The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) recently awarded $9.6 million to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging sites under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
The awards provide program funding up to 80 percent of eligible costs to install, operate and maintain the new direct current fast chargers for five years. Recipients will provide nearly $2.5 million in private matching funds and must ensure the chargers are operational at least 97 percent of the time. The awards are subject to a final agreement with MDOT.
The agency partnered with Francis Energy, Universal EV and Drake Petroleum to deploy EV chargers at gas stations, lodging and a recreational center located within a one mile drive of the state’s major highways.
“Maryland’s growing EV charging network provides assurance to future and current EV owners that there are plenty of places to plug in along their trip,” Samantha Biddle, MDOT acting secretary, said. “These conditional awards ensure the state’s charging network is up and ready to accommodate the rising number of EVs across Maryland.”
The selected sites are expected to open to the public in Spring 2028.
The awards are the second round of federal funding. They bring the number of fast-charging ports in Maryland to 166.