The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is seeking bids for private entities to build or upgrade electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways.
The stations are the first step in establishing a statewide network of rapid charging stations, with 21 facilities expected to be operating by the end of 2025. These stations are intended to reduce range anxiety and encourage use of electric vehicles as a viable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.
All stations will be privately owned and operated, with federal funds covering 80% of construction costs and the private developer paying 20%. No state funds will be involved in the construction of these stations.
The charging stations are funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program (NEVI) which is allocating $5 billion in funds nationwide through the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy and $76.5 million for Arizona.
Bids are due April 19, with ADOT awarding contracts this summer. Construction of the privately owned facilities is anticipated to take about a year.
While the first round of electric vehicle charging stations will focus on interstates, ADOT plans to expand onto other highways starting with an additional round of bids in 2025.
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Source: Queen Creek Sun Times
