Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced yesterday that $100 million in funding is available to implement electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout Ohio over the next five years.
According to a press release put out by the Governor's Office, a division of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) called DriveOhio is now accepting proposals for companies to install the EV charging stations.
"Having the capability to support more electric vehicle charging stations is something we’ve been working on for years," said Governor DeWine. "The development of a statewide network of charging infrastructure will enable EV travel across the state, support private sector investment, and spur even more economic development across the state."
Proposals for the funding must align with Ohio's EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan. Ohio currently has 13 charging stations, and plans to add 30 more locations by 2025.
“This investment gives Ohio another opportunity to compete for the future of the auto industry,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Leading in the automotive sector has been a priority for Ohio for quite some time, and as part of that goal, we’ll continue to work towards building up the EV workforce, so that businesses have access to talent, and Ohioans can secure a career in a new, innovative industry right here in our state.”
The deployment plan will focus on interstate corridors, and then move to U.S. and state routes.
"This network will go a long way toward improving the quality of life for Ohio drivers, giving them initial confidence and flexibility when driving Ohio's roads for personal, professional, or recreational purposes, regardless of distance traveled or location," said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.
Ohio's EV Infrastructure Deployment plan was approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) last month, making the $100 million in federal funding available for EV charging infrastructure over the next five years.
ODOT will accept proposal requests until December 21, 2022.
For more information, click here.
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Source: Governor.Ohio.Gov
