Virginia seeks partner to build statewide electric vehicle charging network

Virginia is planning to build a statewide public charging network for electric vehicles.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced Friday he is releasing a request for proposal to deploy a system as part of his initiative to support electric vehicle adoption of 15 percent by 2027.

Funding for the initiative includes $14 million from a settlement with Volkswagen. The settlement, which resulted from the use of emissions testing defeat devices in Volkswagen vehicles, requires the auto company to establish a nearly $3 billion environmental mitigation trust. Virginia is expected to receive $93.6 million from this trust, and the commonwealth may spend a maximum of 15 percent on electric vehicle infrastructure.

“Expanding Virginia’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure will contribute to Virginia’s economic diversification by encouraging innovation in electric-vehicle technology, making electric vehicle travel easier, and facilitating public-private partnerships throughout the commonwealth,” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said in a statement. “This targeted and rapid deployment of EV charging stations is designed to jump-start adoption and generate more private investment in EV technology in Virginia.”

Today, Virginia’s Direct Current (DC) fast charging network for electric vehicles consists of 100 DC stations, underscoring a significant gap in infrastructure in the state.