ODOT gets federal funds for more EV charging stations along interstates
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – More electric vehicle charging stations will be heading to the Sooner State thanks to federal funding.
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, or NEVI, is directing $66 million to the state of Oklahoma. That money will fund grants for private companies to build electric vehicle charging stations along the state’s biggest highways.
“This is about alleviating range anxiety,” Jared Schwennesen said. A multi modal division engineer with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
It’s a common fear for drivers of electric vehicles. Easy access to charging stations while traveling.
“We’re the heartland right here where we all kind of connect,” Schwennesen said. “So, obviously, we need to make sure that we’re helping out those people.”
Schwennesen said with the NEVI program they’ll be able to help those drivers out by putting more EV charging stations along our interstates.
“Every 50 miles, we’re going to have four charging stations within one mile of the exit,” he said. “They’re going to be 150 kilowatts, which is DC fast electric charging.”
Oklahoma ranks seventh in the country for DC fast electric charging, which means charging up in between 15 to 45 minutes. ODOT’s map online shows the NEVI compliant charging stations in the state and the gaps they want to fill in, in the metro and eastern Oklahoma. But, Schwennesen said they still have other areas to look at like the panhandle and southeastern Oklahoma.
“And also figure out what the right solution is for some metros and for rural communities that might want this or maybe they don’t want this,”: he said.
The stations will be built and maintained by private companies when the state decides to award those grants. They are also looking for feedback from the community when it comes to the placement of charging stations in rural or metro communities. An email to give that feedback evok@odot.org.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
