By 1812Blockhouse; Office of Governor Dewine
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that the state will award nearly $16 million to install 22 new electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations along Ohio’s interstates, state routes, and U.S. routes.
Funding for the EV chargers is being awarded as part of the second round of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. Ohio was the first state in the nation to activate a NEVI charging station as part of this program.
“As more electric cars and trucks make their way to Ohio roadways, we’re continuing to build the infrastructure needed to enable easy and convenient travel,” said Governor DeWine.
Round two NEVI funding will go toward EV chargers on I-270, I-275, I-675, I-680, I-71, I-76, I-77, SR 15, U.S. 23, U.S. 30, and U.S. 33.
Included is a site at the US30 and Lexington-Springmill Road intersection. Proposed by Franics Energy Charging, LLC, it is near the Panera on the northeast corner. An award of $812,145 will match private investment of $203,036 for a total price tag of $1,015,181. The Ontario project is one of six among the 22 stations to have investment exceeding one million dollars.
The $16 million NEVI funding will be matched with more than $4 million from the private companies selected to install and operate the new EV charging stations, including Electric Era, Francis Energy Charging, Jule, Love’s Travel Stops, Meijer, Red E Charging, Sheetz, EVgo, and United Dairy Farmers. Winning proposals include site plans at existing shopping centers, grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and a bowling alley.
“This milestone keeps Ohio at the forefront of transportation innovation, fulfilling our mission to position ODOT for the future,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.
The addition of these new stations moves Ohio closer to its goal of locating fast chargers every 50 miles throughout the state. Each location will be no more than one mile from the freeway and will include four charger ports with at least 150 kilowatts of power available per port. These stations will also include access to amenities like restrooms and a place to purchase food and beverages.
Ohio’s NEVI program is administered by DriveOhio, a division of the Ohio Department of Transportation.
“Ohio continues to lead the way to a future where everyone can ride and drive electric,” said Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. “Congratulations to the team at DriveOhio for their diligent work to rapidly move the NEVI program forward.”
Governor DeWine announced the first round of EV charger locations in July 2023, which was followed by a first-in-the-nation groundbreaking in October 2023. In December 2023, the first NEVI station in the country opened along I-70 at U.S. 42 in Madison County.
Round 2 stations are expected to begin construction in late 2024 and 2025.
