The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has released its 2023 update to the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program Plan. The update outlines Nevada’s progress deploying electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure under the federal funding program.
NDOT’s implementation strategy aims to optimize available NEVI funding while leveraging existing work being completed by NV Energy, including under the Economic Recovery Transportation Electrification Plan (ERTEP) and Transportation Electrification (TEP) required by Nevada Senate Bill 448 (2021), to accelerate transportation electrification and designed to provide economic recovery benefits and opportunities for the creation of new jobs across Nevada.
In FY23 NDOT proposed to upgrade existing infrastructure along designated interstate corridors to achieve fully built out status and certification. Also, in FY23 NDOT leveraged its partnership with NV Energy to develop a plan for two new charging stations that meet both the NEVI and ERTEP goals.
NDOT has been coordinating extensively with key stakeholders as EV adoption grows in the state. Over 28,000 EVs are now registered in Nevada, up from 17,000 last year. NDOT works closely with NV Energy, the major electric utility, through an agreement to leverage the utility’s investments in charging deployment. An interagency working group also guides the plan.
Engagement with the public, tribes, and rural utilities informs where infrastructure is needed most. Surveys show support for chargers near destinations like grocery stores and outdoor recreation sites. NDOT recently hosted a webinar to get input on the plan. Coordination with tribes identified lands along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors that may require future outreach.
The NEVI program goals have evolved based on new federal guidance. The initial focus on fully building out interstates has shifted to prioritizing corridors statewide and working with existing station owners to address reliability. NDOT aims to deploy infrastructure strategically and equitably to serve Nevadans’ needs.
A Notice of Funding Opportunity will be released in early 2024 seeking competitive bids for charger deployment outside utility service areas. The contracting process and evaluation methodology are defined to ensure compliance with federal requirements like accessibility standards.
As it works to achieve “corridor ready” status on designated Alternative Fuel Corridors across Nevada, NDOT’s flexible NEVI Plan will continue to support accelerating electric vehicle adoption as the market grows. Stakeholder collaboration remains key to implementing this innovative infrastructure program.
© 2023 EVGAS, All Rights reserved
