The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced the next round of recipients to receive federal funding to build electric vehicle charging stations along the interstates and highways.
The funding totals approximately $22 million for chargers at 35 different locations. It comes from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program, part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The new stations will be fast-charging, built within federally designated “alternative fuel corridors” alongside interstate and highways, located within a 50-mile distance from the next charger.
In March, VDOT announced the initial awarding of about $11 million for 18 different locations along interstates. The latest funding round expands EV charging options along interstates and adds new locations on state highways.
On the interstate, six stations along Interstate 64, one on Interstate 66, two along Interstate 77, two along Interstate 81, one on Interstate 85 and three along Interstate 95. On the state highways, six are proposed for Route 17, two for Route 23, six for Route 29 and five for Route 460.
While the first charger for the initial round of stations is expected to be in use by the end of this year, installation of chargers from this second round of funding could begin next year and extend into 2026.
VDOT is planning to use future NEVI funds to meet the 50-mile requirement, including stations on Route 17 and Route 29 south of Warrenton and Route 460 east of Appomattox County.
Remaining funds may be used for Phase 2 opportunities, including chargers for tractor-trailers.
Source: News From The States, Virginia Mercury
