Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine has announced on Thursday that the State of Ohio will soon be implementing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations every 50 miles on Ohio's interstates.
Governor DeWine held a press conference Thursday afternoon where he announced that Ohio will be awarding more than $18 million in federal dollars matched by $6 million from the private industry to install and operate 27 fast charging stations approximately every 50 miles along Ohio's interstates.
"Right now, there are 13 such charges along Ohio's interstates so we're certainly excited to add to that number," DeWine said.
These stations, which are expected to be installed in 2024, will include at least four charging ports and will be open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
They will primarily be located at spots such as gas stations, restaurants and stores so drivers will be able to pass time as their vehicles are being charges.
Additionally, a second round of funding was announced to install even more charging stations on state routes and U.S. routes. DriveOhio Executive Director, Preeti Choudhary says there will be 16 to 20 charging stations in the second round.
In total, Ohio will receive
"Beyond that, we can be a little flexible with where we place these. We haven't planned the specifics of Round 3, but we have $140 million to spend and with this approach I think that can go pretty far," Preeti said.
"This is just the latest in our long list of EV wins for Ohio. ... Building a statewide network of chargers will enable EV travel, bring more visitors to Ohio and provide benefits to Ohioans who will be able to see more of what our great state has to offer," DeWine said.
DeWine has since released a map of the new charging stations coming to the state. The closest station being installed to the Mahoning Valley appears to be in the Akron area. The full map is pictured below.