North Texas is poised to turbocharge its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, courtesy of a $15 million federal grant. The funds, targeted at erecting 100 public EV charging stations across the 16-county Dallas-Fort Worth region, are part of a massive $100 million fund package Texas has received from the Federal Highway Administration to bolster the state’s EV charging network.
A Collaborative Effort
The North Texas Council of Governments (NTCOG) will spearhead this ambitious project in alliance with city and regional partners, including the city of Dallas. The partners aim to make charging stations accessible to all, not just the affluent, thereby addressing the prevalent ‘charging deserts’ situation. Presently, over 70% of public EV ports are located in the wealthiest fifth of U.S. counties, and EVs make up a meager 1% of registered vehicles in Texas.
Expanding the Charging Network
As part of a broader plan, the authorities intend to install charging stations every 50 miles along most interstate routes, setting aside an additional $400 million for this purpose. Texas is one of the 22 states divvying up $623 billion in federal funds to support President Joe Biden’s goal of expanding alternative fuel options nationwide.
Integrating Hydrogen Refueling
In addition to the EV charging stations, the region is also primed to establish a hydrogen refueling network for freight trucks. A $70 million grant is facilitating the construction of up to five hydrogen fueling stations in the Texas Triangle. This network will be incorporated into existing Pilot Flying J truck stops along major interstates, paving the way for hydrogen-powered trucks to operate in Texas for the first time.
Job Opportunities and Future Plans
The forthcoming projects are expected to generate job opportunities in diverse sectors, such as mineral extraction, electrical work, and automotive manufacturing. The locations for the EV stations are yet to be determined, with public meetings scheduled to discuss the potential sites for hydrogen stations. Moreover, private companies are required to invest at least 20% in project costs, ensuring a balanced input from both public and private sectors.
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