The Oklahoma Transportation Commission announced this week 13 businesses that could receive nearly $9 million in federal funds to develop more electric vehicle charging stations around the state.
The $8.787 million in federal funds comes from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The goal of this program is to establish a network of 500,000 EV chargers by 2030 along federally designated alternative fuel corridors (AFC) in the United States (U.S.) and ensure a convenient, reliable, affordable and equitable charging experience for all users.
Final approval of the 13 sites in Oklahoma was delayed for another month by the commission at its meeting on Monday. But the list of the proposed sites was announced.
Three companies received the nominated sites, Love’s Travel stores, Francis Energy LLC and Tesla Inc.
The Love’s Travel stores were proposed for 8 different locations and each would have four EV charging ports. They include the Love’s I-40 exit 287 in Webbers Falls, I-40 exist 140 at Morgan Road in Oklahoma City, I-40 exist 200 in Seminole, I-44 exit 5 in Randlett, I-35 exit 186 in Perry, I-40 exit 221 in Okemah, I-35 exit 157 in Guthrie and I-40 exit 166 in Choctaw.
Francis Energy, founded in 2015 in Tulsa, was nominated for two sites. One would be on I-40, exit 308 in Sallisaw and a second on I-40, exit 1 in Thackerville.
Tesla received three nominations. The I-44 exit 240 in Catoosa, the I-40 exist 240B in Henryetta and the I-44 exit 125B in Oklahoma City.
Under the NEVI program, Oklahoma is allocated $66 million through Fiscal year 2027. The awards announced this week will complete the buildout of the Interstates as alternative fuel corridors for I-35, I-40 and I-44.
