2023 EV Plan Update

2023 EV Plan Update

Contents

2023 EV Plan Update

The 2023 EV Plan Update was approved by the Joint Office Sept. 2023. The update expands the state’s EV charging network beyond the Interstate highways to seven additional state highways eligible for NEVI-funded charging stations. The map below depicts ADOT's staged approach to establishing its EV charging network.

Arizona Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC) Map

Arizona Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC) Map

 

2023 EV Plan Update FAQs

What is NEVI? 

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program is a $5 billion program managed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to fund a resilient, equitable, accessible, reliable national network of Level 3 EV fast charging stations along the nation’s highways.

What is the goal of the NEVI program?

NEVI aims to: 

  • Build a resilient, equitable, accessible, reliable network
  • Reduce ‘range anxiety’ by closing existing network gaps

This will be accomplished by:

  • Engaging stakeholders, including the public, in all phases
  • Utilizing efficient contracting and procurement processes
  • Collecting data and applying metrics to ongoing planning for EV charging infrastructure
     

How were the proposed station locations determined?

According to federal guidance, electric vehicle charging stations need to be spaced at least every 50 miles along highways that have been designated alternative fuel corridors (AFC), unless an exception has been granted. Arizona’s AFC are currently the Interstate highways, but other routes on the state highway system will be added and will become eligible for NEVI-funded charging stations. ADOT’s 2022 EV Plan identified locations of existing EV charging stations along the Interstate highways to determine gaps based on federal requirements. Using technical analysis and input from the public and key stakeholders, including the EV industry, ADOT proposed general locations, such as particular interchanges; however, private sector contractors will conduct additional analysis to determine the specific charging station sites.

How many new stations will be built, and how many existing ones will be upgraded?

The number of stations to be built and upgraded is being determined through the EV planning process. The inventory of existing stations and the number of new/upgraded stations will change as new highways become eligible for NEVI-funded stations and ADOT updates the EV plan.

Who is financially responsible for building the charging stations? 

No state funding will be used to build the EV charging station network. The charging stations will be built with 80% federal funding and a 20% private match. ADOT will administer the contracting process.

Who will own and operate the charging stations?

Private companies under contract with ADOT will construct and own the stations and will provide the required 20% funding match.

Who determines the cost to charge an electric vehicle, and will it be the same at each station? 

A charging fee will apply to use the EV charging stations. We do not know what the rates will be, as they will be set by the providers.

How many chargers will be at each station? 

The NEVI formula program requires each station to have a minimum of 4 - 150 Kilowatt direct current fast chargers with combined charging system (CCS) ports. The minimum charging capacity for the whole station will be 600 Kilowatts and the station must be able to charge four electric vehicles simultaneously.

When do you anticipate the first charging station to be operational?

Planning and construction utilizing NEVI funds will take place over the next five years. We don’t yet have enough information to provide a specific timeline for when charging stations would start being installed.

How do I register to partner with ADOT on the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure?

No registration is necessary.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is inviting interested parties to respond to its recently released Request for Information (RFI) regarding a prospective future solicitation for the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The purpose of the RFI is to seek the industry’s perspective and feedback on the questions presented in the RFI and to provide an opportunity for industry input regarding the procurement process for the Project. Responses are due no later than 2:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST) on July 28, 2023. For details, visit https://azdot.gov/EVPlan.

Are there any existing charging stations along the state's Interstates?

Yes. ADOT’s EV deployment plan is evaluating existing EV charging infrastructure along the Interstates and determining gaps. NEVI funding may be used to upgrade existing EV charging infrastructure and to build new fast charging stations.

When will the new stations be built?

Planning and construction utilizing funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program will take place over the next five years. We anticipate starting the contracting process for charging stations in 2023. We don’t yet have enough information to provide a specific timeline for when charging stations would start being installed.