SOPEC Awarded $12.5 Million for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Expansion in Ohio | January 11, 2024
SOPEC Awarded $12.5 Million for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Expansion in Ohio
Athens, Ohio — In an exciting development for Ohio's electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, the Southeast Ohio Public Energy Council (DBA Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council) (SOPEC) has been awarded a substantial $12,545,691 grant. This funding, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, positions SOPEC as a prominent player in Ohio's move towards sustainable transportation. Notably, SOPEC is one of only two entities in Ohio to receive this grant, the other being the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA).
“SOPEC is honored to have coordinated this effort which will have a dramatic impact on electric vehicle charging infrastructure across southern Ohio,” Luke Sulfridge, Executive Director of SOPEC, said.
The CFI Discretionary Grant Program, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to bridge gaps in the nation’s EV charging infrastructure. This initiative aligns with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s broader commitment to enhancing publicly accessible charging facilities, especially in underserved and rural areas. As part of this national effort, the Federal Highway Administration has detailed various federal funding programs to support the development of cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.
SOPEC's project, the Southeast to Southwest Ohio Responsive Interregional Deployment of Electrification Solutions (RIDES), is designed to significantly bolster EV infrastructure in southeast and southwest Ohio. The RIDES program will add about 50 charging stations, including an estimated 200 Level 2 charging ports and 30 Level 3 DCFC charging ports, filling critical gaps in the region's EV charging network. This expansion will support regional travel and tourism, enhancing accessibility for EV users traveling from Athens to Dayton and beyond.
An important aspect of the RIDES program is its inclusive approach. The project brings together an estimated 16 communities and 28 partners across the region, representing a mix of rural, urban, and suburban communities. These partners are committed to ensuring the program emphasizes equity, accessibility, safety, environmental impact, and economic development. This initiative will also have a positive environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the nationwide push towards sustainable transportation solutions under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Overall, the grant awarded to SOPEC, as part of the larger $27.5 million allocated to Ohio, is a significant step forward in the state's journey towards a sustainable and accessible transportation future. It not only supports the establishment of a robust EV charging network but also complements the $5 billion investment in the National EV Charging Network (NEVI) Formula Program over the next five years. These combined efforts are key to developing high-speed EV chargers along national highways and fostering a more environmentally friendly transportation ecosystem.
About SOPEC:
SOPEC is a shared energy office dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions in Ohio. With a strong focus on community engagement and environmental stewardship, SOPEC is at the forefront of promoting green energy initiatives.
