Ohio Makes Available $100M for EV Charging Infrastructure

COLUMBUS — $100 million is now available to support the development of electric-vehicle charging infrastructure throughout Ohio over the next five years. And DriveOhio, a division of the Ohio Department of Transportation, is now accepting proposals from companies to install and operate EV charging stations across Ohio.

“Having the capability to support more electric vehicle charging stations is something we’ve been working on for years,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “The development of a statewide network of charging infrastructure will enable EV travel across the state, support private sector investment, and spur even more economic development across the state.”

Funding proposals must align with Ohio’s EV Infrastructure Deployment plan, which requires that charging stations support at least four direct current fast chargers with at least 150 kilowatts per port. Currently, Ohio has 13 charging stations that meet these requirements and plans to add 30 more locations by 2025. 

The funding was made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which earmarks $7.5 billion for the development of a nationwide EV charging network.

The Federal Highway Administration approved Ohio’s EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan last month, making the $100 million in federal funding available over the next five years.

Ohio will first focus on installing EV charging stations along interstate corridors before moving on to U.S. and state routes. Once charging stations on federally required corridors are complete, the remaining funds will be used for charging along additional corridors, at state tourist attractions, and freight corridors.

ODOT will accept proposal requests until Dec. 21. Proposal information and full guidelines can be found at drive.ohio.gov/nevi.http://drive.ohio.gov/nevi

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.