The state of Maryland is investing $3.7 million of the state’s portion of Volkswagen air pollution violation settlement funds in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
The state received $75.7 million as part of a $2.7 billion national settlement and has invested $11.3 million in the deployment of zero emission vehicle infrastructure. These investments are meant to facilitate the adoption of battery, electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
“Zero emission vehicles and clean transportation infrastructure are key drivers to achieving Maryland’s ambitious climate plans, which are among the most detailed and aggressive in the nation,” Ben Grumbles, Maryland Department of the Environment secretary, said. “Our smart investments in charging infrastructure will accelerate the electric vehicle revolution and grow sustainable public-private partnerships throughout the state.”
The $3.7 million will fund 36 new public fast chargers in 13 locations as well as 145 workplace charging ports at 24 business locations. Public fast chargers charge five to 10 times faster than workplace charger ports.
The public charging stations will be located in Annapolis, Cumberland, Elkton, Hagerstown, Halethorpe, Hyattsville, Lexington Park, Myersville, Ocean City, Oxon Hill, Parkton, Silver Spring, and Towson.
In Maryland, there are more than 36,000 electric vehicles, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation.