More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Coming To New Hampshire

by Mike DeBlasi | January 22, 2020 10:20 am

Since mid-2015, the number of electric vehicles registered in New Hampshire has nearly tripled from 835 to 2,366. With the increased popularity of electric vehicles owned by New Hampshire residents and tourists visiting the state, comes an increased need for more electric vehicle charging stations in New Hampshire. In response to this growing need, the State of New Hampshire has issued a request for proposals (“RPF”) for the installation and operation of electric vehicle charging equipment.[1]

The targeted locations for this equipment are within a subset of priority travel corridors identified by the New Hampshire Electric Vehicle Charging Station Infrastructure Commission based on current traffic volumes, connectivity to neighboring states and provinces, and designation under the Federal Highway Administration’s Alternative Fuel Corridor program as “EV Signage Ready” or “EV Signage Pending”. More specifically, the targeted locations are: US Route 2 from the border with Maine to the border of Vermont; Interstate 93 from the northern intersection with I-293 to the Vermont border; Interstate 89 from Concord to the Vermont border; Route 101 from Keene to I-93; Route 16 between Portsmouth and the vicinity of Jackson; and an east-west corridor between the Seacoast and I-93 (either Routes 4 and 202 between Concord and Portsmouth, or Route 101).

RFP applicants must propose charging station locations within each of the above-described corridors and must identify specific sites or general locations for each corridor. The successful applicant must have a minimum of four (4) electric vehicle charging sites operational by November 1, 2020, and all sites operational by June 1, 2021.

While the RFP seeks to establish infrastructure along these corridors to facilitate travel throughout the state, it also expressly recognizes that the funding awarded under the RFP will not result in the ideal spacing between charging stations of no more than 50 to 70 miles. Approximately $2,000,000 for this project will be made available through the New Hampshire Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. This Trust holds funds allocated to New Hampshire that Volkswagen paid to settle an action brought by the federal government alleging Volkswagen manufactured vehicles that emitted pollutants that exceeded federal Clean Air Act[2] standards.

The deadline for responding to the RFP is January 24, 2020. Additional RFPs for electric vehicle infrastructure projects are expected during this year. Other anticipated solicitations include an electric school bus demonstration project and other qualifying vehicle replacement projects. These solicitations will be posted[3] as they become available.

About the Author: Susan Geiger[4]

Source URL: https://orr-reno.com/more-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-coming-to-new-hampshire/

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