DriveOhio, a division of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), has begun accepting proposals from companies to install and operate electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
The agency will award $100 million over the next five years.
The Federal Highway Administration approved Ohio’s EV Infrastructure Deployment plan in September and made available the funds. The plan requires that charging stations support at least four direct current fast chargers with at least 150 kilowatts per port.
Under the plan, the deployment of EV infrastructure will focus first on interstate corridors, then on U.S. and state routes. After federally-required corridors are completed, the remaining funds will be used for additional corridors, at state tourist attractions, and freight corridors.
“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,” ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks said.
Ohio has 13 charging stations that meet the requirements outlined in the deployment plan. An additional 30 locations will be added by 2025.
Company proposals must align with Ohio’s EV Infrastructure Deployment plan. The proposal deadline is Dec. 21.
Full guidelines and proposal information can be found on DriveOhio’s website.