Ohio is making significant strides in the expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with plans to build 27 new fast charging stations along its interstates. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is spearheading this initiative, and four regional stations are already in the design process.
The first station set for construction will be located in Preble County on I-70, at a Pilot station. The site’s design is nearing completion, and construction is expected to commence within the next few months. Following that, a station in Warren County could see work begin this spring, while a pair of stations along I-75 in Butler and Miami counties are slated for construction this summer.
In addition, the state is considering adding another station on I-675 in either Montgomery or Greene County as part of the second phase of the project, which aims to build an additional 26 stations.
Last month, Ohio celebrated the opening of the country’s first EV fast charging station at the London Pilot Travel Center on I-70. This marked a significant milestone for the state in its commitment to EV infrastructure development. Ohio was also the first state to announce charging station sites as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
These fast charging stations will offer charging capacities of up to 350 kW for a single vehicle and up to 175 kW when four vehicles are charging simultaneously. This means EVs can be charged up to 80% in just 20 to 40 minutes, depending on battery capacity.
Ohio’s effort to accelerate the expansion of EV charging infrastructure has been commendable, as highlighted by the completion of all necessary steps for these projects within a year. While building the stations is less complex than constructing highways, it still involves coordination between the state, private companies, and their contractors.
With plans to construct a total of 27 stations in the first phase and an estimated 25 more stations by the end of 2024, Ohio is committed to providing a robust and accessible charging network for electric vehicle owners across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many new EV fast charging stations will Ohio be building?
Ohio aims to construct 27 new fast charging stations as part of the first phase of its EV infrastructure development.
2. Which county will have the first area station to go into construction?
Preble County, located along I-70, will have the first fast charging station to start construction.
3. How long does it take to charge an EV at these fast charging stations?
With charging capacities of up to 350 kW for a single vehicle and up to 175 kW for four simultaneous chargers, EVs can be charged up to 80% in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity.
4. When is the estimated completion of the 25 additional fast charging stations?
By the end of 2024, Ohio plans to have 25 more fast charging stations operational, representing a total investment of over $24 million.
5. What was the significance of the opening of the first EV fast charging station in Ohio?
The opening of the nation’s first EV fast charging station at the London Pilot Travel Center on I-70 marked a significant milestone for Ohio’s commitment to EV infrastructure development.
