Nevada submits electric vehicle charging plan to secure $38M in federal funding
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 08/01/2022 - 3:25pm
CARSON CITY — The State of Nevada recently submitted a comprehensive plan to secure $38 million in federal funds to enhance the Silver State’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure and network, transforming the State’s transportation electrification future.
On Friday, the Nevada Department of Transportation submitted a comprehensive and strategic electric vehicle infrastructure deployment plan to the United States Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. Once approved, the plan will allow NDOT to receive millions of dollars in federal funding. Through the National Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program contained within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — NDOT will receive more than $38 million over the next five years. The plan was a collaboration among multiple State agencies and partners.
“The future of transportation is electric, and I’m proud to see Nevada’s public agencies and private sector working collaboratively to develop a comprehensive plan that will leverage every dollar to build out a statewide EV network that will be a model for the rest of the nation,” Governor Sisolak said. “This nearly $40 million in dedicated funding wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts of our federal delegation to pass the BIL, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to provide reliable charging options to everyone in the Silver State.”
An electric charging network in Nevada must work for everyone. In their goal to create an inclusive charging network, NDOT partnered with state, regional, and local agencies as well as private industry to develop a collaborative, informed, and flexible plan. This collaborative group of stakeholders helped to identify and define priorities for the state, including partners for community engagement, workforce development to drive future job growth, benefits to disadvantaged communities, and key locations, resulting in a plan that serves all of Nevada.
“NDOT’s NEVI Plan achieves the goal of incorporating the needs of Nevada’s urban spaces as well as our expansive rural areas,” NDOT Director Kristina Swallow said. “We are excited to continue and expand these partnerships and collaborative efforts as NDOT helps advance and implement our charging infrastructure plan.”
“NDOT’s NEVI plan reflects collaboration from across the state to build upon the success of the Nevada Electric Highway and to continue to bring the sustainability and environmental benefits of transportation electrification to our state,” said Marie Steele, Vice President of Electrification and Energy Services for NV Energy. “NV Energy looks forward to working with NDOT to implement an expansive network of safe, accessible, public electric vehicle charging infrastructure for all Nevadans, powered with low-cost, reliable energy.”
“Rural deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is critical to support Nevada’s long-term economic development and electrification goals,” said Carolyn Turner, Executive Director of the Nevada Rural Electric Association (NREA). “NREA members see this funding as a real opportunity to invest in the future of communities served by consumer-owned utilities, and we look forward to the continued partnership with NDOT to implement the state’s Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Plan.”
Using a data-driven process in concert with extensive stakeholder input, the plan was developed to prioritize corridors and locations for charging infrastructure that consider EV analytics, such as vehicle miles traveled, traffic volume, dwell times, and start/stop locations; demographics to promote beneficial and equitable distribution of funds to our disadvantaged communities under Justice40; and air quality non-attainment areas.
“To tackle Nevada’s air quality challenges and meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, we need to transform the transportation sector,” said NDEP Administrator Greg Lovato. “Submission of the NDOT NEVI plan is a key step forward and augments other state efforts like Clean Cars Nevada that will bring cleaner and more affordable transportation options to Nevadans.”
“Charging an electric vehicle should not be dependent on where you live, where you work or where you go for shopping or entertainment.” said Marci Henson, Director of the Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability. “NDOT’s charging plan will modernize Clark County’s infrastructure and meet the rising demands across all demographics in a fair and equitable manner, and more EVs on our roads means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, less ozone and less particulate pollution.”
“Transportation is the largest category of ozone precursor emissions in Washoe County, and expanding the EV infrastructure will put Nevada in a better position to meeting federal ozone standards,” said Francisco Vega, Director of the Washoe County Air Quality Management Division. “Cleaner cars mean cleaner air and a Healthy Community.”
As a result of the BIL, new formula and discretionary programs are being implemented for states to strategically deploy EV infrastructure for publicly accessible charging in designated alternative fuel corridors. This program supports NDOT’s mission to provide, operate, and preserve a transportation system that enhances safety, quality of life and economic development through innovation, environmental stewardship, and a dedicated workforce.
