The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) continues making progress towards implementation of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. Established through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, NEVI aims to build out a national network of electric vehicle (EV) fast charging stations along designated alternative fuel corridors.
Massachusetts FY 2024 Approved Plan
The specific locations of NEVI-funded DCFC stations will be determined by MassDOT’s procurement process, which is currently underway. MassDOT can provide this information to FHWA as soon as this procurement process allows.
MassDOT is considering the role for MassDOT-owned sites in NEVI implementation. Figure 2 displays a range of MassDOT sites that include attributes suitable for hosting corridor fast charging
infrastructure. Coverage goals of the plan not addressed by MassDOT owned locations will be addressed with additional stations located on sites owned by others.
MassDOT submitted its five-year NEVI Deployment Plan in July 2022 as required. The $45 million plan outlined MassDOT’s strategy to install DC fast chargers with the goal of eliminating charging gaps greater than 50 miles along highways in the state. MassDOT has since been working to implement the plan through a competitive procurement process.
In summer 2023, MassDOT issued a Request for Information to gather stakeholder feedback on structuring the future NEVI request for proposals (RFP). They received over 20 responses focused on issues like risk allocation, contract length, and payment structures. MassDOT is using this input to finalize the RFP, which they aim to release by the end of 2023.
The RFP will seek a private entity to deploy and operate the EV fast charging stations outlined in the NEVI Plan. MassDOT is considering using both public and privately-owned sites to ensure coverage goals are met. They have identified state-owned rest areas and service plazas as potential host locations.
Federal regulations require NEVI-funded stations and technicians to meet certain minimum standards. MassDOT confirms any contracts will include provisions mandating compliance with all applicable state and federal rules, including the qualification requirements for electricians in 23 CFR 680. Data from the stations will also be collected to support program evaluation, as described in the NEVI Plan.
By following the stakeholder-informed procurement process, Massachusetts intends to establish a reliable network of fast chargers accessible to all drivers, including in disadvantaged communities. This will help reduce range anxiety and further the adoption of electric vehicles in the state.
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