“Myself, when I recharge, I do the calculations to see how far I can go,” said Washington state resident Bob Ballrut, who met at a charging station. (Photo: The Canadian Press)
PORTLAND — US President Joe Biden’s administration on Wednesday approved an ambitious plan to build a nationwide network of electric vehicle charging stations in 34 states and Puerto Rico.
President Biden’s approval ensures that the $900 million planned for this massive program will be distributed to the states. Their option would be to use the proceeds to establish terminals to create a network that would stretch from one ocean to another.
Adding charging stations across the country, making it easy to recharge your vehicle wherever you are, is an essential part of getting more motorists to switch to electric vehicles. Mass adoption of electric vehicles is an important element in the fight against climate change.
The announcement came as President Biden attended the Detroit International Auto Show to tout the benefits of his new infrastructure plans, which include financial benefits for buyers of electric vehicles.
In concrete terms, residents of states that have embarked on the development of the national network will see charging stations appear near major highways next spring.
Ultimately, the Biden administration wants to add 500,000 stations across the U.S. and build a network of fast-charging stations that stretch along the nation’s major highways.
“Allocating so much money to this project is an important step towards using a network of charging stations if we want to convince the majority of motorists to switch to an electric vehicle,” assesses the director of the University of Oregon Center. Urban Planning, Nico Largo.
“Currently, we do not have all the facilities to charge the number of electric vehicles we would like to see on our roads,” he warned.
The central government will continue to evaluate the state projects that could not be approved in this round of funding. His goal is to green-light all states’ projects by September 30.
$5 billion over five years
President Biden’s new infrastructure law provides $5 billion in investments over five years to build a network of charging stations.
The amounts released on Wednesday will specifically be used to set up powerful terminals near inter-state highways. The aim is to dispel fears related to the autonomy of batteries: a petrol-powered driver knows he can always find a refueling station, but an electric vehicle driver currently cannot.
According to the proposed guidelines, states will have to install at least one four-port fast-charging station every 80 km along these corridors and ensure that they are located within one kilometer of the access ramp. Some exceptions to this rule are provided for remote locations.
An additional $2.5 billion in discretionary grants is also available to fund charging infrastructure in disadvantaged communities, rural areas and urban centers.
Recently Mr. The inflation-reduction legislation passed by Biden includes $3 billion to support the adoption of electric vehicles and increase access to charging in underserved communities.
Reluctance in some states
And some rural states have raised concerns about the central government’s requirements, including a requirement to have one charging station every 80 km.
Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota have asked the Biden administration for waivers. In Wyoming, a requirement to have four charging ports per station has also been criticized.
“It will take more than twenty years to increase the adoption of electric vehicles statewide enough to replace the long queues at stations in the four ports,” said the director of the Department of Transportation. State Transport, K. Luke Reiner.
However, Wednesday’s news brought joy to people who already own an electric vehicle.
“The thing that turns people off the most is the autonomy of vehicles,” recalls Washington state resident Bob Paulrud of meeting at a charging station.
“Myself, when I recharge, I do calculations to see how far I can go.”
So he said he could visit his family in Minnesota. Ballroot believes.
Gillian Flackus and Matthew Brown, The Associated Press
“Certified food fanatic. Extreme internet guru. Gamer. Evil beeraholic. Zombie ninja. Problem solver. Unapologetic alcohol lover.”
More Stories
Tired of losing, she finally played the lottery and won $20 million
Five migrants have drowned trying to reach the UK
FBI Director Sees TikTok as US “National Security Problem”