The Role of States in Expanding EV Charging Infrastructure

As electric vehicles (EVs) become the cornerstone of transportation electrification initiatives nationally, the expansion of EV charging transmission and distribution infrastructure emerges as a critical factor in increasing consumer adoption. Despite a decline in consumer interest in EVs as of late, noted in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Electric Vehicle Consideration Study, several states are continuing to implement ambitious plans to expand and enhance their EV charging networks. Even with the decrease in EV sales and increase in hybrid electric vehicle sales, the U.S. still needs to make significant investment in T&D and power generation infrastructure to support transportation electrification. This article highlights the states leading these efforts, exploring how California, New York, Texas, Florida, Washington, and others are addressing infrastructure needs through substantial investments, public-private partnerships, and innovative programs.

California’s Clean Transportation Program aims to spend $1.9 billion over the next four years to create the most extensive charging and hydrogen refueling network in the country, while New York’s "EVolve NY" program aims to build fast chargers and upgrade high voltage transmission to support offshore wind projects. Texas is enhancing its grid reliability and expanding charging stations in urban centers, driven by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Florida and Washington are rapidly developing their charging infrastructure and upgrading transmission lines to handle increased loads from EVs and renewables. Oregon, Colorado, and Nevada are also making significant strides with initiatives like Greenlink Nevada, aiming to create a network of high-voltage transmission lines to support renewable energy and EV growth.

From extensive federal and state funding initiatives to utility-led projects and community-driven programs, these states are building more charging stations and enhancing transmission capacity to ensure continued grid stability and reliability. Improved grid infrastructure is essential for managing the increased electricity demand from EVs and integrating renewable energy sources effectively.

Overview

The United States is accelerating its transition to EVs with annual EV sales anticipated to surpass 2 million units in 2024. By the end of 2023, EV sales made up 6.9% of vehicle purchases and were approximately 9.3% of cars on the road. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory forecasts that by 2030, there could be between 30 million and 42 million electric vehicles on U.S. roads. To sustain and increase EV ownership the expansion and enhancement of charging infrastructure have emerged as critical components for consumers. The charging network is not just a backbone for EV adoption; it is a vital element that alleviates range anxiety, encourages consumer confidence, and supports the broader shift towards sustainable transportation.

The U.S. fields approximately 196,000 public and private charging ports throughout nearly 70,000 station locations. This network includes Level 1 chargers, which require no special installation, Level 2 chargers, which are suitable for longer parking durations such as at workplaces and shopping centers, and DC fast chargers, which provide rapid charging for long-distance travel and quick top-ups. Companies like ChargePoint, EVgo, and Tesla's Supercharger network have been pivotal in this expansion, investing heavily in increasing the number and accessibility of charging points across the nation.

The federal government, recognizing the importance of robust charging infrastructure, has made substantial investments through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), with $5 billion available in funding targeting deployment of 500,000 public charging ports by 2030 to create a nationwide network ensuring no EV owner is more than 50 miles from a charging station. As of Q1’24 three states—Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York—have constructed charging stations through the aforementioned IIJA funding. President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda presented substantial additional funding in January 2024 when the administration announced $46.5 million for 30 projects in 16 states and Washington, D.C., to boost EV charging performance, resiliency, and reliability. These mechanisms are complemented by state-level programs, particularly in EV-friendly states like California, New York, and Colorado, which offer additional incentives and support for the development of local charging networks.

While the expansion of charging infrastructure is critical, it cannot succeed without a concurrent increase in transmission capacity. Major transmission projects such as Clean Path NY in New York, SunZia spanning New Mexico and Arizona, and the TransWest Express originating in Wyoming highlight the expansion of transmission infrastructure and renewable generation needed to power millions of new EVs. These projects, spanning key states like New York, California, Texas, and Arizona, are designed to enhance grid reliability and capacity, ensuring that the growing electricity demand from EVs can be met sustainably. By injecting vast amounts of wind and solar power into the grid, these initiatives not only support the immediate needs of EV charging but also bolster the long-term goals of reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy, making the expansion of transmission infrastructure both a technical necessity and strategic imperative to drive the widespread adoption of EVs and toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

Notable States Expanding EV Charging Infrastructure

Vehicle registration counts of all-electric vehicles by state during the fourth quarter of 2023. Vehicle registration counts derived by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory with data from Experian Information Solutions. Only all-electric vehicles are included in this table; plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are not included. Registration counts are approximate.

California

2023 Data from U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. *Non-residential charging ports.

California is leading other states in EV infrastructure expansion, driven by a combination of state policies, significant public, and private investment, and a growing market for EVs. The Clean Transportation Program has funded the installation of 24,500 EV chargers from 2009-2023, with an additional $1.9 billion approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) it aims to add 40,000 chargers statewide within the next four years. Complementing this, the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) provides substantial incentives for the installation of public EV chargers, ensuring widespread accessibility. California's Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Action Plan sets ambitious targets for EV adoption and infrastructure expansion, solidifying the state's commitment to a sustainable future. Existing charging infrastructure is highlighted by the West Coast Electric Highway, a comprehensive network of EV DC fast charging stations situated every 25 to 50 miles along Interstate 5, Highway 99, and other major routes spanning the length of California, linking British Columbia to Mexico. Major utilities such as PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E also play a significant role, offering programs to support the installation of EV chargers, thereby enhancing the state's charging network.

Transmission development in California is intrinsically linked to EV adoption. In May 2024, the California ISO Board approved 26 new transmission projects to add 85 GW of capacity by 2035, including the first phase for offshore wind energy from the North Coast. The $6.1 billion plan includes solar, wind, geothermal, and battery storage projects, improving reliability and resiliency. Highlights of new infrastructure include Humboldt 500 kV substation, a 260-mile HVDC line operated as a 500 kV AC line between Humboldt and Collinsville substations, and a 140-mile 500 kV AC line between Humboldt and Fern Road substations. A significant addition within the approval is Pattern Energy’s SunZia line tie into the California system. The 550-mile, 500 kV HVDC line currently under construction to connect central New Mexico and south-central Arizona will transport 3,000 MW of wind energy to California. Other promising movement is manifesting through the CEC recently adopting a strategic plan to spearhead the development of offshore wind generation, with a goal of 25,000 MW of capacity by 2045. Advancement of this plan points positively to future transmission projects for the state.

New York

Data from U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. *Non-residential charging ports.

New York’s zero-emission vehicle goal of deploying 850,000 EVs across the state by 2025 is aggressive, but initiatives like the EV Make Ready Program, which provides incentives for utilities to build EV charging stations are enabling the infrastructure development to accommodate that objective. The New York Power Authority's (NYPA) $250 million EVolve NY initiative focuses on installing 800 fast charging stations across the state and the Charge NY initiative aims to deploy 10,000 charging stations, both by 2025, significantly boosting the availability of charging infrastructure. Financial support is also provided by NY Green Bank, which offers financing for clean energy projects, including EV infrastructure. New York is a participant in the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), along with other key states like New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Virginia. This regional collaboration aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and promote sustainable transportation solutions. The Northeast Electric Vehicle Network is an effort within TCI, launched in 2011 it has assisted states to develop valuable private and public partnerships to build a robust network of charging stations throughout the region. Over 100 entities have pledged to work with the Network to support EV use.

New York’s new Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) requires the state to be powered by 70% renewable energy by 2030. A major development to help meet that expectation is the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) led by Transmission Developers Inc. (TDI).  Expected to complete in 2026, this 339-mile underground and submarine transmission line will bring 1.25 MW of renewable energy from Canada to New York City, bolstering the grid's capacity to support EV charging. Additionally, NYPA is focused on upgrading transmission infrastructure across the state, notably through the Clean Path NY project with partners Invenergy and EnergyRe, which aims to deliver 3,800 MW of new wind and solar energy from upstate New York to downstate areas via 178 miles of underground and submarine transmission.

Promising offshore wind projects are on the horizon for New York. In response to the New York Independent System Operator’s (NYISO) solicitation for innovative offshore wind transmission needs, New York Transco submitted the Energy Link NY project which details to benefit New Yorkers through increasing energy delivery capabilities to power over 4.5 million NYC area homes, enhance reliability by creating new clean energy transmission paths, and improve resiliency against climate change by modernizing and strengthening the transmission system. In July 2024 Northeast states including New England, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Maryland signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance collaboration on interregional transmission projects, focusing on offshore wind integration. This unique partnership, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to improve grid reliability, lower consumer costs, and address barriers to transmission development. The initiative includes the proposed Clean Resilience Link project, which seeks federal funding to increase transmission capacity between New York and New England.

Texas

2023 Data from U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. *Non-residential charging ports.

Texas has leveraged its vast renewable energy resources to support a growing network of EV chargers. Through the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) initiative completed in 2013 over 3,600-miles of transmission lines capable of carrying 18,500 MW connecting wind farms in West Texas and the Texas Panhandle to major load centers such as Dallas, Austin, and Houston have provided the foundation for renewable driven charging infrastructure construction. By enhancing the transmission capacity and connectivity, CREZ has improved the reliability and resilience of Texas's electrical grid, ensuring a stable supply of electricity to meet growing EV demand. Promising momentum to satisfy growing EV demand was exhibited in early 2024, when Texas was awarded $100 million from the Federal Highway Administration’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, with $15 million dedicated towards building 100 electric vehicle chargers across 16 North Texas counties. Another $70 million is allocated to construct up to five hydrogen fueling stations across major cities in Texas. Around the same time, LG opened its first US EV charging factory in Fort Worth, powered entirely by green energy and capable of producing 10,000 chargers annually for national distribution.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) approved the Texas Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan in 2022, created in collaboration with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, State Energy Conservation Office, and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. Fueled by state funding and $440 million in funding from IIJA a statewide EV charging network is in motion, with hundreds of EV stations installed along major highways as of mid-2024 targeting a comprehensive charging network formed by the early 2030s. Additionally, Texas will be the first state to mandate charging stations with both Combined Charging Systems (CCS) and North American Charging Standards, supporting EVs expected to adopt these standards post-2025. Further grant funding for EV infrastructure through the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) is available through the Alternative Fueling Facilities Program (AFFP), New Technology Implementation Grant (NTIG) Program, and Clean Transportation Triangle (CTT) Program.

Since the early 20th century, Texas has maintained a grid that operates independently from the rest of the U.S. Pattern Energy’s Southern Spirit project looks to connect the ERCOT grid to the southeastern U.S. power grid, specifically through Mississippi and Louisiana. Construction of the 320-mile 500 kV transmission line has faced opposition from utilities in Mississippi and Louisiana as well as Louisiana legislation, if fully approved the line would nearly double the total transmission of the existing four lines that connect Texas to other operating regions, transmitting 3 GW of power.

Florida

2023 Data from U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. *Non-residential charging ports.

Florida has seen a significant increase in EV charging stations, particularly along major highways, powered by the Florida Electric Vehicle Roadmap launched in 2020. The plan outlines an initiative to enhance EV adoption, expand charging infrastructure, integrate renewable energy, and foster economic growth through the development of the EV ecosystem in Florida, supported by utilities Florida Power & Light (FPL), Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric (TECO), Gulf Power, and Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA). From an EV charging position, the roadmap targets to have a statewide network of charging stations capable of ensuring no EV driver is over 50 miles from a charging point by 2025. Additionally, Florida has partnered with private companies like Electrify America to expand its charging networks, ensuring that EV drivers have access to reliable and widespread charging options.

Florida presents extensive transmission development opportunities to integrate promising solar generation and power an expanding charging network. FPL’s storm-hardened North Florida Resiliency Connection transmission line was a foundational piece for new transmission development in Florida. Completed in 2022, the 176-mile transmission line crosses seven counties from Columbia to Jackson, connecting the Panhandle with peninsular Florida's power grid, and is expected to restore power quicker during severe weather, save customers millions in fuel costs, and create hundreds of jobs in the Panhandle.

Duke Energy has a number of notable projects in the pipeline focused on improving reliability and meeting anticipated growth within their service territory. Their portfolio includes notable new lines like the Ross Prairie to Shaw 230 kV line, which will enhance regional capacity and storm resilience. The 19-mile line’s construction is scheduled for 2026. Integrating new solar generation into the grid should ignite further transmission development, JEA’s announcement in May 2024 to partner with NextEra Energy in developing three solar generation facilities capable of delivering 200 MW combined is an initiative to keep an eye on.

Washington

2023 Data from U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. *Non-residential charging ports.

Washington has been proactive in promoting electric vehicle adoption through various policies and initiatives and has made substantial progress in expanding its EV charging network. The state exhibited the third-highest percentage share of electric vehicles in 2023 at almost 19%, behind California and Washington D.C. Through a combination of state general funds and Washington’s sale of greenhouse gas emission allowances, $85 million in grants to expand EV charging infrastructure was awarded in early-2024 to nonprofits, electric utilities, tribes, and public agencies to fund nearly 5,000 new charging stations across the state. As part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program embedded in IIJA, Washington aims to develop a strong charging station network throughout the state through its Plan for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment. The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Partnerships (EVIP) program managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) provides additional funding for public charging stations, while the Clean Energy Fund supports projects that integrate renewable energy with EV infrastructure helping to meet the state’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2045. In Washington, EV drivers benefit from a comprehensive network of DC fast charging stations positioned along major highways such as Interstate 5, US 2, and sections of I-90. This extensive infrastructure allows for uninterrupted travel along the 276 miles of I-5, making up the Washington segment of the West Coast Electric Highway extending from the Oregon border to the Canadian border. The strategically placed fast-charge stations, located every 40 to 60 miles outside of The EV Project area, create a seamless charging experience. Additionally, Washington’s segment of the West Coast Electric Highway integrates with similar networks in British Columbia and Oregon, enhancing the connectivity and convenience for EV drivers traveling across state and national borders. Utilities like Puget Sound Energy (PSE) are actively upgrading and expanding existing substations and transmission lines to support increased EV charging stations in urban areas. Similarly, Seattle City Light is focused on installing new high-capacity transmission lines and upgrading substations in Seattle to support their EV infrastructure expansion goals.

Immense transmission development in queue feature Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) $2 billion approval for multiple transmission line and substation projects aimed at injecting renewable power into Washington and Oregon. The collection of projects with expected energization between 2025 and 2032 would provide 6,000 MW of additional capacity, strategically strengthening existing BPA lines that flow energy to load PSE and Portland General Electric (PGE) centers.

Oregon

2023 Data from U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. *Non-residential charging ports.

Oregon has been a leader in EV adoption and charging infrastructure, driven by state initiatives such as the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which offers rebates for EV purchases and charging infrastructure. Additionally, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) EV Charging Infrastructure Program fueled by $52 million over five years in NEVI funding focuses on deploying EV charging stations across the state, particularly in underserved areas. The Oregon Clean Fuels Program aims to reduce 2015 carbon intensity levels of transportation fuels by 37% by 2035, further incentivizing the development of charging infrastructure. The Oregon segment of the West Coast Electric Highway recently underwent upgrades to 44 charging stations along with three additions, eleven of which will be branded “superstations” and will include three DC fast chargers and one Level 2 AC charger. Locally, Portland’s Electric Vehicle Strategy and Eugene’s Climate Action Plan 2.0 represent a dedicated push at the local level to expand EV infrastructure and utilities such as Portland General Electric (PGE) support EV charger installations through various programs, contributing to the state's comprehensive and accessible charging network.

Future transmission development puts Boardman to Hemingway (B2H) in the spotlight, an impressive proposed 500 kV transmission project spanning about 290-miles across eastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho, connecting the Longhorn Substation near Boardman, Oregon, to the Hemingway Substation in Owyhee County, Idaho. It will transmit up to 1,000 megawatts of power in both directions, helping utilities meet peak customer demand in the Pacific Northwest during winter and in the Mountain West during summer. PGE is focused on upgrading transmission capacity highlighted by the Tonquin project which aims to upgrade 11 miles of 115kV transmission lines and add a new substation by 2025, and the Harborton Reliability Project which will upgrade an existing transmission line that connects the Harborton substation to the west and will add a new quarter-mile line to increase reliability by 2027. BPA is currently undertaking one transmission line and three substation projects in Central Oregon, with a combined value of $839 million. These initiatives are designed to support new service for incoming large customers and accommodate regional load growth, all while maintaining high reliability.

Colorado

2023 Data from U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. *Non-residential charging ports.

Through the combination of the Charge Ahead Colorado program, which provides grants for EV charging stations and the Colorado EV Plan 2020 which aims to have 1 million EVs on the road by 2030, Colorado has clear goals for EV adoption and infrastructure expansion. Utility programs from Xcel Energy that include rebates for home and public chargers further support Colorado’s push to the EV forefront. In March 2023, Colorado updated its electric vehicle plan to target the installation or approval of 1,700 fast-charge ports and 5,800 slower ports by 2025, approximately 1,500 more than are currently operational in the state.

Xcel Energy’s Colorado Power Pathway is a $1.7 billion initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s electric grid and supporting future renewable energy development. Spanning twelve counties primarily in eastern Colorado, the project includes the construction of approximately 550-miles of new double-circuit transmission lines, the addition of four new substations, and the expansion of four existing substations. The first segments are expected to be operational by 2025, with full completion targeted for 2026 and 2027, boosting electric reliability and the regional economy while creating jobs during construction. Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association is investing $186.5 million in transmission system upgrades to enhance grid reliability and support renewable energy in eastern Colorado. The Eastern Colorado Transmission Expansion includes constructing new 230 kV transmission lines and substations. Key projects include a new 230 kV line between Burlington and Lamar and another between Boone and Huckleberry. These efforts align with Colorado’s renewable energy goals and aim to improve service reliability and support clean energy additions.

Nevada

2023 Data from U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. *Non-residential charging ports.

Through state-sponsored initiatives like the Nevada Electric Highway and Greenlink Nevada, and by leveraging regional partnerships, Nevada aims to advance transportation electrification and close existing gaps. Linking Reno to Las Vegas, the Nevada Electric Highway initiative completed in 2020 exhibits a network of over three dozen public charging stations. The Nevada Clean Energy Fund provides financing for clean energy projects, including EV infrastructure, while the Drive Clean Nevada program offers incentives for EV purchases and the installation of charging stations. NV Energy's Shared Investment Program supports the deployment of public and private EV chargers, offering rebates and technical assistance to enhance the state's charging network.

Although the project cost has risen nearly 70% to $4.2 billion, NV Energy’s Greenlink Nevada will establish a 525 kV triangular transmission network in Nevada, enhancing grid reliability and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. Construction of the interregional TransWest Express Transmission Project began in 2023 at its starting point in Wyoming.  The 732-mile line consists of two systems running through Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, with the second 1,500 MW alternating current segment terminating in southern Nevada. Targeted to complete in 2029, the project will showcase renewable generation from North America's largest onshore wind project, the 3 GW Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project in Carbon County, Wyoming.

Slated to begin in 2025 and complete in 2027, the Southwest Intertie Project (SWIP)-North project completes a transmission corridor from Idaho to southern Nevada, enabling the bidirectional flow of 2,000 MW and improving grid reliability while accessing renewable resources. The $1+ billion, 285-mile, 500 kV transmission line will connect the Midpoint substation near Twin Falls, Idaho, with the Robinson Summit substation near Ely, Nevada, providing a new pathway for delivering energy between the Desert Southwest and the Pacific Northwest. Existing segments of the transmission corridor are the One Nevada Transmission Line (ON Line) and DesertLink. The ON Line is a 231-mile, 500 kV transmission line connecting the Harry Allen substation near Las Vegas to the Robinson Summit substation near Ely, built in partnership between LS Power and NV Energy it continues to be a critical backbone for future expansions since its completion in 2014. The DesertLink project is a 60-mile, 500 kV transmission line connecting the Eldorado and Harry Allen substations in Clark County, operational since 2020.

Massachusetts

2023 Data from U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. *Non-residential charging ports.

In February 2024, the Governor of Massachusetts announced a $50 million investment to expand the state's EV charging infrastructure through several programs. Massachusetts has developed a strong network of EV chargers, particularly in urban areas, through the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP), which offers grants for workplace and public charging stations. The MOR-EV Program provides rebates for purchase or lease of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty battery electric and fuel cell EVs, further incentivizing the adoption of EVs. Utilities like Eversource and National Grid also play a significant role by supporting EV infrastructure through various initiatives such as charger purchase and installation rebates, ensuring that Massachusetts remains at the forefront of EV infrastructure development.

Eversource recently completed Phase I of the Cape Cod Solution in Massachusetts expanding Eversource’s West Barnstable Substation and adding a new 12.5-mile transmission line between the Bourne Switching Station and West Barnstable Substation. Phase II of the Cape Cod Solution project in Massachusetts involves increasing the transmission line's operating voltage from 115 kV to 345 kV to connect an offshore wind farm with additional facilities at the Bourne Switching Station on Joint Base Cape Cod and the West Barnstable Station. Expected to gain approval from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities by year-end, construction will begin in Spring 2025, and the wind-ready line will be operational in 2027.

New Jersey

2023 Data from U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. *Non-residential charging ports.

New Jersey has made significant strides in expanding its EV charging network through the It Pay$ to Plug In grant program, which supports the installation of EV charging stations. The Clean Fleet EV Incentive Program further promotes the electrification of public fleets and infrastructure. PSE&G, Atlantic City Electric (ACE), and Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) offer residential and commercial incentives for EV charging station installation, supporting expansion of New Jersey’s charging network.

Invenergy’s Jersey Link represents an exciting renewable energy transmission initiative aimed at supporting New Jersey's clean energy market. As New Jersey targets the addition of 11,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2040, Jersey Link will provide an innovative HVDC transmission solution, enabling the integration of up to 3,600 megawatts of new offshore wind power into the state's grid, supplying millions of homes. National Grid Ventures (NGV) and Con Edison Transmission are making a push to link offshore wind generation to New Jersey through the Garden State Energy Path, enabling delivery of approximately 6 GW of offshore wind power from its point of landfall at the Sea Girt National Guard Training Center to the Larrabee Tri-Collector Station, in Howell Township. The project will be underground and consist of “pre-build infrastructure” that will house the cables carrying electricity generated by four wind projects to the grid. If awarded, the project would target 2029 operation and provide a foundational piece to helping New Jersey reach its goal of 11 GW of offshore wind by 2040.

Virginia

2023 Data from U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. *Non-residential charging ports.

Through initiatives like Drive Electric Virginia, Virginia has seen nearly a 40% increase in EV registrations from 2022 to 2023. The Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan outlines the state’s strategy for expanding EV charging infrastructure fueled by the distribution of $100 in NEVI funding over the next four years. The plan aims to support the growing number of electric vehicles on Virginia’s roads and ensure that charging is accessible, reliable, and convenient for all users. In March 2024, VDOT announced the allocation of $11.3 million under Phase 1-A of VDOT’s NEVI Program, igniting the deployment of third-party owned and operated EV charging stations at 18 sites across 13 counties, adding 66 fast charging ports across the Commonwealth. Notably, 14 of these charging stations will be positioned within a half-mile of federally designated disadvantaged communities. The Virginia EV Rebate Program provides rebates for EV purchases and charging stations, incentivizing the transition to electric vehicles. Dominion Energy's Smart Charging Infrastructure Pilot Program supports the installation of EV chargers, contributing to the state's expanding charging network.

Dominion’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) is an intriguing project, representing the largest offshore wind farm under construction in the U.S. Offshore construction began in May of 2024 with the first monopole foundation for the 2.6 GW wind farm installed off the Virginia Beach coast. The project consists of 176 wind turbines and three offshore substations sprawled over 113,000 acres of the Atlantic Ocean, along with undersea cables and new onshore transmission lines. Completion is planned for late 2026 when the 14-miles of new overhead transmission line terminating to existing Fentress Substation is constructed.   

Conclusion

To drive positive national EV demand there is a critical need for expansion of charging infrastructure, which hinges in large part on increased electric transmission and distribution capacity. As EV adoption accelerates, the strain on the existing grid will work against adoption because increased loads from EVs will not be easily met. This imperative is not isolated to regional efforts but is part of a broader national strategy, as evidenced by the $2.5 billion Transmission Facilitation Program (TFP). As the nation transitions toward cleaner energy sources, the development of transmission infrastructure will be indispensable for connecting renewable energy projects to the grid. This interconnected approach will support both the burgeoning EV market and the overarching goal of achieving a sustainable energy future.