In a significant development towards bolstering electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Ohio, EVgo, in collaboration with its eXtended partners, has successfully secured $13.8 million in funding from DriveOhio, a division of the Ohio Department of Transportation. The funding will be utilized to deploy 20 state-of-the-art fast-charging stations across the state, facilitating seamless EV charging experiences for drivers.
Under the first tranche of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program funds, DriveOhio awarded a total of $18 million, with EVgo and its eXtend partner, Pilot Co., receiving more than 75 percent of the allocated funding. Fourteen of the planned fast-charging stations will be installed at Pilot Co. locations, while the remaining six sites are yet to be disclosed by the companies.
Ohio has emerged as a pioneer in the EV infrastructure realm, becoming the first U.S. state to release funds from the NEVI program. The funds will be channeled towards establishing a total of 27 fast-charging sites along major state highways, including I-70, I-71, I-74, I-75, I-76, and I-77. All the sites will be equipped with a minimum of four charger ports, each boasting 150 kW charging capacity.
The DriveOhio-backed initiative marks a crucial step in encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles and supporting cleaner transportation alternatives. With the imminent deployment of these 20 fast-charging stations, EVgo aims to enhance the accessibility and convenience of EV charging for motorists across Ohio.
Looking ahead, the second phase of the program is set to kick off this autumn, with a request for proposals inviting stakeholders to install an additional 16 fast chargers, further solidifying Ohio’s commitment to a greener and sustainable future.
As EVgo and its partners gear up to transform the EV charging landscape in Ohio, the focus remains on driving innovation, sustainability, and accessibility in the realm of electric mobility.
