NEVI-Funded EV Charging Stations Are Coming to Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii will be seeing more EV charging stations soon. The move toward electrification of transportation on Maui took a significant stride with the emergence of the island’s first EV charging station being funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced recently that construction had begun on Feb. 1, 2024. Aloha Charge is one of the innovative companies offering EV charging on the project.
This pivotal project involves the installation of four high-capacity 150 kW chargers at the Kahului Park & Ride, located at the intersection of Kuihelani Highway and Puunene Avenue. This development marks a considerable step in Hawaii EV charging, making a strong commitment to sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions.
Federal Funding for EV Charging Station Access in Hawaii
In July 2023, following the positive reception of the initiative for EV charging stations on Maui, the Hawaii Department of Transportation progressed with its electrification plan by announcing the first two sites for additional EV charging stations in Hawaii funded through the NEVI program. Notably, the second site is poised at a strategic location on Oahu, at Aloha Tower Drive fronting Pier 7. These EV charging stations on Oahu will also boast four high-capacity 150 kW chargers, mirroring the infrastructure established on Maui, further increasing Hawaii EV charging.
The federal government’s investment in the expansion of the EV charging network is a testament to the nation’s dedication to combating climate change and fostering a sustainable future. With a historic allocation of billions, including the ambitious $5 billion NEVI Formula Program outlined in the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the initiative aims to create a robust network of charging stations. Primarily, the NEVI funding targets the establishment of EV charging “corridors” along major freeways.
Tackling Range Anxiety One State at a Time
As these charging stations become more prevalent, they directly address the issue of “range anxiety” among EV drivers — the concern that their vehicles may run out of charge during their travels. By ensuring that reliable charging options are available on key transportation routes, the program not only supports the current EV market but also encourages wider adoption of electric vehicles by providing the necessary infrastructure to refuel electric batteries almost as easily as one would a gas-fueled car.
