DNREC to put $1.4 million into more electric vehicle charging

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

pexels rathaphon nanthapreecha 3846205

The state will use money from the Volkswagen settlement to fund new charging stations. Photo by Rathaphon Nanthapreecha/Pexels

DNREC is creating a $1.4 million program to offer grants to expand fast-charging stations for electric vehicles.

Saying that transportation is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware, the program will provide up to 75% of the costs of building publicly available charging stations.

The process will be competitive, with applications due by April 15, 2022.

Funding is coming from the Environmental Mitigation Trust, part of the state’s plan to use $9.6 million from the negotiated settlement between Volkswagen and the federal government.

The charging station are known as direct current, or DC-fast electric vehicle charging funding. The state expects to award one to three grants with the program’s funding.

Funding will be targeted to increase the availability of stations in areas where access to fast charging stations is limited, a press release said.

Wednesday’s announcement is part of Delaware’s Climate Action Plan. Widespread adoption of electric vehicles and installation of charging infrastructure are key strategies, the press release said.

“By providing funding opportunities for businesses to install charging stations, we are combatting climate change, improving public health and providing new job opportunities,” said DNREC Sec. Shawn M. Garvin in the release.

The funding follows Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Programs, which included rebates for light-duty electric vehicles and Level 2 charging stations.

Share this Post