Cody and I purchased an EV in August 2021. The vehicle we had at the time was expensive to maintain and did not get very good gas mileage. We set out to purchase a hybrid and thought we had located one at Crain Kia of Sherwood. Instead, they had a couple of 2022 Kia Nero EVs to choose from. We test drove one and the rest is history. Since then we have found out that Arkansas will be playing a massive role in the Electric Vehicle Revolution that is upon the U.S.
Another Democrat-led funding initiative will create Arkansas' Electric Highway funded by our most recent infrastructure bill. Once again Arkansas' GOP representatives voted against this bill, but still accept the funding that stems from it. The infrastructure bill contained appropriations for NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program) which provides nearly $5 billion over five years to help states like Arkansas create a network of electric vehicle (EV) fast charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs), with emphasis along the Interstate Highway System. Currently, ARDot has taken the reigns on this project and is working to create Arkansas' Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan.
You can find out all there is to know about the plan at ARDot.gov The goal is to have a fast-charging infrastructure within every 50 miles of the U.S. Interstate system. I personally hope they will expand the infrastructure along state highways as well. Currently, there are only 5 fast-charging stations available in Arkansas for traditional EVs and 6 Tesla Supercharger stations. With such limited options, an EV driver is forced to plan a trip across our great state accordingly.
Most of the current charging stations are at Wal-Mart and powered by Electrify America. When Cody and I travel to a cruise terminal, we have stopped at an Electrify America station more than any other. With Wal-Mart's already massive presence throughout Arkansas, adding more Electrify America chargers is a no-brainer to quickly increase Arkansas' EV fast charge network.
I am old-fashioned and hope individuals with a vision for the future have a say in how the network is built, not just big corporations.
One of those individuals opened a station called Franklin's Charging in Little Rock. We have used Franklin's in Little Rock since we purchased the Nero and almost since the station first opened. Cody and I have had the pleasure of meeting the owner and discussing his vision for EV charging stations.
The owner purchased a Tesla a few years before opening Franklin's Charging and it changed his life forever! Franklin's started off with two Charge Point chargers for standard EVs while offering a Tesla adapter, but has now expanded with the installation of a FreeWire charger with some pretty impressive EV tech and charging at an affordable price. Franklin's recently opened a second location at 311 Park Ave and has even more plans to expand.. in Hot Springs which I hope to visit soon.
I cannot wait to see how far we come with adding EV charging stations over the next 5 years!
Another big role Arkansas will be playing in the EV revolution is battery production. Exxon Mobile has leased roughly 120,000 acres in Southern Arkansas along the Smackover Formation. The Smackover Formation is a massive subterranean aquifer spanning from Texas to Florida that once was ripe with oil. Since its depletion of oil reserves, the onetime thriving communities have been depressed economically without much industry, but that soon may change as well. The Smackover Formations oil drilling brought large amounts of brine to the surface creating a rich oasis of lithium deposits to be had. Exxon Mobile is getting ready to ramp up and build several lithium processing facilities in the region which could produce 15% of the world's lithium in coming years. That being said,
"There's about to be a white gold rush in Southern Arkansas Y'all!"
The processed lithium is what will be used to build EV batteries along with many other products like iPhones and PCs. Arkansas' massive lithium deposits will help the U.S. reach goals of energy independence from China and the Middle East quicker than expected and reminds me of the bauxite mines of yesteryear that Arkansas was once well-known for. I hope it spurs the Arkansas economy like never before!
Well, there you all have it! Two massive ways Arkansas will help the United States usher in the EV Revolution. Arkansas is taking charge of creating a fast charging network making it easier for more EVs to be put on the roads & Arkansas will be mining and supplying the EV battery makers with what's needed to create the fuel cells of the future. Way to go Arkansas, at least we are getting one thing right...