The Electrification Coalition applauds Ohio for submitting its NEVI state plan, committing to building a statewide EV charging network

COLUMBUS — The Electrification Coalition (EC) applauds the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and DriveOhio for submitting its National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) State Plan. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to deploy a nationwide electric vehicle (EV) charging network, the Ohio Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan will guide the administration of federal funds allocated to Ohio to build EV charging infrastructure along its alternative fuel corridors and accelerate Ohio’s electric mobility future. 

Ohio is slated to receive $20.7 million in the first year of the NEVI program. The EC commends Ohio for creating a robust state plan, which represents a significant investment in the future of electric transportation. In doing so, Ohio will boost its economy and ensure that EV drivers can travel across the state with ease and confidence.   

“In submitting its state plan, Ohio is taking an important step toward ensuring that all of its communities have greater access to EV charging infrastructure,” said Ben Prochazka, Executive Director of the EC. “We have long supported policies and programs in Ohio to advance EV adoption, from leading transportation implementation with Smart Columbus, to helping Cleveland transition its municipal fleet to EVs. We are thrilled to see the state continue its dedication to transportation electrification.”   

To maximize this opportunity to accelerate the mass adoption of electric vehicles, the EC urges state and local officials to build on this state NEVI plan with additional complementary policies to help make this investment go farther. 

“To accelerate this EV moment, we urge Ohio to build on its history as an innovator in the automotive sector and continue its leadership in the EV industry,” said Prochazka. “A strong Ohio economy depends on state leaders passing additional policies in order to facilitate the widespread and rapid adoption of EVs, so that Ohio communities can access the benefits of transportation electrification.”   

To lead regionally and nationally on transportation electrification, the EC urges the following policy actions:   

  • Demonstrate proactive leadership – Ohio must act on EVs to ensure it does not fall behind other states in the region. To bring manufacturing to the state, Ohio must keep up with neighboring states that are willing to invest in local EV deployments and markets.   
  • Increase consumer access to EVs – Reducing the cost of EVs is one of the most effective and powerful policy levers to accelerate EV adoption. Purchase incentives provide important signals to manufacturers, consumers, and fleet operators that Ohio is prioritizing an electric transportation future.  
  • Engage in regional collaboration – Efforts to build reliable infrastructure and enable interstate travel, such as the REV Midwest MOU increase regional travel, can drive tourism and economic activity.  
  • Prepare for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electrification – Current funding opportunities present a unique opportunity to plan for transportation needs beyond light-duty vehicles. Ohio must build on the DriveOhio 2021 Freight Electrification Study and accelerate planning now to support the freight and delivery industry of the future. Agreements such as the NESCAUM Medium- & Heavy-Duty MOU would help Ohio set and meet electrification goals across all vehicle types. 

As the Test Market of America, the EC has supported Ohio communities as the state has demonstrated how meaningful consumer engagement and education can drive EV adoption. Through the Smart Columbus program, for which the EC was a lead implementation partner, the City of Columbus and partners deployed hundreds of charging stations, ride and drive events, fleet electrification commitments, and other critical programs that exist to this day. In doing so, the state shifted the adoption market over a three-year period to become a national market leader.  

With over a decade of experience developing and deploying cutting edge tools and resources to support the mass adoption of electric vehicles, the EC is a trusted partner supporting states, local governments, and communities across the country with the policies and projects to drive our electric transportation future. The EC is ready to build on its work in Ohio to support the efficient, effective, and equitable deployment of charging infrastructure through the NEVI state plan. 

“Further state leadership with transportation electrification will signal that Ohio is committed to playing its part in ending our country’s dependency on oil and thus strengthening national security,” said Prochazka.   

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About the Electrification Coalition: The Electrification Coalition is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advances policies and actions to facilitate the widespread deployment of electric vehicles in order to overcome the economic, public health and national security challenges that stem from America’s dependence on oil. For more information, visit electrificationcoalition.org

Amy Malaki

Amy Malaki is the Director of Partnerships and Policy at SkyNRG and SkyNRG Americas, pioneering global leaders in sustainable aviation fuel production and supply. Prior to SkyNRG, Amy was the Associate Director for the transportation portfolio at the ClimateWorks Foundation where she developed philanthropic investment strategies to advance a sustainable, equitable and low-carbon mobility system. She also pioneered the organization’s international aviation decarbonization strategy. Prior to that she focused on Asia business development at Better Place, a Silicon Valley electric vehicle network startup. She has a B.A. in Chinese and China studies from the University of Washington and an M.A. in international policy studies (energy and environment) from Stanford University.