Summary
– PennDOT announced the EV-RAA program to repair and replace broken EV chargers
– The funding opportunity was released on May 23, with a proposal period opening on July 2
– Eligible parties can pursue funds for the repair or replacement of listed non-operational chargers
– There are 174 locations eligible for funding on the final list established by FHWA
– PennDOT was awarded $5 million through the program to bring charging stations up to FHWA standards
Article
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator (EV-RAA) program, created through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The program aims to repair and replace broken or non-operational electric vehicle (EV) chargers to improve the reliability of existing EV charging infrastructure statewide. Governor Shapiro’s commitment to strengthening access to alternative fuels is emphasized, providing opportunities for businesses and organizations that adopted EVs early to fix or upgrade outdated equipment and participate in the EV market.
PennDOT released the EVC-RAA Funding Opportunity on May 23, with the online Proposal period opening on July 2 and closing on August 14. Eligible parties will have the chance to pursue funds for the repair or replacement of listed non-operational chargers at 174 locations identified by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The main goal is to increase the accessibility and availability of EV chargers to meet the growing demand for EV vehicles in the state, aligning with the overarching goal of promoting the adoption of electric vehicles as a more sustainable transportation option.
The BIL established the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to provide funding to states for strategically deploying EV charging infrastructure and establishing an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability of EV charging stations. PennDOT applied for funding through the EVC-RAA program and was awarded $5 million, which must be used to bring charging stations up to FHWA standards. This includes requirements to operate a minimum of four charging ports and maintain a greater than 97 percent uptime, ensuring consistent and reliable service for EV owners throughout Pennsylvania.
The focus on the repair and replacement of non-operational EV chargers underscores the importance of a reliable and accessible charging infrastructure to support the increasing adoption of EVs in the state. By addressing issues with broken or outdated equipment, the EV-RAA program aims to enhance the overall user experience for EV owners and promote the transition to electric vehicles as a more sustainable transportation option. The funding provided through the program will enable businesses and organizations to participate in the EV market and contribute to the development of a more robust EV charging network.
With the EV market expanding and the demand for EV vehicles growing, initiatives like the EV-RAA program are crucial in ensuring that EV owners have access to reliable charging infrastructure. Governor Shapiro’s commitment to strengthening access to alternative fuels aligns with the goals of the program, which seeks to improve the reliability of existing EV charging infrastructure across the state. By providing funding for the repair and replacement of broken or non-operational chargers, the program aims to support businesses and organizations in meeting the increasing demand for EV charging services and promote the transition to electric vehicles in Pennsylvania.
Overall, the EV-RAA program represents a significant step towards improving the reliability and accessibility of EV charging infrastructure in Pennsylvania. By focusing on repairing and replacing non-operational chargers, the program aims to ensure that EV owners have access to a more reliable and efficient charging network. With the support of Governor Shapiro and the funding provided through the BIL, the program is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on the development of EV charging infrastructure in the state and contribute to the wider goal of promoting the adoption of electric vehicles as a more sustainable transportation option.
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