The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking community comment on a program set to install public electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and charging stations along major roadways in the state.
Following the opening of the state’s third federally-funded EV charging station in Aston, PennDOT is rolling out the community engagement phase of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The PA NEVI Plan, updated on a yearly basis, outlines the state’s future EV plans, projects and fund allocations for the next fiscal year. Representing the third update to the program, PennDOT will anticipate at least $102 million in federal formula funding, provide updates to the state’s EV infrastructure plan and serve as a roadmap for the 2025 fiscal year and beyond.
RELATED: Feds seek input on future of EV charging for larger commercial vehicles
With public engagement being a key factor in determining the state’s NEVI and EV initiatives, PennDOT is issuing a NEVI Community Phase Survey to gauge residents’ and stakeholders’ thoughts on EV charging infrastructure and spending goals. The survey is set to close on Oct. 11.
Pennsylvania’s approach to the NEVI program looks to expand the state’s EV charging infrastructure. Funded through federal resources allocated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program focuses on installing fast-charging stations along major highways and in urban areas to enhance accessibility for EV drivers.
Additionally, the NEVI program promotes EV adoption, supports sustainability initiatives and aspires to create a robust network of chargers that can accommodate long-distance travel. The program also emphasizes collaboration with local governments and private entities to ensure effective implementation and coverage.
This year’s update to the PA NEVI Plan will focus on four funding focus areas: Corridor Connections, Community Charging, Critical Investments and EV Workforce.
The Corridor Connections focus area outlines Pennsylvania’s alternative fuel corridors (AFC) and routes of significance (RoS) as developed in the 2022 Pennsylvania EV Mobility Plan. RoS and AFCs represent the highest-volume long-distance routes in the state and are primed for EV charging stations. These routes and highways span over 1,100 miles and will see up to 27 Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations, if the PA NEVI Plan is approved.
Under the PA NEVI Plan, the Community Charging program seeks to spend most of the remaining NEVI funds on community charging efforts. Working with 24 planning partners, PennDOT will prioritize communities in need of EV charging infrastructure and execute EV charging station planning and construction for these projects. Additionally, the program acts as a comprehensive resource for planning partners to support the implementation of the NEVI Program.
The Critical Investments focus area, receiving up to $10 million in funds, will offer flexible reserve funds for niche charging solutions or areas not served under the major funding rounds. Projects under this focus area include PennDOT park-and-ride facilities, medium-to-heavy duty EV charging station pilot or additional investments in community needs. More information on funding announcements or proposed projects will be announced as PennDOT furthers the NEVI program.
The final focus area, EV Charging Workforce Program, has been allocated up to $6 million to support EV charging workforce development in the Commonwealth. PennDOT will use the funds to train or upskill workers entering the EV charging industry, including technician certification programs, community and technical college programs, physical cybersecurity training programs and training program equipment.
Some of the key changes to this year’s PA NEVI Plan include:
Added arrangements with Pennsylvania agencies furthering state agency coordination
Added two data collection goals, expanded quantifiable goals and added strategy following AFC Fully Built Out certification.
Updated project development and status of the PennDOT NEVI competitive program.
Updated mapping of existing and improvable Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, information on AFC terms, additional NEVI stations status and Tesla charging port updates.
Updated the state’s strategy for EV implementation after AFC Fully Built Out certification.
Updated information on NEVI equity mapping and updates to the identification and preliminary quantification of underserved, disadvantaged community benefits.
Updated the NEVI competitive program to include physical and cybersecurity requirements and compliance.
Updates discretionary exceptions that have been approved by the Federal Highway Administration.
The 2024 PA NEVI Plan is available on PennDOT’s website, along with more resources, a link to the survey and goals for the program.
“PennDOT is swiftly leveraging NEVI funding in collaboration with private investment to address gaps in Pennsylvania’s expanding network of high-speed fast chargers along the national highway system,” Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Executive Director Gabe Klein said in a press release. “Simultaneously, cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are tapping into Charging and Fueling Infrastructure grant funding to build new EV charging hubs, making it easier for multifamily residents, gig workers and underserved communities to ride and drive electric.”
Government Market News has previously covered the Federal Highway Administration’s rollout of the NEVI program. In August, the administration announced $521 million in funding to expand EV infrastructure in 29 states, eight federally recognized tribes and the District of Columbia.
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