First NEVI Funded EV Charging Station Opens in Hawai’i
Feb. 28, 2024
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) is thrilled to announce the opening of first EV charging station funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program on the island of Maui. The four 150-kW chargers at the Kahului Park and Ride on Kuihelani Highway represent an important step forward for Hawaiʻi and the entire nation’s historic transition to electric vehicles.
"The Biden-Harris administration is proud to open the first federally funded electric vehicle charging stations in the State of Hawai‘i - bringing the cleaner air, lower costs, and jobs, that EVs are delivering," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "Hawai‘i has been a strong partner in President Biden's effort to build a nationwide network of EV chargers so that all Americans can feel the benefits - in their lungs and in their wallets."
Hawai’i is ready for the transition away from fossil fuels, and this station gets the state one step closer to its ambitious renewable energy goals. The Hawai’i Department of Transportation has shown its commitment to the NEVI program with plans for stations on Oahu, Hawai’i, and Kauai and has accepted a total of $17.7 million in funding to make that dream a reality.
“The Joint Office looks forward to Hawai’i’s continued progress, and to the fundamental changes these stations will make in the state,” said Joint Office Executive Director, Gabe Klein. “The creation of these charging stations will bridge long distance gaps and provide reliable charging options in densely populated areas for travelers and locals alike.”
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.
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.