HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania recently unveiled its first federally-funded electric vehicle (EV) charging station, making it one of the pioneering states to reach this milestone. The station, initiated under the auspices of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, aims to highlight the Shapiro Administration and PennDOT’s commitment to combating climate change and developing an economically robust Commonwealth.
Stationed at the Pilot Travel Center on Route 315 in Pittston, the EV charging station opened to the public on December 21, 2023, and has already provided over 200 charging sessions. The project, a collaboration between Pilot Travel Centers LLC and General Motors, has been supported by $610,393 in NEVI funds, signaling a significant investment in green energy infrastructure.
Spearheading this initiative, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll said the state was making rapid strides to leverage federal investments for the good of Pennsylvanians. He stressed the importance of partnerships with companies electrifying these sites in creating healthier communities, reducing the state’s carbon footprint, and supporting clean-energy jobs.
The EV charging station boasts four charging ports, each capable of delivering up to 350 kW of power. Besides offering EV drivers a critical recharging resource, the station provides customers with round-the-clock access to restrooms, free Wi-Fi, food and beverages, and other convenience items.
Federal officials, including U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have lauded Pennsylvania’s achievement. Buttigieg said these investments were helping America lead the electric vehicle revolution into the future.
The opening of this EV charging station is among the first of the 56 projects in 37 counties selected to amplify access to and the reliability of EV charging in Pennsylvania. These projects have been awarded a whopping $34.8 million in funding and are part of a $171.5 million plan that PennDOT will receive and distribute for EV charging infrastructure over the next five years through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
As more Americans turn toward EVs, Pennsylvania is making strides to deliver on President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, building a robust and reliable EV charging network. The emerging network, supported by federal funds, aims to be easily accessible and user-friendly, paving the way for an era of widespread electric mobility.
PennDOT is already preparing for Round 1A of NEVI funding, aiming to fill the remaining gaps along the designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). An estimated $22 million will be available for this round, marking a substantial investment in Pennsylvania’s green future.
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