New NC map shows proposed sites for EV charging stations

State leaders have published an online map with the proposed locations of the first batch of electric vehicle charging stations that will be funded through a federal program.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) published the map to help people wishing to apply for the funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI) the state received to build and operate a network of electric vehicle charging stations.

Businesses are eligible to apply for the funds, according to the state.

“The build out of the electric vehicle charging stations will help our state advance clean transportation and be a great economic opportunity for businesses of all sizes,” said Paula Hemmer, NCDOT’s Statewide Initiative senior engineer. “The map gives businesses an opportunity to determine where it would be economically feasible to build and operate EV charging stations.

“There are a lot of things to consider like whether a site is easily accessible to all travelers and a site’s proximity to amenities like restaurants and hotels.”

An NCDOT spokesperson said drivers will be charged to use the stations like how drivers are charged for fuel at a gas station.

"At this point, it’s hard to say how much it will cost to charge a vehicle," the spokesperson wrote in an email to WRAL News. "It will vary depending on several factors, such as the location of the charging station, and that specific area’s utility costs and the demand for the service."

NCDOT identified the 11 locations because they will fill the gaps where fewer EV charging stations currently exist and serve a more geographically diverse group of people in both rural and urban areas.

The proposed locations are as follows:

• Along U.S. Highway 64 about midway between Asheville and Morganton
• Along Interstate 77 between Elkin and Red Brush
• Along I-77 north of Charlotte and just south of Huntersville
• Along I-40 near I-74 west of Greensboro and east of Winston-Salem
• Along I-74 between Biscoe and Candor
• Along U.S. Highway 74 near Laurel Hill
• Along I-40 about midway between Raleigh and Wilmington
• Along U.S. Highway 17 (Ocean Highway East) near Belville, which is west of Wilmington
• Along Highway 17 (North Road Street) near Elizabeth City
• Near U.S. Highway 17 and U.S. Highway 64 near Williamston
• Along U.S. Highway 17 west of New Bern about midway between Jacksonville and Greenville.

Want to see where existing alternative fueling stations are located already? Click or tap here

The state released the map in late December so businesses would have time to plan if they are interested in applying for the NEVI funds to install and operate Phase 1 of the EV charging stations.

In February, NCDOT expects to issue a request for proposals for people interested in applying for funds for Phase 1 of the EV charger installation.

NCDOT received $109 million in NEVI funds to develop the network along interstates, major highways and in communities. The funds are to be used to reimburse businesses for project costs, including procurement, installation and operation of EV charging stations.

Phase 1 will involve installation of DC Fast Chargers along interstates and major highways, along the alternative fuel corridors designated by the Federal Highway Administration. These DC Fast Chargers will be able to charge an electric vehicle in about 20 minutes.

Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EV charging stations in Phase 1 must be:

• Deployed every 50 miles along the alternative fuel corridor (highways and interstates)
• 1 mile or less from an alternative fuel corridor
• Built with charging system ports that are capable of providing 150 kilowatts of direct current to four vehicles simultaneously
• Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Installed so they comply with local permitting and zoning requirements

Phase 2 will involve the build out of community-based DC fast chargers and Level 2 chargers that take between 4 hours and 8 hours to charge a vehicle.

The NCDOT spokesperson said the state anticipates applicants will be developers and businesses in Phase 1 of the program rather than governmental entities. In phase 2, the spokesperson said it could change when the state will focus on the installation of EV charging stations in communities.

North Carolina expects to build out the electric charging infrastructure over the next seven years.