The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently opened the first of two federally-funded electric vehicle charging stations on the Pennsylvania Turnpike built using funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure or NEVI program.
[Above photo via PennDOT]
The first new station is located at the Blue Mountain Service Plaza at Exit 202 westbound on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The second NEVI-funded EV charging station is at New Stanton, located at Exit 77 westbound.
This project was awarded from Alternative Fuel Corridor Round 1 of the PennDOT NEVI program. The next stage of NEVI funding, Corridor Connections, focuses on implementing EV charging stations along major roadways to strengthen long-distance travel outside of previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.
The two new EV charging stations are part of the PA Turnpike’s systemwide EV charging initiative. In partnership with Applegreen Electric, this program looks to add 80 new universal EV stations at all 17 service plazas by the end of 2027.
Beyond those new additions funded through the NEVI program, the PA Turnpike recently opened up new electric vehicle charging stations at North Somerset, South Somerset, and Hickory Run service plazas funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s “Driving PA Forward” program. All of those sites offer high-speed chargers, with a total of four charging ports per location, that support all EV types without the need for adapters.
“The Shapiro Administration’s goal is to use federal NEVI funds to build out an accessible and reliable EV charging network by meeting EV drivers where they are,” explained Mike Carroll, PennDOT secretary, in a statement.
“The Pennsylvania Turnpike is one of the state’s busiest roads for long-distance travelers, especially over the holiday season, and opening the first NEVI-funded charging station on the Turnpike exemplifies that goal,” he said.
“We are excited to continue offering more options for customers who want accessible, on-route EV charging,” added Mark Compton, CEO of the PA Turnpike.
“Our EV charging program offers reliable and convenient options along our roadway, improving customer experience while also reflecting our long-term commitment to being a good neighbor across the Commonwealth,” he noted. “Beyond meeting customer demand, supporting electric vehicle adoption enhances infrastructure resilience, supports renewable energy goals and reduces vehicle emissions.”
