OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday that the state plans to award nearly $16 million for 22 new electric vehicle charging stations along Ohio interstate, state routes and U.S. routes. 

The funding is part of the second round of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. 

“As more electric cars and trucks make their way to Ohio roadways, we’re continuing to build the infrastructure needed to enable easy and convenient travel,” said DeWine in a press release.

EV charges will be placed along I-270, I-275, I-675, I-680, I-71, I-76, I-77, SR 15, U.S. 23, U.S. 30 and U.S. 33, according to DeWine's office.

"The $16 million NEVI funding will be matched with more than $4 million from the private companies selected to install and operate the new EV charging stations, including Electric Era, Francis Energy Charging, Jule, Love’s Travel Stops, Meijer, Red E Charging, Sheetz, EVgo, and United Dairy Farmers," the press release stated. 

After these EV charging stations are installed, it'll mean that Ohio is closer to its goal of having EV fast chargers every 50 miles throughout the state. DeWine said the locations of the chargers will be no more than one mile from the freeway. Additonally, the stops will include access to amenities like restrooms and a place for food.

“This milestone keeps Ohio at the forefront of transportation innovation, fulfilling our mission to position ODOT for the future,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.

The first round of EV charger locations were announced in July 2023, and in October 2023, there was the first-in-the-nation groundbreaking in Ohio for the chargers. The first NEVI station in the U.S. was installed in December 2023 in Madison County. 

DeWine said construction on the new round of EV chargers is expected to begin in late 2024 and 2025.