The North Carolina Department of Transportation recently announced it will scale back the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations it planned to build along interstates and highways. It then will devote more of the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program funds toward infrastructure in communities, rural areas and highways where less coverage exists.
Federal guidance issued in August removed certain program requirements such as the stipulation that there can be only 50 miles between charging stations. It also allows states to consider where existing privately developed EV charging infrastructure exists.
“The revised guidance enables the department to focus its support for the build out of a statewide EV charging network in areas of the state where there are fewer chargers and greater needs,” state Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson said. “By focusing on areas of need, it helps ensure that all North Carolinians and those traveling in every corner of the state can access the EV charging network.”
The Federal Highway Administration awarded North Carolina $109 million in NEVI funding. The state originally planned to build 50 stations along the alternative fuel corridors, and five businesses are under contract. It now plans to build 16 additional locations.