This fall, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is hosting a series of Open Houses where you can learn more about the state’s plan to build fast charging stations with federal funding – and share your thoughts with MassDOT.

Reminder: What is NEVI? 

NEVI is the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program that was launched through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law). Overall the program is supported by $5 billion in funding; Massachusetts specifically is receiving $63 million dollars between 2022 and 2026. (For the latest on Rhode Island, read another one of our blogs here.) 

Overall, the program is committed to funding the construction, deployment, and operation of DC fast charging stations along alternative fuel corridors throughout the state of Massachusetts. The goal is to better facilitate long-distance travel in an EV. MassDOT’s plan for NEVI has two parts: first, making sure there are charging stations within fifty miles of each other, within one mile of the highway. Part two is all about equity and access – in other words, using community input to determine where else to place DC fast charging stations. Equity and access to DC fast charging stations are two priorities of NEVI and MassDOT, as mandated by the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative. 

What’s the current state of DC fast charging? 

There are 3,223 public DC fast charging stations in Massachusetts, which is more than most people think! The map below illustrates where these stations are located within the state. As you can see on the map, the charging stations are distributed widely throughout the state (via PlugShare). The NEVI program is an opportunity for Massachusetts to install more fast charging stations throughout the state.

Take Action 

MassDOT is engaging in an outreach process to both teach the public about plan details, including the building, deployment, and operation of charging stations and provide opportunities for MA residents to ask questions, petition for targeted charging deployment, and raise concerns. These public comment opportunities are taking the form of open houses. This is a great outlet to speak to decision-makers and MassDOT staff directly and learn more about the social, environmental, and economic benefits of EV adoption and DC fast charging.  

This is an opportunity to speak directly with state officials and NEVI stakeholders to petition for charging stations where you want them. 

Here are the following dates of NEVI open houses happening statewide this fall:

Accommodations can be made if requested in advance. For example, language translation assistance is available free of charge if requested in advance.  

If you’re unable to attend one of these events, you can submit written comments. Public comments may be submitted here. 

We’ll Be At Each Open House

MassDOT is receiving a considerable amount of federal funding to implement more fast charging stations for Massachusetts residents. NEVI promises to increase equitable access to these charging stations, particularly for those who do not own a charger at home. These open houses are a unique opportunity to tell state officials where you want public fast charging stations – whether it be in a shopping plaza, at work, or off the main road. We hope to see you there!