COLUMBUS — According to a press release, a new electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging station will be installed in Hocking County thanks to the state awarding nearly $16 million to install 22 new electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations along Ohio’s interstates, state routes and U.S. routes.
Funding for the EV chargers is being awarded as part of the second round of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. Ohio was the first state in the nation to activate a NEVI charging station as part of this program.
“As more electric cars and trucks make their way to Ohio roadways, we’re continuing to build the infrastructure needed to enable easy and convenient travel,” said Gov. Mike DeWine.
The EV charger will be located in the parking lot of Hungry Buffalo, 12762 Grey St., Logan, near the intersection of US 33 and State Route 664. The station was proposed by Francis Energy Charging LLC, which will receive $839,364 in state funds. The company will use a private match of $209,841 for the project, which has an estimated total cost of $1,049,205.
Round two NEVI funding will go toward EV chargers on Interstate 270, Interstate 275, Interstate 675, Interstate 680, Interstate 71, Interstate 76, Interstate 77, State Route 15, US 23, US 30 and US 33.
The $16 million NEVI funding will be matched with more than $4 million from the private companies selected to install and operate the new EV charging stations, including Electric Era, Francis Energy Charging, Jule, Love’s Travel Stops, Meijer, Red E Charging, Sheetz, EVgo, and United Dairy Farmers. Winning proposals include site plans at existing shopping centers, grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and a bowling alley.
“This milestone keeps Ohio at the forefront of transportation innovation, fulfilling our mission to position ODOT for the future,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.
The addition of these new stations moves Ohio closer to its goal of locating fast chargers every 50 miles throughout the state. Each location will be no more than one mile from the freeway and will include four charger ports with at least 150 kilowatts of power available per port. These stations will also include access to amenities like restrooms and a place to purchase food and beverages.
Ohio's NEVI program is administered by DriveOhio, a division of the Ohio Department of Transportation.
“Ohio continues to lead the way to a future where everyone can ride and drive electric,” said Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. “Congratulations to the team at DriveOhio for their diligent work to rapidly move the NEVI program forward.”
DeWine announced the first round of EV charger locations in July 2023, which was followed by a first-in-the-nation groundbreaking in October 2023. In December 2023, the first NEVI station in the country opened along I-70 at U.S. 42 in Madison County.
Round 2 stations are expected to begin construction in late 2024 and 2025.
Most Popular
Comments / 0