Electricity is becoming a hot commodity, especially as more electric vehicles start hitting the road.

A recent investment from the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Central and Northern Pennsylvania and the Mercer County Innovation fund is looking to help expand access to it.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners and the Mercer County Innovation Fund provided a $500,000 equity investment to Advanced Power & Energy, a Greenville energy startup that provides electric charging stations for EVs, and electricity solutions for industrial businesses in the state.

According to George Bulick, president of Advanced Power, the money will go toward growing the company by adding jobs and improving the small business environment in Mercer County.

EVs are especially a focal point for Pennsylvania lawmakers. According to a roadmap on EVs, published in 2021, increasing the use of these vehicles could potentially reduce carbon emissions, air pollution and increase consumer savings.

The roadmap also proposes several initiatives for the state to reach ranging from establishing statewide EV sales goals to adopting EV-ready building code regulations.

New this year, those that buy electric vehicles could get a tax credit as high as $7,500, and used electric car buyers may qualify for up to $4,000 in tax breaks and be refunded next year.