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STATE COLLEGE -- Local counties are among more than two dozen counties eligible for a new round of federal funding aimed at expanding public electric vehicle charging stations in central Pennsylvania.
The state announced Monday that $11 million will be made available for projects in the central region through the Community Charging phase of the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. Applications will be accepted through March 12, 2027.
The central region includes Mifflin, Juniata, Centre, Huntingdon, Snyder and Perry counties, among others. Local transportation planning agencies will identify areas to prioritize for investment, but publicly accessible locations throughout eligible counties may apply for funding.
The Community Charging program differs from earlier NEVI investments that focused largely on developing charging stations along designated highway corridors. The state is directing more than $100 million in federal funding toward the Community Charging initiative, in addition to $58 million previously invested in Alternative Fuel Corridors and Corridor Connections.
"The Shapiro Administration is setting the bar high for states ensuring access to EV chargers," PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. "Under the governor's leadership, we're building charger reliability in communities for current and future EV owners."
Pennsylvania has opened nearly 50 charging stations using NEVI funding, with another 41 in various stages of planning and construction, according to PennDOT. Since the state’s first NEVI-funded station opened in December 2023, the stations have recorded more than 146,000 charging sessions.
Pam Adams, secretary of the Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization, said strategically located chargers could benefit residents and visitors while supporting downtowns and local businesses.
Organizations interested in applying can also use a PennDOT survey intended to connect potential applicants with EV charging station builders and operators. Additional information about the funding program is available through PennDOT.