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First NEVI Funded EV Charging Station Opens in Maine

April 2, 2024

Opening ceremony for Maine NEVI station taking place near wooded area.
NEVI stations open to public in Rockland, Maine. Photo from Maine DOT

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) is thrilled to announce the opening of the first electric vehicle (EV) charging station funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program in Maine. The eight Tesla Supercharger ports at a shopping center in Rockland, ME, support EVs with SAE J3400 and CCS connectors and are part of the state’s Recharge Maine initiative. Five of those ports are funded with $18 million in NEVI funds authorized through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to develop new chargers at several sites across the state.

"This funding will help expand our state's EV charging network, reducing range anxiety for EV users who live, work, and travel in Maine," said Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner, Bruce Van Note. The funding is complemented by the state’s recent $15 million Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) award funding the installation of 62 DC fast charger ports and 520 Level 2 charging ports in more than 70 cities and towns statewide.

These stations mark progress toward achieving the state’s ambitious climate goals, including a renewable portfolio standard of 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. The opening of the state’s first NEVI station also supports regional efforts to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector and investment in healthier, more affordable transportation solutions serving all residents.

"Maine is leading efforts to build a future where everyone can ride and drive electric, starting with plans to electrify the vital I-95 and U.S. 1 corridors," said Gabe Klein, director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. "Maine's efforts are an excellent example of how states can work to advance equity by creating access to lower-cost electrified transportation that also reduces emissions in disproportionately impacted urban communities. Together, we're creating a national charging network that serves—and benefits—all Americans in their own backyards."

The Joint Office is working with all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico to ensure the success of the NEVI program, which is now bringing the Biden Administration’s vision of a clean energy future to fruition. In fact, there are now more than 175,000 public chargers available in the nation, bringing us up to 35% of the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of installing 500,000 EV chargers in communities and along America’s highways by 2030. The Maine station opening builds on progress opening stations in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii and brings the total number of NEVI stations operating to seven. NEVI is a concerted effort to ensure the EV future of tomorrow is thoughtfully planned, efficiently built, and meets the needs of all Americans, regardless of where they live.