RALEIGH – NCDOT awarded $14.4 million to eight businesses that will build and operate electric vehicle charging stations at 14 locations across North Carolina.
The awards are the second round made through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. NCDOT said the projects include sites in Asheboro, Columbus, High Point, Kinston, Raleigh, Wadesboro and Weaverville along major travel corridors.
North Carolina received $109 million in federal NEVI funding to work with businesses on charging stations along interstates, highways and in communities. The funds reimburse eligible costs including equipment procurement, installation and operation.
Federal program rules allow NEVI money to cover up to 80% of eligible project costs. Chargers must be publicly available or serve authorized commercial vehicle operators from more than one company, and they must support open-access payment methods.
The 14 new locations will join five charging stations funded by North Carolina through the program in 2024. NCDOT expects the full network supported by the program to be completed within three years.
A later phase will place additional chargers in communities and rural areas with greater needs, according to NCDOT.