ESCI KSP

Smart Transportation

ST-3.2 Electromobility Road Map

National Alternative Fuel and Electric Charging Network

As the United States looks ahead to environmental and emissions commitments, decarbonization of the transportation sector will play an essential role. Transportation is the largest greenhouse gas emitter in the country, outpacing the power sector for the first time this year. Because of that, cleaner transportation will play a huge role in helping the U.S. meet its pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% or more by 2050. One way to clear a pathway for cleaner transportation is to set up corridors to help construct EV charging stations, according to the White House.

“Alternative fuels and electric vehicles will play an integral part in the future of America’s transportation system,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement. “We have a duty to help drivers identify routes that will help them refuel and recharge those vehicles and designating these corridors on our highways is a first step.”

According to new FHWA data, U.S. drivers consumed nearly 72 billion gallons of gasoline in the first half of 2016 and drove more than 3 trillion miles last year.

Signs that will designate alternative stations will be similar to existing signage for gas stations, food, and lodging. But despite the expansive first steps, some areas of the country are clearly underserved. A map of the transportation corridors from the Department of Transportation shows extensive networks on the West Coast and along the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Texas and Oklahoma also have large amounts of infrastructure.

The announcement follows a July initiative launched by the federal government to make available up to $4.5 billion in loan guarantees and inviting applications to support the commercial-scale deployment of charging infrastructure.


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