Ohio finalizes study for providing EV charging stations

COLUMBUS — DriveOhio, an initiative of the Ohio Department of Transportation, has finalized a study to expand electric vehicle access throughout the state.

In the study, a new state-wide strategy is outlined, identifying key steps that are necessary for expanding Ohio's EV impact. The strategy identified various sites needed to build EV-friendly corridors throughout the state.

A key recommendation from the strategy is to have EV charging stations available and installed at least every 50 miles at strategic locations along the interstate, state and U.S. route corridors.

The strategy also recognizes recent investments that automobile manufacturers are making in EV technology, including last week's unveiling of the Lordstown Motors Endurance electric pickup-truck.

The Electric Vehicle Charing Study is available at drive.ohio.gov.

"There is a paradigm shift underway in the transportation industry," said Jack Marchbanks, director of the Ohio Department of Transportation in a news release. "Legacy companies are pivoting to new ways of doing business and startups are entering the market.

"By working towards EV-friendly corridors, Ohio will continue leading the way in the changing landscape of transportation," he said.

The strategy also calls for collaboration among various state agencies to implement this comprehensive proposal: ODOT, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Development Services Agency, the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Department of Administrative Services, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.

"We are looking forward to the opportunities that will come as a result of the work of our state agency partners, this was a team effort," said Mary Mertz, ODNR director. "We hope the installation of charging stations at state parks and lodges will allow electric vehicle drivers to travel further and explore more of Ohio's natural wonders."

The U.S. Department of Energy and multiple independent market reports conclude that the automotive industry is committed to EVs. Over the past 18 months, numerous manufacturers including Ford, GM, Chrysler and Nissan have committed to each bringing 10-or-more EV models to market in the 2020s.

In coordination with DriveOhio's study, the Ohio EPA has opened the application process for $3.5 million in grant funds to install publicly accessible "Level 2" chargers in counties that Ohio EPA has identified as eligible to receive funds from the grant program. A map of eligible counties can be found at epa.ohio.gov.

"The data-driven approach DriveOhio took, makes their study a great tool for us," said Laurie Stevenson, Ohio EPA director. "As we receive applications, we can use it as a road map to prioritize locations and ensure new chargers are installed strategically to fill the gaps."

The Level 2 announcement is the first of two from Ohio EPA. Another $5 million in grant funding will be released for "Direct Current Fast" chargers in early 2021.

This story was originally published July 6, 2020 at 4:46 AM with the headline "Ohio finalizes study for providing EV charging stations."