State of Georgia awards $24.4 million to fast-charging projects
The awarded funds were approved at the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) Board meeting on 20th November, with the goal of creating a continuous federally compliant charging network across the state.
Following an earlier 2024 funding round, this second funding round aims to address gaps in EV charging infrastructure in rural areas. To that end, each funded location will host four DC fast charging (DCFC) ports capable of operating simultaneously with 24/7 access. The funds were awarded under the NEVI scheme, which mandates that operators selected through the public-private partnership model must design, install, finance, operate and maintain charging sites for a minimum of five years – in exchange for federal funds covering up to 80 per cent of project costs.
Georgia’s DOT has said it evaluated 33 possible locations and received a total of 41 bids for 26 of them. Six charging point operators were ultimately selected: Pilot Travel Centers, Silver Comet Energy, Universal EV, PowerUp America, EnviroSpark, and Love’s Travel Stops. The charging sites will be located state-wide and are meant to ensure consistent spacing of fast chargers along major transport corridors. Construction timelines are still to be confirmed, but all projects fall under Georgia DOT’s federally approved NEVI implementation plan – which has allocated a total of $135 million in funds to Georgia over a five-year period.
With Georgia hosting major facilities for the likes of Rivian, Hyundai, and several battery suppliers, the expanded charging infrastructure will no doubt play a useful role for both consumers and producers of EVs.
Georgia DOT commissioner Russell R. McMurry said: “Georgia continues to lead the way in electric mobility by investing in infrastructure that strengthens our transportation network, promotes economic development and improves the experience for EV drivers statewide. Georgia DOT is proud to do our part to implement this federal investment responsibly, closing gaps in the statewide network and ensuring that fast, reliable charging is available where Georgians need it most.”
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