Shell, Pilot Co., Turkey Hill Midwest and Meijer have been selected as recipients of federal funds for electric-vehicle charging-stations near Ohio interstates, the state announced Friday.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said 27 new EV charging stations will be installed with $18 million in federal funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program and private investments. EV charger companies Francis Energy, EVgo and ChargeNet also were named recipients of the NEVI funds. Over the next five years, Ohio expects to receive $140 million in NEVI funds for EV charging stations, the state said.
With the first round of NEVI funds, Ohio plans to build EV corridors with charging stations located every 50 miles and less than 1 mile off of interstates, such as I-70, I-71, I-74, I-75, I-76, I-77 and I-90. A second request for proposals for 16 additional charging stations along U.S. and state routes in Ohio is scheduled to be announced in the fall.
“As the mix of automobiles on the road changes, we must adapt our infrastructure, and EV charging stations are a part of improving customer service for Ohio drivers and businesses,” said Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted in a statement. About 53,000 EVs are registered in Ohio. As more EVs hit the roads, more charging stations will be needed.
For each of the selected proposals in the first round, at least four charger points with 150 kilowatts each will be installed next year at existing travel centers, convenience stores, grocery stores, restaurants, shops, a hotel and a bank. The charging stations are expected to be open 24-hours a day and provide access to food, beverages and restrooms.
Nationally, the Biden administration has announced goals of a nationwide network of 500,000 chargers installed by 2030 and to help cut fuel emissions 50%. He also would like EVs to represent half of all new vehicle sales in the United States by 2030. In May, U.S. and Canadian officials announced an agreement to build a U.S.-Canada EV charging corridor from Quebec City to Kalamazoo, Michigan with EV charging ports every 50 miles or so.
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