE vehicle for a Tesla Model Y: here’s how it went

After working at Teslarati for six years and covering the EV space nearly every single day (I recently published my 5,000th article on here), I figured it was time to make a switch.

Published

23 hours ago

on

September 1, 2025

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I recently decided, after a variety of things, that I was going to trade in my internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle for a new Tesla Model Y. It was a long time coming.

After working at Teslarati for six years and covering the EV space nearly every single day (I recently published my 5,000th article on here), I figured it was time to make a switch. Over the past few years, there have been days when I would have been better off with an EV, but my Summer and Winter activities, as well as the price, kept me from making the switch.

Recently, I decided that it was time. My 2021 Ford Bronco Sport had been experiencing a number of issues, none major, but numerous sensor replacements. It was an affordable and fun car, but after fixing the Tire Pressure Monitoring System in the front right tire, an EVAP switch valve in the motor two months ago, and some other things, the Bronco became more of a chore (and a drain on my wallet) than anything.

With the timing of the $7,500 tax credit expiring and a substantial amount of positive equity in my Bronco, I knew it was time. My experience was excellent, but I would like to share some insights with our readers about the entire process, which may also help you make the jump. Others were more of a one-time thing, as they were things customers would only deal with as the tax credit went away.

My Decision

I knew I was going to get a Tesla, and my inability to enjoy a good sedan steered me to a Model Y (no hate toward the Model 3, it’s just not for me). I knew with the weather in Pennsylvania, all-wheel drive was a need, and the price difference between the rear-wheel-drive and AWD configurations of the Y made it a no-brainer.

Plus, I really would like to get this thing out on the beach, something I’ve done every Summer since buying the Bronco with my Fiancè.

I actually ordered this car back in June, but ended up canceling the reservation to wait until the end of Summer. I ended up ordering the car I took delivery of on Saturday back on my birthday on August 16.

I was looking for Diamond Black with White Interior, and it was available in Pittsburgh for delivery. However, I really love the team at Tesla Mechanicsburg, so I opted to do a Black on Black Model Y that was a Fremont build, so I could pick it up from the guys up there. The interior color was not a dealbreaker for me. I just wanted to take delivery soon.

I ordered from inventory, which is not something that is possible now. There is no new Model Y inventory within 200 miles of me, a good sign for Tesla but a bad sign if you’re looking to buy something before the quarter ends. Luckily, the IRS is allowing people to enter an agreement for a car, so you could technically build the car of your choice, put a down payment on it, and take delivery after the September 30 cutoff.

Tesla Delivery Day

My appointment was at 12 p.m. and I arrived about ten minutes before. The team greeted me quickly, and I was able to walk right up and see my car with my name on it. It was pretty incredible and a feeling I have not felt in a long time. I’ll be honest, when I bought the Bronco, I never thought I’d own one. When I got one, it felt pretty surreal.

I felt that way yesterday. It was really cool to finally buy a car that I’d only dreamed of owning. It’s not the only car I dream of owning in my lifetime, but it is one I knew I wanted right now. Now that I was showing up to buy it, it really felt surreal.

The process was really fast and efficient, and I could have been in and out in ten minutes if I wanted to. However, I hung around and talked to the guys there; they discussed some good accessories I should consider and suggested some tint.

I was on my way.

My First Drive and What to Expect

I stopped by my Fiancè’s work, showed her the new ride, brought her some lunch, and headed home to my pup. So far, I’ve driven about 60 miles, with most of it being done manually and about 10 miles using Full Self-Driving. I’ve enjoyed driving it myself so much as of right now, but I know FSD will come in handy plenty in the coming months.

In the future, I plan to explore a wide range of topics as an owner. I do not currently have home charging, which is something that many people believe is a dealbreaker for owning an EV. I have two Superchargers very close to my place, so I’m not too concerned about it.

I have been in touch with my leasing office about installing a charger or chargers for the past few months, which seems like it could happen early next year.

So far, I’m really happy with how everything has worked out.

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