The US’ first electric vehicle (EV) charging station funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program (earlier post) has opened outside Columbus, Ohio, officially jumpstarting the work of building more than 500,000 chargers that will connect 79,000 miles of America’s roads and highways. Nearly $5 billion will be allocated over five years for the full buildout.

Ohio’s new charging location at the Pilot Travel Center along Interstate 70 at US Route 42 is the first of thousands that will fill gaps in charging, add capacity, and boost the reliability of the US fast charging network.

The station is equipped with fast chargers installed by EVgo, capable of providing up to 350 kW when charging a single vehicle. When four vehicles are charging simultaneously, each port will receive up to 175 kW.

While charging, customers will have 24/7 access to restrooms, Wi-Fi, food, beverages, and other convenience items for purchase. Additionally, an overhead canopy will shield drivers from inclement weather like rain or snow, just like gas pumps.

In addition to this first site along I-70, more than two dozen other fast charging stations funded by NEVI are slated to open across the state. All chargers installed as part of the first round are anticipated to be operational by the end of 2024.

Ohio’s second round of charging infrastructure will include 25 additional locations along interstates, US routes, and state routes. In the coming months, ODOT will solicit proposals from companies to build the next round of stations. In total, Ohio will receive $140 million in NEVI funds over the next five years to support the installation of EV charging stations across the state.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) worked with all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico to design an EV charging network that supports local and regional needs while covering the length and breadth of US roads.

More NEVI-funded charging stations will be operational in the coming months, with New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Maine having already broken ground. In total, twenty-eight states have issued solicitations, and more than a dozen of these states have already awarded contracts or have agreements in place.

The effort to get chargers in the ground is complemented by the US Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program, which provides $2.5 billion in grant funds to strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in communities where people live and work.