Ohio Becomes the First State to Install and Activate Federally Funded EV Charging Stations

Dec. 14, 2023
The station is located along Interstate 70 at U.S. Route 42

The nation's first electric vehicle (EV) charging station funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program was opened last Friday.

The station is located along Interstate 70 at U.S. Route 42 east of Columbus at the London Pilot Travel Center. It's equipped with four EVgo fast chargers.

When charging a single vehicle, the station is capable of providing up to 350kW. When four vehicles are charging simultaneously, each port will receive up to 175 kW.

“Any industry that focuses on innovations for the future is a priority for Ohio,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Electric vehicles are the future of transportation, and we want drivers in Ohio to have access to this technology today.”

Ohio was the first state in the nation to release a request for charging station proposals last year, which was a strategic move to put Ohio ahead of other states for sought-after equipment and specialized technicians to install the stations.

Ohio was also the first state in the country to announce the future sites of its first round of EV charging stations, and in October, Ohio was the first state in the nation to break ground. 

Construction is expected to begin soon on two dozen fast charging stations funded by NEVI across the state. All chargers installed as part of the first round are anticipated to be operational by the end of 2024.

Ohio will receive $140 million in NEVI funds over five years to support the installation of EV charging stations across the state. While the first round focused on interstates, future rounds will fill in infrastructure gaps along major U.S. and state routes.

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Source: WANE.com