PHOENIX (AZFamily) – The state of Arizona is taking steps to reduce range anxiety among electric vehicle owners.
The Arizona Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that it has selected companies to design, build, operate and maintain a network of 49 electric vehicle charging stations along highways across the state.
Eighteen new fast-charging stations will fill the gaps that currently exist on I-10, I-8, I-40, I-17 and I-19.
ADOT said these stations are intended to reduce range anxiety among electric vehicle drivers and encourage more people to use electric vehicles instead of gasoline-powered vehicles.
After final contracts are signed, construction is expected to take a year, according to ADOT, and some stations are expected to open by the end of 2025.
The new stations will mostly be built at existing gas stations and travel centers, as well as some restaurants and hotels. All stations will be equipped with CCS plugs. They will be located no more than 50 miles apart and within a one-mile radius of motorway exits.
Funding for this project comes from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which provides $5 billion nationwide through the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy, including $76.5 million for Arizona.
“We are thrilled that Arizona is taking this important step to build a reliable, convenient and affordable network of electric vehicle chargers through FHWA’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program,” said Shailen Bhatt, director of the Federal Highway Administration. “With funding from the Biden-Harris administration, drivers can be confident they will find an electric vehicle charger no matter where they live or travel in the Grand Canyon State.”
The charging stations are designed to charge a typical electric vehicle in 30 minutes or less.
ADOT said it plans to expand charging stations to other state highways, with bidding to begin in 2025.
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