INDOT is investing nearly $100 million to build an electric vehicle (EV) charging network at strategic locations across Indiana. Through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program created by passage of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, INDOT will contract with partners to build Level 3 DC Fast Charge charging stations along Indiana’s federally-designated alternative fuel corridors (AFC’s).
Indiana’s effort feeds into a national initiative to create a network of at least 500,000 reliable chargers across the U.S. to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles.
Charging stations locations will be determined by federal guidance and using a data-driven approach considering EV miles traveled, EV adoption rates and growth models, existing and planned stations, and electric grid capacity among other factors. Locations will also be selected to ensure convenient, equitable access for users in rural and urban areas and station capacity, design and location will promote usage by passenger EV’s and medium- and heavy-duty EV’s.
Beginning in March 2022, INDOT in partnership with state’s Office of Energy Development (OED) began drafting the federally-required State EV Implementation Plan. The plan includes the following considerations:
- State Energy Office Coordination
- Public Engagement
- Plan Vision and Goals
- Contracting
- Existing and Future Conditions Analysis
- Implementation
- Civil Rights/Equity Considerations
- Cybersecurity
- Program Evaluation
INDOT and OED issued a request for information (RFI) on April 4, 2022 providing interested parties an opportunity to provide comments and data for consideration in the drafting of State EV Implementation. RFI responses were due by April 29, 2022. A questionnaire was also developed and disbursed to Indiana's utility groups to gather vital information.
::::UPDATE:::: On September 27, 2022 the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced that they approved Indiana's EV plan. INDOT's next step is to contract with partners for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the EV charging stations.