PennDOT will administer a program to provide more than $170 million for vehicle charging infrastructure over the next five years.

The plan to build direct current fast-charging stations along major highways was recently shared with the public at Lycoming College.

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program will help meet the increasing demand of electric vehicles, according to officials.

“Our goal is to have them 50 miles apart on highways,” Dan Szekeres, one of the presenters of the program, said.

Competitive grant funding to establish stations is being made available.

Many electric car owners rely on home overnight charging devices.

Direct current fast chargers can charge vehicle in just 20 to 30 minutes

The best types of businesses for hosting direct current fast chargers include restaurants, convenience stores, truck stops, and shopping centers – ideally near interstate exits.

Colton Brown, state energy program specialist, said interested people should learn as much as they can about the NEVI program before applying for grant funding.

It is important, he said, to select an appropriate site for a fast-charging station and to coordinate one’s efforts with utilities, government officials, and citizens.

Kimberly Gauntner, of PPL, noted that the utility company is on board with the NEVI program.

She encouraged potential applicants to engage with PPL about their plans for a fast-charging station.

“We will determine the best supply method,” she said. “We can look at load systems use and how it affects our distribution system.”

The NEVI program is being introduced to the public at different communities around the state.

The goal is to provide funding for fast-charging stations in strategic locations such as along highways and in underserved metro areas. It will mean increasing drivers’ confidence in availability of EV chargers, decreasing climate change and improving public health.

“We want to make sure everyone is aware of this funding,” Szekeres said.

NEVI grants require a 20% match from awarded applicants.

More information about the program and grant funding is at RA-PDEVCorridors@pa.gov.