ORU REPORT
OEC's EV expert helps ensure reliability of Oklahoma's charging network OEC's Energy Efficiency Solutions Specialist Daniel Lofland knows why Oklahoma was voted the number one state in the nation in which to own an electric vehicle (EV) in 2019 by MyEV.com. Manufacturers are beginning to catch on, too, as they begin increasing shipments to Oklahoma. Lofland recently helped test the state's EV charging network to ensure it is able to withstand an increase in load when the time comes. "Oklahoma legislators have invested millions of dollars in the EV charging network over the last few years, and automakers are finally realizing it's a viable place to own and operate an EV," Lofland said. "I anticipate an influx of EVs driving Oklahoma roads in the very near future, so I joined a statewide group that began testing the state's network."
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Oklahoma Electric Co-op News • October 2020
THE REASON OKLAHOMA IS THE NUMBER ONE STATE TO OWN AN EV
Oklahoma's top ranking from MyEV. com was thanks to the statewide charging network — the number one EV charging network per capita in the nation. Also taken into consideration was Oklahoma's lower average price of electricity. "We want to know not only that we have the most DC fast chargers, but that they actually work," Lofland said. "While we are in the first quarter of testing, so far we have seen a reliability factor of 95 percent across the state — 100 percent here in OEC's service area." Statewide, Oklahoma is home to 132 DC fast charging sites, with multiple chargers at each site. About 20 of these fast charging stations are placed strategically throughout OEC's sevencounty service area. These sites were