Deadline extended to host electric vehicle chargings for public and private ententies

Monday, October 21, 2024 at 6:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

The deadline to apply as a site host for Level 2 “destination” electric vehicle charging stations has been extended to November 1. The brief online application is embedded in the Engage platform hosted by Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG), or at www.engage.macog.com under the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant.

MACOG received funding from the Federal Highway Administration to strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, 32 of which will be “destination” or Level 2 stations designed to attract drivers to charge for several hours and support nearby local businesses. Federal funding covers up to 80% of the project cost. Applicants may apply as site hosts to operate stations and collect user fee revenue while providing a 20% local match.

Both public and private entities, such as schools, libraries, non-profits, and local businesses, are invited to apply as site hosts. The most competitive sites will meet specific criteria for ADA accessibility, lighting and security, equity and environmental justice, and amenities. The application provides more details about the criteria and CFI program. The stations must be in the MACOG region, which includes Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties.

The CFI program will fill gaps in EV infrastructure in rural and disadvantaged communities, target areas where EV infrastructure and adoption are currently low, supplement rather than displace private investment, and provide reliable and accessible charging that promotes safety for vehicles and pedestrians.

MACOG anticipates making site host decisions around mid-November 2024.

The installation of Level 2 “destination” charging stations will occur in 2025 and will be the second round of procurement MACOG will conduct under the CFI program. Under the first round of procurement, which is currently ongoing, MACOG is currently accepting applications for Level 3 “fast charging” stations along US-30 near Plymouth and Warsaw and at the South Bend International Airport. More information can be found at https://macog.com/procurement_opportunities.html

Additionally, MACOG invites the public to nominate potential site locations through the Regional EV Charging Survey also found on the Engage website.

Visit https://engage.macog.com/charging-fueling-infrastructure-grant-program for more information.