State departments of transportation (DOTs) across the US are getting aboard the EV train as electric vehicles rocket to greater popularity nationwide. Here are the top eight state DOTs investing in EV charging infrastructure.
1. Texas
With a whopping $86,854,582 invested in EV charging during the 2024 financial year (FY), Texas will have EV charging stations spaced strategically along 3,637 miles of roads, according to the US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (JOET). Even with the state’s many rural roadways, the range increase in today’s EV models — now including pickup trucks — gives even rural Texans the option of going electric.
To support this organic growth, the Texas DOT created a comprehensive plan “to enable passenger EV travel across the state and spur economic development.” Created in 2022, the plan first focused on interstate routes. Then, as EV ownership grows, the state DOT will expand charging infrastructure into more rural areas and non-interstate routes.
Rural installs will focus on DC fast chargers, beginning with county seats (centers of county government) since they’re usually in a central location — easily accessible to all county residents. This strategy ensures that EV drivers can charge their cars in the shortest possible time with maximum range, a critical element when servicing vehicles in sparsely populated areas.
To publicize the network and build Texans’ confidence in EV charging availability, TxDOT data management section director Michael Chamberlain took an 8,300-mile cross-state trip in his Tesla Model Y. He visited several proposed charging station sites during his travels. Along the way, Chamberlain test-drove several new EV models, gave charging demonstrations, and informed local communities about the state’s EV charging network plans.
2. California
Hard on Texas’ heels investment-wise, California’s 2024 spending on EV charging infrastructure totaled $81,721,161, according to the JOET report referenced earlier. But the state more than doubled Texas’ coverage, with 7,792 miles of strategically located chargers available upon completion.
However, Texas EV charging enthusiasts might soon see some one-upmanship from the Golden State. On December 12, 2024, the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved $1.4 billion in funding to expand the state’s zero-emission transportation infrastructure.
Indeed, a substantial portion of that money will go toward EV charging stations, although hydrogen fueling stations will also receive some of the funding. The state plans to spread the $1.4 billion over four years, giving Texas a little room to up the ante in the EV infrastructure race.
3. Florida
With 6,244 miles of planned EV charging infrastructure coverage across a smaller land mass than either Texas or California, Florida has positioned itself as a major player in the drive to support the growing number of EVs in the US.
The state pledged $42,185,543 during FY 2024, putting it in third place among all states. In addition, Florida has surfaced as one of the nation’s leaders in emerging technologies, including charging infrastructure embedded in the road itself. Its planned State Road 516 will contain a section that can charge EVs as they drive along the highway.
Florida has leveraged that advantage for its residents thanks to its mostly sunny weather. It has waived property and sales taxes for both grid-scale and residential solar projects, driving down the cost of EV charging. Battery storage, too, qualifies for a sales tax exemption, lowering the cost of charging even more.
4. New York
Coming in fourth, New York approved $37,373,747 to fund EV charging projects in FY 2024. With chargers to be installed along 2,034 miles of its major roads, the state will have even more cash to boost its EVolve NY program, a 250 million-dollar commitment to install “up to 400 new DC fast charging stations throughout the state by 2025.”
The state also offers new EV buyers and lessees a $2,000 rebate through its Drive Clean Rebate program to help propel more New Yorkers into EV ownership. These programs will provide a steady stream of customers for the state’s new charging stations and go a long way toward cleaning up the air in its most densely populated cities.
New York State also incentivizes public and commercial organizations to install charging stations on their properties through its Charge Ready program. Facilities in disadvantaged communities qualify for $4,000 per charging port, while workplace and multifamily properties outside of disadvantaged communities qualify for rebates of up to $2,000. Fleet owners can receive rebates of up to $1,000 per charging port.
Businesses that invest in EV charging can also receive state tax credits up to $5,000 per charging station or half the cost of the property. The state’s utility companies provide additional incentives, making investment in EV charging infrastructure a savvy business strategy for New York-based companies.
5. Pennsylvania
With $36,531,901 allocated to invest in EV charging infrastructure, Pennsylvania aims to equip 2,085 miles of its roads with adequate facilities. Since these roads cross remote mountain regions and some of the eastern US’ largest cities, Pennsylvania’s investment reflects the state’s commitment to equal access to EV charging in rural and underserved areas as well as the wealthier portions of the state.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has partnered with local stakeholders, other state agencies, and the Federal Highway Administration to install EV charging stations along the state’s major highways to accomplish its goals. One of their goals is to provide people who need to travel as part of their employment and other long-distance drivers with dependable charging all along their routes through the state. This is why PennDOT prioritized installing DC fast charging stations — EV charging that can take place in “about the same amount of time it takes to stop for a quick meal on the highway.”
6. Illinois
With 1,950 miles of planned EV charging infrastructure coverage, travelers driving EVs along Illinois’ vast network of highways should have no trouble finding a charging station once the infrastructure is up and running. The Midwestern state allocated $31,655,845 in FY 2024 to shore up its EV charging opportunities along its major thoroughfares, according to the JOET report cited earlier.
As one of the leading states in EV adoption, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) leadership discovered that the influx of EVs overtaxed some of Illinois’ EV charging stations, causing them to break down. To solve that problem, the IDOT applied for — and received — $7.1 million in funds from the federal government to repair or replace the aging chargers. As EVs begin to squeeze out combustion engine-powered cars on the nation’s highways, this issue will likely become a challenge nationwide. Illinois’ investment in these repairs can be a model for other states facing similar issues.
7. Ohio
Ohio, another Midwestern powerhouse with a robust network of interstate and other major highways, has embraced the EV revolution. In FY 2024, the state allotted $29,845,089 to shore up its EV infrastructure. With the state seeing a growing number of EV registrations, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has taken steps to provide these vehicles with adequate charging capabilities statewide.
Through its DriveOhio program, the ODOT plans to install EV charging stations throughout the state, creating opportunities for Ohioans to enjoy a robust economy while keeping the state’s air cleaner. Additionally, the ODOT created an alternative fuel vehicle registration database to discover areas where EV adoption is highest, allowing them to allocate infrastructure resources to support drivers in those regions.
8. Georgia
As the previously cited JOET report points out, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has committed to pour $28,749,258 into EV charging infrastructure. Those funds will go far toward meeting the goals the GDOT plans to implement. With coverage across 1,970 miles of the state’s roads and highways, Georgia has an excellent chance of achieving those goals.
First, the GDOT identified service gaps in the state’s Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). Next, its team researched the area’s market potential for EV charging, as well as potential contractors that could build out the infrastructure to close those gaps.
Then, the GDOT team laid out its vision and goals. They include:
- Alignment with the federal government’s NEVI program standards to qualify for maximum funding
- Customer-driven charging station installations to provide users with the most convenient options
- Optimization of each area’s economic development potential
- Private sector ownership and operations
- Reliable performance of each station
With these guidelines in place, the state could better use its funding — and eventually turn over the entire operation to the private sector. As EV adoption increases across the state, these stations will become profitable, contributing to each host community’s economic health.
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