Dive Brief:
- Dallas-based infrastructure firm AECOM announced a contract Monday with the Arizona DOT to develop a plan to establish a network of electric vehicle charging stations on alternative fuel corridors and interstates statewide, according to a company press release.
- ADOT wants to create a network of EV fast chargers to encourage electric vehicle adoption and reduce EV owners’ fears that their battery does not have sufficient charge to reach their destination.
- The state is set to receive $76.5 million in federal dollars through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, created by the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Dive Insight:
The IIJA dedicated $5 billion over five years to establish EV chargers nationwide through the NEVI program, with first priority given to the Alternative Fuel Corridors located mainly along the Interstate Highway System. For state DOTs seeking to create EV infrastructure deployment plans, the Aug. 1 deadline is looming to access NEVI funds for the upcoming year.
Arizona’s initial EV charging station plan is slated to be submitted in August 2022, according to ADOT, and will be updated each year as new alternative fuel corridors are added and charging stations are identified. In the meantime, the agency will be conducting public input and feedback.
“We look forward to partnering with ADOT to deliver a data-driven, strategic plan for the siting of EV chargers and assisting the state in receiving significant benefits from federal funding sources,” said Jennifer Aument, chief executive of AECOM’s global Transportation business, in the release.
As the climate crisis worsens, more jurisdictions are researching electric vehicle tech and investing in EV manufacturing and charging infrastructure. For example, last year the Indiana DOT announced a partnership with German infrastructure technology company Magment to develop the country’s first highway segment with wireless technologies to charge EVs as they drive over it.
In addition to the NEVI funds, the IIJA also provides $2.5 billion to support community and corridor charging, improve air quality and boost EV charging access in underserved communities. DOT will open applications for these competitive grants later this year, according to the White House
