As gas prices continue to rise to unaffordable prices for some, many would like to see affordable electric cars. PennDOT is taking a survey to see what goals matter most to residents in the commonwealth.
Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) put out a survey asking for public feedback on infrastructure prioritization and goals for the Pennsylvania State Plan for access to National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program funds, according to a press release. Submissions must be received by June 30, 2022. PennDOT will receive and distribute $171.5 million in formula funds for EV charging infrastructure over the next five years as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
“PennDOT is committed to making future-focused investments in Pennsylvania to update our highway network to accommodate more electric vehicles and hybrids,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “We have received public and stakeholder feedback throughout this process, which is vital to understanding wants and needs as this transformational technology takes hold.”
PennDOT plans to expand EV charging along the designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). Previously limited to 5 miles, the Federal AFC updated its criteria earlier this year and requires designated corridors to have EV charging stations no more than 1 mile from an Interstate exit or highway intersection and no more than 50 miles apart.
According to PennDOT, “the results of this survey will build upon outreach and discussions the department has previously had and continues to have with lawmakers, planning partners, utilities, local government organizations, EV-charging companies and stakeholders with equity, labor, education, and environmental expertise.”
With the focus on increased accessibility, the five main categories PennDOT is interested in hearing public opinion on are:
Making EVs more affordable;
Making EV charging more accessible;
Investing in fleet electrification;
Investing in traditionally underserved, low-income, persons of color and otherwise vulnerable population areas; and
Increasing EV awareness, education, and technical capacity.
Pennsylvania must submit an EV infrastructure deployment plan to the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) by August 1, 2022.
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