PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced the first set of awards to design, build, operate and maintain a network of privately owned electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways.
Forty-nine proposals were received for 18 fast-charging stations that will fill in gaps in the charging network along I-10, I-8, I-40, I-17 and I-19, ADOT officials stated in a release.
The stations are intended to reduce “range anxiety” and encourage use of electric vehicles as a viable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.
Construction is expected to take a year to complete after final contracts have been signed, with some stations opening by late 2025, according to state transportation officials.
The stations will mostly be located at existing gas stations and travel centers, with several others either at restaurants or hotels. The stations will be equipped with CCS plugs.
The charging stations are funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which is allocating $5 billion in funds nationwide through the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy, including $76.5 million for Arizona.