GENOA - The Ohio Turnpike is taking steps to go green and drivers doing the same in Northwest Ohio could be among the first to get the chance to take advantage.
Electrify America and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission have announced plans to install the Ohio Turnpike’s first electric vehicle charging stations.
“This collaboration with the Ohio Turnpike is a key element to creating cross-country routes with ultra-fast chargers,” said Brendan Jones, chief operating officer of Electrify America.
The charging stations will be located at the Wyandot and Blue Heron Services Plaza locations between Genoa and Elmore, as well as at the Indian Meadow and Tiffin River Service Plazas in West Unity.
Those locations are expected to be where electric vehicle demand is projected to be the most significant in the near-term, the release stated.
“This is yet another example of Ohio staying ahead of the curve and preparing our state for the future of transportation,” said Randy Cole, executive director of the Ohio Turnpike.
According to a report from the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, with auto manufacturers having committed $92 billion to new electric vehicle production plans, more turnpike drivers are expected to be in need of a charging infrastructure.
In 2017, a total of 55.2 million vehicles used the Ohio Turnpike.
“Our modern service plazas are the perfect place for these new charging stations, allowing customers to charge their car up quickly, grab a bite to eat or cup of coffee and get back on their way,” Cole said.
Electrify America, based in Reston, Virginia, is a company developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country. The stations along the Ohio Turnpike will have four charging dispensers offering 150 to 350 kilowatts of power.
According to the company, they are installing a total of more than 4,800 charging dispensers nationwide, with sites under construction by June 2019.
“(Electric vehicle) drivers need fast, reliable and convenient charging access in order to travel about the country,” Jones said.
