(The Center Square) – Three new federally-funded charging stations were added to the commonwealth’s electric vehicle infrastructure – bringing the total to eight, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently announced.
The new stations were built using funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, or NEVI, program at the following locations:
- Flying J Travel Center in New Milford, Susquehanna County
- Chambersburg Square shopping center in Franklin County
- Sheetz at Exit 44 along I-81 in Carlisle, Cumberland County.
“Pennsylvania continues to move quickly to invest in critical EV infrastructure,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These federally funded chargers represent a core component in the future of EV transportation – and we’re using federal funds efficiently to create jobs and improve our transportation system.”
Each location represents investments ranging from $739,000 to $852,000, with the New Milford station offering up to 350 kW of power, and Carlisle and Chambersburg providing up to 400 kW.
“This NEVI-funded charging station is another step forward for EV drivers in Pennsylvania,” said Brandon Trama, head of vehicle electrification and infrastructure at Pilot. “Through our collaboration with GM, EVgo, PennDOT and federal stakeholders, we’re working together to create a reliable, convenient, and safe charging network that supports EV travel across the country.”
NEVI funding supports the expansion of EV charging along Pennsylvania’s 1,800 miles of previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, or AFCs.
The program includes multiple rounds of funding, with these new stations being awarded during Round 1, completing the AFC network along the interstates as required.
Per federal guidance, sites must be no more than 50 miles apart and within one mile of an exit before moving outward with future projects. They must also meet U.S. Department of Transportation minimum standards and requirements.
More recently, awards for Rounds 1A and 1B were announced, adding locations that fill the remaining gaps along the AFC network.
According to PennDOT, NEVI-funded charging stations in Pennsylvania have delivered more than 9,500 charging sessions, powering over 1.1 million estimated miles driven and reducing CO2 emissions by more than half a million pounds.
The latest data available from PennDOT in 2024 indicates that more than 63,000 EVs were registered in the state, up 45% from the previous year.
PennDOT also created a web page with guides and links to important resources to assist Pennsylvania communities and organizations in accessing billions in federal funds available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“The growing EV charger network demonstrates the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to getting stuff done and using federal funding efficiently to deliver results for Pennsylvanians,” said the press release. “These charging stations will help more people get where they need to go – and the Shapiro Administration will continue investing in, repairing, and building our Commonwealth’s key infrastructure.”
This article was originally published at www.thecentersquare.com
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