COLUMBUS, Ohio — The state of Ohio continues to take the lead in utilizing the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program for charging stations along its highways.
On Thursday, Gov. Mike DeWine announced the state will install 22 new electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations along Ohio's interstates, state routes, and U.S. routes.
The $16 million in funding for the EV chargers is being awarded as part of the second round of the NEVI program.
In 2023, Ohio was the first state in the nation to announce charging stations as part of the NEVI program, with plans to build 27. Earlier this year, the state opened the first NEVI station in the country along I-70 at U.S. 42 in Madison County.
“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 DeWine in a statement.
The $16 million NEVI funds will be matched with nearly $6 million from the private entities selected to install and operate the new EV charging stations, including Electric Era, Meijer, Francis Energy Charging, EVgo, and more.
The addition of the 22 new stations will move Ohio closer to its goal of having fast chargers every 50 miles throughout the state. According to DeWine's office, each of the 22 charging station locations "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."
The stations will also include access to amenities like restrooms and a place to purchase food and beverages.
Several of the stations will be located in Northeast Ohio:
- Interstate 77 at Rockside Road at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Independence
- Interstate 77 at state Route 18 at the Giant Eagle in Akron
- Interstate 76 at Wooster Pike/Center Street/state Route 3 at the Sheetz in Seville
- U.S. Route 30 at Harrison Avenue at parking lot adjacent Taco Bell and CVS in Canton
- U.S. Route 30 at East Lincoln Way at Wayne Lanes in Wooster
- U.S. Route 30 at North Lexington Springmill Road at Panera in Mansfield
You can see the entire list below:
Construction on the new EV stations is expected to begin later this year and into 2025.
Last year, Ohio leaders announced that the state would be receiving $140 million in NEVI funds over the next five years to support the installation of EV charging stations.
