Electric Vehicles in the Midwest: Is Sioux Falls Ready for the EV Revolution?

The National Push Toward EVs

From federal tax credits to bold automaker goals (like GM's plan to go all-electric by 2035), electric vehicles are no longer just a trend—they're the future. But for communities in the Midwest, adoption presents unique challenges and opportunities.

What’s Holding Us Back?

• Charging Infrastructure: While urban centers like Minneapolis have EV charging stations at grocery stores and public parking lots, Sioux Falls is still catching up. A lack of widespread Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers creates “range anxiety.”

• Weather Worries: South Dakota winters are no joke. Cold temperatures can reduce EV battery range by up to 40%, which makes residents hesitant to rely solely on electric.

• Rural Driving Habits: People here drive long distances—often hundreds of miles in a day. Until battery ranges significantly improve or fast-charging becomes ubiquitous, many drivers remain cautious.

Signs of Local Momentum

• Sioux Falls City Government has added electric vehicles to its municipal fleet and has plans to expand public charging stations.

• Regional Dealerships are beginning to stock more EV models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Model Y.

• Public Interest is rising, especially among younger and environmentally conscious drivers.

Final Thoughts

While Sioux Falls may not be fully EV-ready yet, the shift is underway. If infrastructure investments continue and manufacturers meet the demands of Midwest driving, our region could be right on track to join the EV revolution in the next 5–10 years.