PennDOT: First Electric Vehicle Charging Station Funded By Federal NEVI Program Breaks Ground In Luzerne County; Nov. 13 Funding Event

On November 9, the Department of Transportation announced the first electric vehicle charging station funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program is now under construction at the Pilot Travel Center at 417 Route 315 in Pittston, Luzerne County, as part of Pilot Company’s collaboration with General Motors.

The cost of construction is supported by $610,393 in NEVI funds. Pilot Company will own the charging station, working with EVgo to deploy the chargers as part of its eXtend service. 

Once complete, EV drivers will have access to four charging ports, capable of providing up to 350 kW of power. 

While charging, customers will have 24/7 access to restrooms, Wi-Fi, food, beverages, and other convenience items for purchase. Construction is expected to be complete by early 2024.

This location is one of 56 projects in 37 counties which were selected to expand access to and reliability of EV charging in Pennsylvania. The projects that were conditionally awarded funding in Pennsylvania’s first round will receive a total $34.8 million. 

The investment is part of the $171.5 million PennDOT will receive and distribute for EV charging infrastructure over five years through the BIL.

Nov. 13 Funding Info Event

PennDOT will host an in-person informational and networking event to help potential applicants, project team members, and program supporters prepare for the Round 1A funding opportunity on Monday, November 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Riverfront Office Center at 1101 S. Front St., Harrisburg. 

To attend, pre-register at this link by 5:00 PM Friday, November 10.

The PA NEVI program includes multiple rounds of funding. During Round 1 selection, the focus was on building out the AFC network along the interstates to meet the NEVI requirements. 

Once AFCs are fully built out, PennDOT will shift to expanding the footprint EV chargers for Pennsylvania’s community charging infrastructure.

PennDOT anticipates releasing the funding opportunity guidelines for Round 1A of NEVI funding in November and opening the Round 1A program for online submissions in December. 

Approximately $22 million will be available for this round, which will help fill the remaining gaps along the AFC network. 

A map of priority locations for Round 1A is available on PennDOT’s website.

Visit PennDOT’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program webpage for more information.

[Posted: November 9, 2023]  PA Environment Digest