Charging Infrastructure

Chaired by Carl Knapp

We need more electric vehicle public charging stations in rural areas of Arizona. At the same time, there needs to be an increase in EV charging stations in high-density multi-unit dwellings so EV owners can charge at home.

Our challenge in Drive Electric Arizona’s Infrastructure group is to communicate the above message between these areas:

·       Arizona’s Electric Utilities that offer rebates.

·       A.D.O.T. that determines charging station locations along state and federal roads.

·       State and City government agencies that secure funding available through Federal NEVI and CFI programs.

·       Rural landowners who can offer up their property through leases to electric vehicle DC fast charging station network companies.

·       Commercial property owners of high-density housing who can differentiate their property and create added revenue.

Arizona has over 1,100 public EV charging stations to back up the convenience of home charging.

The adjoining map shows the Gap areas in Arizona that are being addressed by ADOT with new public DC Fast Chargers.

This model is being duplicated over the next five years throughout the USA.

For more information on the ADOT Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan, CLICK HERE.

ADOT is seeking public input on a proposed update to its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan that would add nine state highway segments to a planned network of fast-charging stations.

The virtual meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, on the proposal to add the following to a list that currently includes all interstate freeways, US 89, and portions of US 93 and state routes 64, 87, 95 and 347:

US 60: Wickenburg to Phoenix

US 60: Phoenix to Globe

US 60: Show Low to New Mexico

US 93: Wickenburg to I-40

US 95: Quartzsite to San Luis

US 160: US 89 to Four Corners

SR 68: US 93 to Bullhead City

SR 80: Bisbee to Douglas

SR 90: I-10 to Bisbee

Please visit azdot.gov/EVPlan to register for the virtual meeting and receive your link to attend. Project staff will be available to share information about the new proposed station locations on state highways and answer questions.

You can provide feedback on the proposed update through Wednesday, July 17, in the following ways:

-Virtual Meeting: Register at azdot.gov/EVmeeting

-Online Survey: Available at azdot.gov/EVcomments

The evolving electric vehicle charging network plan is part of $76.5 million in federal funding Arizona is eligible to receive through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The program encourages adoption of electric vehicles by building a nationwide network of publicly accessible and reliable fast chargers that will reduce drivers’ concerns about the range of electric vehicles.

The charging stations will be built with 80% federal funding and a 20% private match. No state funding will be used to build the charging station network. ADOT will administer the contracting process with private companies that will operate the stations.

Planning and construction using NEVI funds is slated to start in 2025, but the buildout will take place over several years. This year, ADOT began seeking bids for private entities to build or upgrade the first phase of electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways. ADOT expects to award contracts for these stations in late summer, with stations slated to be operational in one year from the start of construction

To learn more, please visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan