Oklahoma plans to put EV charging stations every 50 miles along certain roadways

Electric Cars Charging BERLIN, GERMANY - DECEMBER 11: A Tesla electric car charges at a public charging station in the city center on December 11, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. Electric cars are growing in consumer acceptance and popularity in Germany. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

By Skyler Cooper

With more than $60 million in federal funding to work with, Oklahoma is coming up with a plan to expand its electric vehicle charging network.

The National Electric Vehicle Formula Program provides Oklahoma more than $66 million in federal funding for EV charging infrastructure over the next five years. Oklahoma will have to match the federal funds with state, local and/or private funding.

—  Oklahoma Department of Transportation

Simply put, the state is looking to put EV charging stations every 50 miles along what are called Alternative Fuel Corridors. AFCs may also include compressed natural gas fueling stations, so it’s not all about EVs.

The NEVI Program came as part of the recent infrastructure bill and ODOT said it will help expand EV charging infrastructure to rural and underserved areas.

It may surprise you to know Oklahoma already has several EV Corridors, including parts of Highway 75, I-44 and the Broken Arrow Expressway in Tulsa.

See a map here

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is asking for public feedback on this plan. If you want your voice to be heard, email your comments to EVOK@odot.org.

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