9 segments of Arizona highways may be added to planned network of EV charging stations

Rey Covarrubias Jr. and Lux Butler, Arizona Republic
Updated ·2 min read

Nine Arizona highways may be added to a planned network of electric vehicle fast-charging stations under a proposed plan open to public input at a virtual meeting Wednesday evening, the Arizona Department of Transportation announced.

The additional highways would be added to a list of routes ADOT's 2024 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan is looking to implement electric vehicle fast-charging stations nearby. Arizona's installment of fast chargers is funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which offers $76.5 million in federal funding for expanded public electric vehicle charger accessibility.

Among the nine highway sections proposed are multiple segments of U.S. Route 60, including: from Wickenburg to Phoenix, Phoenix to Globe, and Show Low to New Mexico. Other proposed highway segments include:

  • US 93: Wickenburg to I-40

  • US 95: Quartzsite to San Luis

  • US 160: US 89 to Four Corners

  • SR 68: US 93 to Bullhead City

  • SR 80: Bisbee to Douglas

  • SR 90: I-10 to Bisbee

Should the additional segments receive approval, they would add to an established list of other eligible corridors including all interstate freeways, US 89, portions of US 93 and state routes 64, 87, 95 and 347.

The Department of Transportation also states that funding for the new fast-charging stations will come from federal funding and private matching. No state funds will be used to build the charging station network.

Planning and construction of the fast-charging station network is set to begin in 2025 with estimated completion dates one year from the start date of construction.

The network would be made using federal funding worth $5 billion, which can only be used for the manufacturing of EV parking stations and along a designated road, according to Schneider.

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program offered an economic way for state economies to implement costly electric vehicle, with ADOT acting a mediator for those funds that would be divvied between private contractors who would operate the stations.

Stations must be no more than 50 miles apart, within one mile of a highway, according to NEVI guidelines for funding. Funding also allows for installation of additional charging port types.

Thor Anderson, a planner with ADOT, said there were little prohibitions preventing the community, state and private sector to make deals to construct the new chargers.

"The big holdup is working with the utility (companies)," said Anderson, noting the significant constructions required for an EV station

Forty percent of the benefits must target disadvantaged communities or rural areas.

ADOT said they reached out to more than 400 stakeholders in Arizona such as tribes, federal and state agencies, and private businesses to understand how to implement proposed plans for new EV stations.

Additionally, members of the public can submit their thoughts on the project by calling 800-915-4301 or emailing the ADOT at AZEVPlan@azdot.gov.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona highways may be added to planned network of EV charging stations