Cobb Reporter

Georgia's ongoing efforts to bolster its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure have gained momentum as the state expands its network along highways and interstates, aiming to support the growing demand for EVs. The expansion comes in response to the need for more accessible charging options to encourage widespread EV adoption in Georgia.

Georgia's Department of Transportation (DOT) is in the process of expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging station network with the aid of roughly $130 million from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The funding was secured last year and is being used to establish EV charging stations along the state's interstate highways.

While some states have already begun expansion work, Georgia is still in the initial planning stages for its interstate highway EV stations. Once the interstate stations are finished, the DOT intends to use future federal funding to extend the network to U.S. 27 and U.S. 76 corridors. However, this expansion is expected to take several years to complete.

Commissioner of Transportation Russell McMurry explained, "We’ve got to get the interstates first … before we jump on these [additional] corridor."

Currently, Georgia has 1,600 public charging stations with 4,000 charging ports, primarily concentrated in major cities like Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, Columbus, and Albany. However, rural areas in the state often lack such infrastructure, leaving them underserved.

The NEVI Program, which is providing funding for the expansion, aims to establish an interconnected EV charging network. States can receive up to 80% of project costs for installing non-proprietary, publicly accessible EV charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. These stations are intended to support data collection, accessibility, and reliability for both the general public and authorized commercial vehicle use.

Georgia's efforts to enhance its EV charging infrastructure are crucial in encouraging widespread EV adoption and addressing the need for more accessible charging options. With the expansion of the charging network along highways and interstates, the state is taking a significant step towards supporting the growing demand for electric vehicles.