Summary
– SCDOT is building a larger network of electric vehicle charging stations as part of the SC + EV initiative
– The initiative is funded by the White House’s NEVI Formula Program, aiming to create 500,000 EV fast chargers nationwide by 2030
– South Carolina will receive $70 million from the federal government over five years to build 15 to 20 charging stations along major interstate corridors
– Each charging station will have at least four fast chargers capable of charging a car within 20 to 30 minutes
– SCDOT plans to eventually build charging stations in communities not located along major interstates and is hosting open houses for public information.
Article
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is launching an initiative to build a larger network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the state. This initiative is part of the White House’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which aims to provide a nationwide network of 500,000 EV fast chargers by 2030. SCDOT’s goal is to help overcome range anxiety for drivers by providing access to the EV charging infrastructure, ultimately making electric transportation more appealing. The agency plans to use $70 million in federal funding over the next five years to build 15 to 20 charging stations along major interstate corridors such as I-85 and I-26.
The charging stations will be strategically located along the interstates, with no more than 50 miles between each station and no more than one travel mile from the interstate once you exit. Each station will have at least four fast chargers that are capable of charging a car within 20 to 30 minutes. The minimum level of charging at these sites will be 150 kilowatts per port to accommodate all types of EVs. SCDOT will be including CCS chargers as well as the Max charger, commonly referred to as the ‘Tesla Plug.’ The goal is to ensure fair and equitable access to charging for all EV owners.
One resident, Carolyn Eagan, expressed interest in purchasing an electric vehicle in the future due to the increased availability of charging stations. She currently commutes long distances in South Carolina and views the expanded infrastructure as making electric transportation more feasible for her. SCDOT’s initiative is expected to make owning an electric vehicle more feasible for drivers who may have been hesitant due to concerns about charging availability. The agency plans to build charging stations in communities that are not located along major interstates once the initial 15 to 20 stations are completed.
SCDOT is hosting open house meetings for the public to learn more about the SC + EV initiative. The meetings provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions, provide feedback, and learn about the plans for expanding the EV charging network in South Carolina. By increasing access to charging infrastructure, SCDOT hopes to encourage more drivers to consider electric vehicles as a viable option for transportation. The agency’s efforts align with the national goal of expanding the EV charging network to support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.
Read the full article here
