Summary - EV Charging Infrastructure West 2026

The Western US continues to lead the nation in EV adoption, with California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada at the forefront. However, as EV ownership increases, so does the demand for a scalable, resilient, and inclusive charging infrastructure that meets regional needs.

As we approach 2026, the conversation is shifting from pilot programs to large-scale deployment. Despite this progress, several challenges persist. Costs continue to be volatile, project timelines are often delayed due to permitting, interconnection, and equipment supply issues, and utilities must balance new EV load demands with broader grid priorities. Moreover, underserved communities, including rural areas, tribal lands, and low-income urban neighborhoods, still face limited access to public or home charging options.

To address these complexities and explore pathways for creating a reliable and equitable charging infrastructure in the West, Global Transmission Report is organizing its 5th Annual EV Charging Infrastructure West Conference on January 27, 2026, at Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel, San Francisco. The conference will gather key decision-makers and implementers from various sectors, including utilities, charging providers, policymakers, financiers, fleet operators, site hosts, and technology developers, to discuss solutions that reflect the operational realities of the region.

With billions of dollars in public and private investments underway and new technologies defining deployment models, this conference will provide an opportunity to discuss effective strategies, recognize existing barriers, and help develop plans to scale efforts in a smarter, faster, and more equitable manner across the West. Topics will include expanding multifamily and workplace charging, addressing grid and interconnection constraints, deploying infrastructure for fleet electrification, incorporating data and artificial intelligence into planning, and creating future-proof networks for both public and private users. The conference will also feature successful case studies from across the region and participants will gain valuable insights into how innovative practices can accelerate the scaling of EV infrastructure.

This event aims to move beyond political announcements and focus on large-scale implementation, ensuring we remain on track to meet our climate and transportation goals by 2030.