Pennsylvania is among the first in the nation to reach this milestone, demonstrating swift implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration announced that construction is underway at Pennsylvania's first federally-funded electric vehicle (EV) charging station built as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, funded by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). This milestone helps to further the Shapiro Administration's work to address climate change, grow the Commonwealth's economy and ensure that Pennsylvania is ready for the next generation of transportation, one that will be cleaner, safer, more affordable, and more reliable than ever before.

"Thanks to Governor Shapiro's leadership and our Administration's approach of getting stuff done for Pennsylvanians, we are among the first in the nation to begin construction on an EV charging station under the NEVI program, and I couldn't be prouder,"said Secretary Mike Carroll. "These investments will allow us to deploy electric vehicle charging stations across our Commonwealth, providing travelers with more options while creating good-paying jobs, and reducing our carbon footprint."

The charging station is being installed at the Pilot Travel Center at 417 Route 315 in Pittston, as part of Pilot Company's collaboration with General Motors. The cost of construction is supported by $610,393 in NEVI funds. Pilot Company will own the charging station, working with EVgo to deploy the chargers as part of its eXtend service. Once complete, EV drivers will have access to four charging ports, capable of providing up to 350 kW of power. While charging, customers will have 24/7 access to restrooms, Wi-Fi, food, beverages, and other convenience items for purchase. Construction is expected to be complete by early 2024.

This location is one of 56 projects in 37 counties which were selected to expand access to and reliability of EV charging in Pennsylvania. The projects that were conditionally awarded funding in Pennsylvania's first round will receive a total $34.8 million. The investment is part of the $171.5 million PennDOT will receive and distribute for EV charging infrastructure over five years through the BIL.

"In Pennsylvania and across the country, President Biden's Investing in America agenda is building the backbone of our national network of EV charging stations that is convenient, reliable and Made in America, and will ensure a seamless experience for drivers when they're charging up – with similar payment systems, clear pricing information, interoperable connector types, and reliable charging speeds as we make the historic transition to electric vehicles," said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. "With federal investments made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Pennsylvania is taking a critical step forward as States and local governments across our nation begin deploying EV chargers for the communities they serve, and we are proud to partner with them in this project."

"By beginning construction on one of the first NEVI-funded EV charging stations in the country, Pennsylvania is a keystone in the nation's efforts to build a future where everyone can ride and drive electric," said Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Executive Director Gabe Klein. "The Joint Office is proud to support PennDOT's efforts to plan 56 projects in 37 counties that leverage significant private investment and more than $35 million in round one NEVI funding to build frictionless fast charging along more than 2,000 miles of Pennsylvania highways."

"At EVgo, we know that EV drivers want convenient, reliable access to public charging, and we are committed to delivering a customer-centric charging experience," said EVgo Chief Operating Officer Dennis Kish. "Through our collaboration with Pilot Company and GM to build fast charging stalls along America's most frequently traveled roads, EVgo is expanding fast charging infrastructure both here in Pennsylvania and throughout the U.S. to support the growing numbers of drivers making the switch to electric."

"We look forward to providing EV drivers a state-of-the-art charging experience with unparalleled amenities and conveniences to make their journeys easier and more enjoyable," said Brad Anderson, chief operating officer for Pilot Company. "Our nationwide network of travel centers will soon offer fast charging at up to 500 locations, including several stations in Pennsylvania, as part of our collaboration with GM and EVgo to build the infrastructure necessary for reliable, long-distance EV travel." 

The NEVI funding supports the Commonwealth and federal goal of expanding EV charging along the previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) (see a list of AFCs here). Per guidance from U.S. DOT, NEVI formula funds must first be used to "build out" designated AFCs (meaning there must be no more than 50 miles between stations and less than 1 mile from an AFC exit) and meet U.S. DOT minimum standards and requirements. 

The PA NEVI program includes multiple rounds of funding. During Round 1 selection, the focus was on building out the AFC network along the interstates to meet the NEVI requirements. Once AFCs are fully built out, PennDOT will shift to expanding the footprint EV chargers for Pennsylvania's community charging infrastructure.

PennDOT anticipates releasing the funding opportunity guidelines for Round 1A of NEVI funding in November and opening the Round 1A program for online submissions in December. Approximately $22 million will be available for this round, which will help fill the remaining gaps along the AFC network. A map of priority locations for Round 1A is available on PennDOT's website. 

PennDOT will host an in-person informational and networking event to help potential applicants, project team members, and program supporters prepare for the Round 1A funding opportunity on Monday, November 13 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST at the Riverfront Office Center at 1101 S. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17104. To attend, pre-register at this link by 5:00 PM Friday, November 10.

For more information on NEVI funds in Pennsylvania visit the PennDOT website.

Pennsylvania can compete for billions of dollars in federal funds across a wide range of federal grant programs through the BIL, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). To help communities and organizations learn about these opportunities, PennDOT created a web page, www.penndot.pa.gov/IIJA, with details on federal grant opportunities to help municipalities, townships, and other community agencies with understanding the multiple transportation program grants that are available. The page includes Grant Alerts, guides, and links to important resources for local municipalities and organizations interested in pursuing federal funding opportunities

Information about state infrastructure in Pennsylvania, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

Subscribe to local PennDOT news or statewide PennDOT news on the department's website.

Follow PennDOT on X and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.

Contact: Alexis Campbell, alecampbel@pa.gov or 717-783-8800

# # #