If you own an electric vehicle, a new charging options may soon be coming close to you.
In a major boost for EV owners, the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection with a $14.6 million grant through its Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program to expand Connecticut’s network of electric vehicle charging stations.
“Vehicle electrification is foundational to Connecticut meeting its clean air and climate goals,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “The $14.6 million announced today reflects DEEP’s ongoing commitment to working with rural and urban partners to provide clean transportation options for the Connecticut residents who need these services the most. Working with these key communities to install more chargers is an example of DEEP’s focus on equity as we build out the infrastructure necessary to ensure all Connecticut residents are able to benefit from the EV transition.”
The federal dollars, part of President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be used to increase access to electric vehicle chargers in seven communities across the state. The grant places an emphasis on neighborhood revitalization, transit-oriented development, and equitable access via additional on-street charging, according to DEEP.
Seven towns and cities across the state will receive the new charging stations.
- Barkhamsted – Two dual port Level 2 chargers at Barkhamsted Town Hall
- Bridgeport – 12 DCFC chargers at Brewport at 225 South Frontage Road; and 12 DCFC chargers at Boca Oyster Bar/Steelepointe on 10 E. Main St.
- East Hartford – Two dual port Level 2 chargers at Silver Lane Plaza
- Groton – Two dual port Level 2 chargers at the Groton Public Library
- Hartford – 12 DCFC chargers at the Library Parking Lot on 166 Sheldon St.t; 12 DCFC chargers at the MAT Garage on 55 Chapel St.; and two dual port Level 2 chargers at the Sheldon Lot on 141 Sheldon St.
- New Haven – 12 DCFC chargers at the Wilbur Cross Athletic Fields Parking Lot; and 12 200kW on-street chargers at Wooster Square
- Stamford – 12 DCFC chargers at the Bedford Street Parking Garage and 12 DCFC chargers at the Summer Street Parking Garage
“Connecticut is continuing to make investments in cleaner transportation thanks to our collaboration with our federal and local partners,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “Putting these funds to work in rural and urban communities around the state will make it easier for people and businesses to continue making the transition to cleaner cars and trucks. I appreciate the Biden administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation for partnering with Connecticut so that we can implement these infrastructure upgrades.”
The grant comes after Lamont withdrew from a controversial plan to ban the sale of gasoline-powered cars in Connecticut by 2035. The plan, which has been adopted in other states, had caused protest among Republicans who said it is impractical to require all new cars sold in Connecticut to be zero-emission electric because the state does not have enough electric charging stations.
The state’s legislature expects to study the issue further this upcoming session.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
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