Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations

More than two years after President Biden signed legislation allocating $5 billion for a nationwide network of taxpayer-funded electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, the first one finally opened last Friday in Ohio.

Why it matters: Having convenient, reliable fast chargers along major highways is an important confidence-booster for people considering an electric car.

The 2021 infrastructure law included $5 billion to establish the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, administered by the Federal Highway Administration.

The intent was to give money to all 50 states to deploy fast chargers near federal highways designated as “alternative fuel corridors.”

Once the highway charging network is complete, states can use remaining funds to deploy chargers elsewhere.

Where it stands: Twenty-six states have made an effort to spend their share of the money so far, according to the Biden administration’s new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, which was created to facilitate the EV transition.

It includes four EVgo fast chargers under an overhead canopy, plus access to restrooms, Wi-Fi, food, beverages and other conveniences.

It’s the first of more than two dozen highway charging stations set to open in Ohio by the end of 2024.

16A 32A RFID Card EV Wallbox Charger With IEC 62196-2 Charging Outlet