Hawaii has become the fourth state to have a federally funded electric vehicle (EV) charging station. In 2022, the Biden administration announced the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
It is a $5 billion initiative to help US states create a coast-to-coast network of EV chargers, especially on interstates and major highways that support most long-distance trips.
First NEVI EV Charging Station Opens in Hawaii
According to Electrek, Hawaii's first NEVI charging station is located in the Kahuui Park and Ride parking lot on Maui near Kuihelani's intersection with Puunene Avenue.
It features four EV Connect 150 kW DC fast chargers with CCS and CHAdeMO ports, which means Tesla cars can also charge here but still have to use NACS adapters.
The station is reportedly open to the public 24 hours a day and provides nearby toilets, food and drink, and accommodation. Charging here is also free until March 10.
Officials said that Hawaii's first NEVI EV charging station's construction and design cost $3 million, of which $600,000 came from the state highway fund and $2.4 million from the federal funds.
Hawaii's Department of Transportation said that 10 more NEVI-funded DC fast chargers are planned for the state, with the one to open at Aloha Tower on Oahu.
Hawaii now joins New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania in opening its NEVI-funded DC fast charging station to the public.
Biden Administration's NEVI Program
The Department of Transportation (DOT) previously said President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized the NEVI program.
The department said it was an important step towards making EV charging accessible to all Americans as the Biden administration seeks to accelerate the adoption of EVs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Before they can access the funds for the NAVI program, the DOT said each state must submit an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan that will describe how it intends to use its share of the program funds.
According to DOT, Hawaii has the second-highest EV adoption rate in the country, behind California.
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