The transformation of electric vehicle charging along Utah's picturesque I-15 corridor is a heartwarming story of infrastructure keeping pace with the dreams of clean transportation. For one couple driving their 2019 Tesla Model 3 between Northern Utah and Saint George, the changes over the past six years have been nothing short of remarkable.

Back in 2019, Arthur Frederick Hasler and his wife navigated the 270-mile journey with just two charging options along the route. Each location had only eight stalls, and timing was everything. They often arrived to find the last available spot or watched other drivers wait for their turn. Fast forward to January 2026, and the landscape has completely changed for the better.

The expansion has been extraordinary. The Nephi charging station grew from eight to 16 stalls, thoughtfully separated by Cody's Gastro Garage, a restaurant that warmly embraces the EV community with a special menu featuring playful items like Cyber Cluck Chicken. The Beaver station underwent an even more impressive transformation, expanding from eight to 32 stalls with state of the art V3 chargers.

What makes this growth even more exciting is that Tesla isn't just expanding existing locations. They're building entirely new stations, creating a network that's beginning to rival the convenience of traditional gas stations. The new 16 stall facility in Scipio, equipped with cutting edge V4 chargers, opened its doors on New Year's Day 2026. When the Haslers stopped there, they found 12 of the 16 stalls occupied, with nearby restaurants bustling with customers enjoying a break while their vehicles charged.

The benefits extend beyond Tesla owners too. Nearby Electrify America stations are serving drivers of other electric vehicle brands, including Rivian trucks and the new Chevy Silverado EV. The charging stations are becoming community hubs, bringing business to local restaurants and rest stops while supporting the growing community of electric vehicle enthusiasts.

The Haslers' experience over 10 years and 168,000 miles in their Tesla speaks volumes about the reliability and practicality of electric vehicle travel. They've made countless cross country trips, visited both coasts, and in all that time, they've never been stranded without charge.

The Ripple Effect: This infrastructure expansion represents more than just convenience for individual drivers. It's creating jobs in construction and maintenance, bringing customers to local businesses along the route, and making sustainable transportation a realistic option for more people. The scenic route between Salt Lake City and Saint George, which passes near stunning destinations like Snow Canyon State Park and Zion National Park, is now more accessible to electric vehicle drivers than ever before.

As charging stations multiply along major corridors like I-15, they're proving that the transition to clean energy transportation isn't just possible but practical and even enjoyable. Each new charging station represents a commitment to a cleaner future and makes that future more attainable for everyone.