Federal and State Partners Announce $600 Million in Grants for EV Charging Stations
Federal and state officials gathered at Coppin State University on Friday morning to announce more than $600 million in new grants to continue building electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. The funding is part of a larger plan to build 500,000 EV charging stations nationwide by 2030 to meet President Biden’s goal.
Maryland to Receive $15 Million for Charging Stations in Disadvantaged Communities
Maryland is set to receive $15 million of the new grants, with the majority of the funds targeted at building EV charging stations in communities that might not otherwise have access. The proposed sites for these 58 EV charging stations include locations in disadvantaged communities, intentionally part of those federal dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
In addition, the funding will also fund workforce development programs to add 600 jobs for electricians. Governor Wes Moore stated that these new jobs are vital for his long-term plans to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.
Real World Frustrations Surrounding EVs
While federal and state officials were proud to announce the new grants, they were also quick to recognize the real-world frustrations that still surround EVs. One of the main concerns is the availability of charging stations. According to a report by 11 News Investigate, Maryland has not used any of its $63 million in federal funding to build new charging stations across the state. The Maryland Department of Transportation officials stated that construction for those projects would begin this summer at the earliest.
The same timeline applies to the new $15 million allotment. David Jankowski, the CEO of Francis Energy, a private company competing for contracts in Maryland and other states to build charging stations, stated that red tape is the reason construction has taken so long to start. However, he added that companies can install the chargers in 4 to 6 months once they get the green light.
Funding to Show that EVs are a Viable and Affordable Mode of Transportation
For those who stay away from buying EVs because they don’t think there are enough charging stations, Jankowski says help is on the way. The US Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg stated that this funding and getting these new charging stations installed will definitely show that EVs are a viable and affordable mode of transportation.
The funding and installation of new charging stations will also help alleviate range anxiety, a common concern among EV drivers. Trottenberg stated that by 2025, range anxiety should be solved in the state of Maryland.
In conclusion, the new grants for EV charging stations will help build the necessary infrastructure to support the growing number of EVs on the road. With the majority of the funds targeted at building charging stations in disadvantaged communities, the initiative will also help make EVs more accessible to everyone.
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