Next round of electric vehicle charging stations planned for Ohio

Ohio plans to funnel $16 million of federal taxpayer money to build a second round of electric vehicle charging stations along the interstates, state routes and U.S. routes.

The plan is to team with private companies to install 22 new charging stations through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. Ohio was the first state to activate one of the program’s charging stations.

“As more electric cars and trucks make their way to Ohio roadways, we’re continuing to build the infrastructure needed to enable easy and convenient travel,” Gov. Mike DeWine said.

The new round of funding will support charging stations on Interstates 270, 275, 675, 680, 71, 76, 44, State Route 16, and U.S. Routes 30 and 33.

The $16 million in federal money requires a $4 million match from private companies picked to install and operate the new stations. Those companies include Electric Era, Francis Energy Charging, Jule, Love’s Travel Stops, Meijer, Red E Charging, Sheetz, EVgo and United Dairy Farmers.

The new charges are expected at existing shopping centers, grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, hotels and a bowling alley.

The state’s goal is to have fast charging stations every 50 miles. Each location is expected to be no more than a mile from the freeway and includes four charger ports. The stations are also expected to include restrooms and a place to buy food and drinks.

In December, the first NEVI station in the country opened along I-70 at U.S. 42 in Madison County, Ohio. Construction on the new stations is expected to begin later this year and continue into 2025.

According to federal figures released in the third quarter of 2023, 34,060 electric vehicles were registered in Ohio, less than 1% of the total registrations in the state. Nationwide, electric vehicle registrations represent 1.46% of total registrations.

Unlike other states, Ohio has not established an electric vehicle mandate and does not offer tax credits or rebates. Some cities, however, do provide free parking for electric vehicles.

Plug-in electric vehicle registrations in Ohio costs $231, or $200 more than combustion vehicle registration. Hybrid vehicle registration costs $131.