The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) has announced plans to expand electric vehicle (EV) fast charging infrastructure along portions of Interstates 20 and 459.

As part of the initiative, ADECA has issued a request for proposals to build direct-current fast charger (DCFC) stations along specific highway corridors in the state. ADECA will provide up to 80% of the cost. Critical corridors were laid out in the Alabama Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, unveiled in July 2020 in collaboration with the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition.

To further promote the growth of EVs, Alabama Power will support ADECA by matching up to 20% of the cost to install DCFCs. This advanced technology can charge many EV batteries in 20 to 30 minutes.

After ADECA selects the companies that will build the charging stations, Alabama Power will work with the companies on the installation, providing guidance on construction, charging station hardware and software.

“We have been EV enthusiasts for more than two decades and today’s pledge is our next step to ensure our state has the infrastructure needed to support the growth of EVs,” said Jeff Peoples, executive vice president of Customer and Employee Services. “As automakers roll out more options with longer-range batteries, autonomous capabilities and smart features, we recognize zero-emission EVs will play an important role in our future economy.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has announced plans to expand electric vehicle fast charging infrastructure. (contributed)

ADECA is finalizing plans to add multiple public charging stations for EVs in the state. (file)

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has announced plans to expand electric vehicle fast charging infrastructure. (contributed)

An electric vehicle charging station that opened in Mobile in 2019. (file)

The number of charging stations for electric vehicles in Alabama has been growing steadily in the past few years. The next step is making faster charging technology available to EV drivers. (file)

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has announced plans to expand electric vehicle fast charging infrastructure. (contributed)

The EV commitment also supports Alabama’s large automotive manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, which selected its Tuscaloosa County plant as the first location in the country to build the model EQE and EQS plug-in electric SUVs.

“Alabama must be on the cutting-edge of this vehicle revolution,” said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. “With our state’s rich automotive history, we have the right tools in place to facilitate this shift. I commend Alabama Power for their ongoing leadership in electric vehicle education and adoption and look forward to the benefits these chargers will provide our citizens and visitors.”

To learn more about Alabama Power’s EV incentive, contact Cedric Daniels at cidaniel@southernco.com.