RICHMOND, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Virginia Department of Transportation has allocated $11.3 million in federal funding for the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the Commonwealth. A VDOT release says this strategic investment will support the expansion of a robust network of EV charging infrastructure to spur economic development and enable a convenient, reliable, and equitable charging experience for EV drivers. The funding will close existing gaps along I-64, I-77, I-81, I-85, I-95, and I-295 designated as alternative fuel corridors.

Under the federal Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, state departments of transportation will oversee the disbursement of $5 billion through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The NEVI Program aims to construct a reliable national network of EV charging stations, with initial stations required to be located along designated AFCs. As detailed in VDOT’s EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan, VDOT intends to distribute over $100 million over the next four years through the NEVI Program. This initial $11.3 million investment under Phase 1-A of VDOT’s NEVI Program will facilitate deployment of third-party owned and operated EV charging stations at 18 sites across 13 counties, adding 66 fast charging ports across the Commonwealth.

While none in the first phase are in the Charlottesville area, notably, 14 of these charging stations are located within a half-mile of federally designated disadvantaged communities. Proposed locations were screened against federal requirements, with awardees selected through a competitive scoring process that evaluated location, station cost, level of applicant match funding, applicant qualifications, nearby amenities such as restrooms, dining, and shopping, and other customer experience-focused factors.

Click here for the list of Phase 1-A charging stations, and all the information about this VDOT initiative.