Maryland Accelerates EV Revolution with $9.6 Million Charging Station Expansion

Maryland is injecting another $9.6 million into its electric vehicle infrastructure. The state’s transportation department approved the funds for 12 new high-speed charging sites. This move will place dozens of new charging ports along major travel corridors.

The funding is part of the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. It represents the second major wave of investment aimed at building a reliable charging network for drivers.

Strategic Charger Placement and Private Partnerships

The new charging stations will be installed by three private companies. These include Francis Energy, Universal EV, and Drake Petroleum. Sites will be at convenient locations like gas stations and lodging facilities.

All 12 selected sites are strategically located within one mile of Maryland’s key highways. This ensures easy access for travelers on long trips. According to Reuters, such corridor-focused development is critical for nationwide EV adoption.

The conditional grants cover up to 80% of the projects’ eligible costs. Private awardees are contributing nearly $2.5 million in matching funds. They must also guarantee a 97% operational uptime for the new chargers.

Fueling Maryland’s Rapid Electric Vehicle Adoption

This infrastructure push directly supports the state’s booming EV market. Maryland has seen a significant 16% jump in registered electric vehicles this year alone. The number of public charging ports has grown in parallel, increasing by over 19%.

The latest funding round prioritizes highway “corridor” charging. A third round of proposals is planned for early next year to complete this phase. After that, remaining funds will shift to “community” charging for daily use.

State officials say the expanding network gives drivers confidence. It assures both current and future EV owners that they can find a plug. This is essential for accommodating the continued rise in electric vehicle sales.

Maryland’s commitment to its EV charging stations network is clear. This latest investment solidifies the state’s position as a leader in clean transportation. The expansion promises to make road trips easier for every electric vehicle driver.

Info at your fingertips

How many new charging sites will this funding create?

The $9.6 million in conditional grants will support 12 new charging locations. These sites will add dozens of high-speed charging ports to the state’s network. The projects are expected to be public by 2028.

Where will the new EV chargers be located?

The new chargers will be placed at strategic spots along major highways. Specific locations include existing gas stations and lodging facilities. All sites are within one mile of a major travel corridor for driver convenience.

What is the NEVI Program?

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program is a federal initiative. Its goal is to create a seamless, nationwide network of EV charging stations. The program provides funding to states to build out this critical infrastructure.

How fast is EV adoption growing in Maryland?

EV adoption in Maryland is accelerating rapidly. The state registered nearly 148,000 electric vehicles by the end of September. This reflects a 16% increase since the start of the year.

Who is paying for the new charging stations?

The grants cover up to 80% of the eligible project costs. The remaining investment comes from private companies awarded the contracts. These private partners are contributing nearly $2.5 million in matching funds.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, Reuters, Maryland Department of Transportation