ODOT completes second phase of EV Infrastructure, wants public opinion

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced is completion of the second phase for its Oklahoma's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan and wants to hear comments from the public.

ODOT distributed $9 million during the first phase to start construction on charging stations for 13 sites along the I-35, I-40 and I-44 corridors. The first round of contracts were awarded during the month of April by ODOT and a second round of proposals will happen during Fall 2024.

Oklahoma is set to receive $66 million over the course of five years in order to improve and expand electric vehicle charging stations statewide.

In order to qualify for National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding to aid EV charging station installation, sites must meet this criteria:

• Must be no more than 50 miles apart from existing or planned sites within designated corridors.
• Be within one mile of an exit, feature four charging stations with simultaneous 150kW charging capabilities each.
• Offer 24-hour accessibility.
• Have broadband or cellular capability.

ODOT says public comments are necessary for the second phase of the plan. Stakeholders and community members are encouraged to give their input and will take the comments into consideration in order to make changes accordingly.

The second phase of the NEVI plan will be submitted to USDOT on September 1. If you would like to submit your input, click here.