The U.S. is projected to add over 40,000 electric-vehicle chargers in 2026, according to iSeeCars.com, for a growth rate of 15.5%, down sharply from the 26% seen last year.

The additional chargers will bring the nationwide total to 299,798, and the ratio of residents to chargers is projected to improve by 13%.

“America’s EV charging network is still expanding, but the growth curve has changed substantially,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer.

“A projected 15.5% increase for 2026 still adds tens of thousands of chargers, but it represents a much slower expansion rate compared to the average over the past decade.”

The research and analysis company also found a substantial gap between what it calls the most and least EV-friendly places in the states.

Los Angeles has the most chargers among the nation’s 50 largest metro areas, but San Francisco has the best charger density with just 334 residents per charger. Meanwhile, Louisville, Ky., has the smallest number of chargers at just 621 and the worst charger density with 2,904 residents per charger.

“California’s EV-friendly weather and tech-oriented communities clearly contribute to the state’s EV demand and aggressive charging infrastructure buildout, but high-ranking New York, Boston, and Denver reflect strong EV charging support outside the Golden State,” said Brauer.

Minneapolis has the largest projected year-over-year improvement, with residents per charger falling 22.5%, and Las Vegas has the smallest improvement at 5%.

State-wise, Vermont ranks as the most EV-friendly state with 450 residents per charger, but California follows closely behind at 480. On the flip side, Louisiana has the highest residents-per-charger ratio with 4,717 residents per charger. New Jersey and Washington are tied for the largest projected improvement at 22%. In stark contrast, North Dakota has zero projected improvement.