Sourcing Renewables  -  July 6, 2020

Ohio plans statewide EV charging network

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced June 30 that their DriveOhio initiative finalized a study advocating for the expansion of a state-wide electric vehicle charging highway.

The Ohio EPA is expected to administer $3.5 million in grant funds for the project following an open application process now available for counties seeking to install Level 2 chargers. DriveOhio released the study identifying a path for widespread adoption of EV charging infrastructure. The plan includes a recommendation to have EV charging stations available and installed at least every 50 miles along interstate, state and U.S. route corridors.

The strategy calls for collaboration among state agencies to implement the plan, including ODOT, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the Development Services Agency (DSA), the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC).

“We are looking forward to the opportunities that will come as a result of the work of our state agency partners, this was a team effort” Mary Mertz, Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, said in a statement. “We hope the installation of charging stations at state parks and lodges will allow electric vehicle drivers to travel further and explore more of Ohio’s natural wonders.”

The advancement of EV infrastructure around the country reflects a growing number of manufacturers committing to expanding their electric models. In Ohio last week, Lordstown Motors Endurance released an electric pickup truck, following commitments from Ford, GM, Chrysler and Nissan over the past 18 months to each bring 10 or more EV models to market over this decade.

In early 2021, the Ohio EPA will award another $5 million in grant funding for DC Fast chargers in the state.