Over the next five years, North Carolina is slated to receive over a hundred-million dollars from a federal agency to help provide greener energy solutions.
The funds are being delivered through the Federal Highway Administration and as part of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, established by the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Earlier in the week, North Carolina’s transportation department had its plan approved, outlining how the money will be used.
It will include making charging stations available at least every 50 miles within a mile of the Alternative Fuel Corridor across the state. Locally, stations are pending along US 74 in Brunswick County and I-40 in New Hanover.
“Electric vehicles are growing in popularity and demand, and we need to make sure the state is ready for this shift,” state transportation secretary Eric Boyette said.
According to the state plan, the program will be implemented in two phases, with the first including building NEVI-compliant stations along particular highways and interstates in North Carolina. Currently, there are 10 compliant stations, but in two years, when phase one is complete, there will be over 50.
“The goal is to provide reliable regional and interstate electric vehicle travel across the U.S.,” the plan details.
Phase two will focus on stations on public roads and increasing electric vehicle-related jobs, “particularly in historically disadvantaged communities.” This portion may also include light- to heavy-duty charging infrastructure, such as buses.
The NEVI Program is in line with the executive order Governor Cooper signed in January to increase the amount of registered zero-emission vehicles in North Carolina to at least 1.25 million by 2030.
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