State Charging Station Plans Move Forward

The U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) has approved electric vehicle (EV) charging station plans for all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.

The November 2021 $1 trillion infrastructure bill earmarks $5 billion to help states install EV chargers along interstate highways over five years. USDOT reports states now have access to more than $1.5 billion to add EV chargers.  

USDOT recommends states:

• Fund DC Fast Chargers
• Install stations with at least four ports capable of simultaneously charging four EVs
• Put EV charging infrastructure every 50 miles along interstate highways
• Locate chargers within 1 mile of highways.

Federal funds will cover 80% of EV charging costs, with private or state funds making up the balance.

The chargers will be needed to meet President Biden’s goal that 50% of all new vehicles sold to be electric or plug-in hybrid electric models by 2030. Biden wants 500,000 new EV charging stations in place by then, but has not endorsed phasing out new gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2035.

California's Air Resources Board in contrast has approved that all new vehicles sold in the state by 2035 to be electric or plug-in electric hybrids, but this move still be approved by the Biden administration before it can take effect.