SCDOT to build EV charging stations along interstates as part of $70 million program

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is preparing to build a larger network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

SCDOT presented its SC + EV initiative during an open house meeting in Greenville County on Wednesday. The initiative is part of the White House’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which aims “to provide a nationwide network of 500,000 EV fast chargers by 2030.”

“Our goal is to help overcome range anxiety so that drivers have access to the EV charging infrastructure so they will be more receptive to utilizing electric transportation,” Rob Bedenbaugh, SCDOT’s Director of Engineering Support, said.

As part of NEVI, South Carolina will receive $70 million from the federal government over the next five years. SCDOT will use that funding to build 15 to 20 charging stations along the state’s major interstate corridors, such as I-85 and I-26.

“Along the interstates, they [charging stations] can be no more than 50 miles apart along these corridors and no more than one travel mile from the interstate once you exit,” Bedenbaugh explained.

According to SCDOT, at least four fast chargers will be at each station. Each will be capable of charging a car within 20 to 30 minutes. 

 “The minimum level of charging at the sites will be 150 kilowatts per port,” Bedenbaugh said. “It has to be fair and equitable for all EVs. We’re going to be including CCS chargers as well as the Max charger, which is commonly referred to as the ‘Tesla Plug.’”

Carolyn Eagan, who attended Wednesday’s meeting, does not currently own an electric vehicle. But, she said having more charging stations available makes it more appealing to buy an electric vehicle in the future.

“I do a lot of long-distance commuting in South Carolina,” she said. “I think that’s my hesitancy. As you see the infrastructure come out, it becomes a little bit easier to understand how it would work for long distances.”

Once SCDOT builds its initial 15 to 20 charging stations, Bedenbaugh said the agency will build stations in communities that are not located along major interstates.

SCDOT is hosting open houses for the public to learn more about its SC + EV initiative:

• Thursday, April 25 at C.C. Woodson Community Center in Spartanburg, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Monday, April 29 at the Pickens County Library System – Village Library, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 30 at The Arts Center of Greenwood, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.