Summary
- Charge West project aims to expand electric vehicle charging stations across rural highways in eight Intermountain West states
- Project received a $1.5 million contract from the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office program
- Utah has already built electric vehicle charging stations along I-15 and plans to expand to all interstates and key highways by next year
- Private businesses are collaborating with UDOT to build and operate new charging stations, with some funding from the federal government
- Charge West project envisions placing different types of charging stations near rural communities as an economic incentive and energy source in emergencies
Article
Utah is partnering with seven other Intermountain West states on a project called “Charge West” to expand electric vehicle charging stations across rural highways, enhancing access to scenic byways and national parks. The project received a $1.5 million contract from the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office program and aims to reduce carbon emissions along heavily traveled routes. Utah has already seen significant growth in electric vehicle use, with nearly 40,000 registered electric vehicles in the state by the end of last year, up nearly 400% from 2020.
The state has built an electric vehicle grid along I-15, with charging stations every 50 miles, and plans to expand this network across all of Utah’s interstates and key highways by next year. These fast DC charging stations can recharge electric vehicles in 15 to 25 minutes and cost about $1 million each to build. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021 has made it easier for these projects to happen, with Utah receiving $29 million to spend on new charging stations and providing up to 80% cost reimbursement for new stations.
Private businesses have shown interest in partnering with UDOT to build charging stations, with companies like Rocky Mountain Power, Maverik, and Utah.energy contributing to funding projects. The Charge West program envisions installing less powerful, cheaper charging stations near rural communities to encourage tourism and economic growth in those areas. These stations could also serve as emergency energy sources and support the transition to electric freight vehicles.
Charge West is also considering offering alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, in addition to electric charging stations. By expanding access to clean energy options in rural areas, the program aims to reduce air pollution and decrease the country’s reliance on foreign oil for vehicle power. Monthly meetings with neighboring states are underway to strategically plan the placement of these stations, with the goal of establishing a regional grid that could serve as a model for transportation and decarbonization efforts across the country.
Federal officials believe that Charge West has the potential to set a standard for the rest of the country in terms of transportation and decarbonization models. Hannah Hathcock, Clean Cities and Communities Northwest Regional Manager for the U.S. Department of Energy, sees Charge West as a “reputable model” that could inspire similar initiatives in other states. The collaboration between Utah and its neighboring states in the Intermountain West on the Charge West project represents a significant step towards revolutionizing electric transportation in the region by expanding access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure in rural areas.
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