Electric cars are coming: Sioux Falls could see 20-fold spike by 2033

City Hall releases 61-page Electric Vehicle Readiness Study

The number of electric vehicles on Sioux Falls roadways is expected to surge in the next decade as range anxiety, purchase prices, and battery costs continue to decline.

Currently, there are about 1,000 electric cars and trucks registered to Sioux Falls drivers. However, a newly released Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Study commissioned by the city projects that as many as 20,000 EVs could be on the roads in South Dakota’s largest city by 2033.

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“We recognize EV adoption is heavily influenced by the private sector, and we led this study as a facilitator between stakeholder groups to prepare the community and service providers to serve residents and visitors who want this service,” said Josh Peterson, the city’s Environmental Services Manager. “By planning for anticipated consumer and private sector demand, the city can stay competitive regionally and be a desirable community in which to live and work.”

Through a nearly year-long process, the city collaborated with HDR Engineering and a stakeholder group composed of utilities, transportation, housing, tourism, and large employers to collect and analyze local, state, and national EV data. They also solicited input from Sioux Falls residents on the challenges and opportunities EVs present. On Thursday, City Hall released the final report, a 61-page forecast of EV trends, charging infrastructure needs, grid capacity, and safety implications to help Sioux Falls prepare for anticipated EV growth and remain investible.

According to the study, an estimated 2 percent of vehicles sold in Sioux Falls in 2022 were EVs, compared to 7 percent nationally and 1.6 percent in South Dakota. By 2033, Sioux Falls could have between 7,500 and 20,000 EVs, accounting for 3–8 percent of all vehicles.

The study notes that this large range is due to market conditions, industry regulations, and government incentives. However, with more charging stations coming online, EV prices expected to reach parity with internal combustion engine vehicles in 2025, and falling lithium battery prices, consumer hesitation toward EVs is decreasing.

The study concludes with recommended strategies, including tracking EV registrations and charger locations, reviewing EV strategies from other cities, and developing site standards for charging stations, such as lighting, safety, and accessibility.

“Just because the study is complete does not mean the work is complete,” Peterson said. “As a city team, we will be working on what it looks like to bring the recommended strategies in the study to fruition, and we will continue to support the other community stakeholders in their own endeavors to prepare Sioux Falls for possible EV growth.”

Among stakeholder that assisted in HDR and the city’s fact finding efforts, the South Dakota Auto Dealers Association issued a statement Thursday lauding the work as helpful for an industry facing significant technological transition.

“As a member of the task force, we appreciate the cities proactive approach in conducting a study to address possible EV growth,” SDADA President Christine Vinatieri-Erickson said. “As an industry we are prepared to support the consumers choice of vehicle for EV or ICE.”

To view the full EV Readiness Study, visit www.siouxfalls.gov/government/sustainability/projects-events/ev-study.

The Dakota Scout is the official newspaper of the city of Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls School District and the city of Baltic.