EXPLAINER: Abilene MPO moves forward with electric vehicle charging infrastructure

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Electric vehicles are popping up more and more each year, even in the Big Country. And just like any vehicle, they need to be “fueled”—that is, charged. As electric vehicles keep growing in popularity, cities across Texas are adding charging stations along major TXDOT roadways. This comes as the Abilene MPO works to expand charging infrastructure, following the guidelines of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.

NEVI was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 to provide funding for the strategic placement of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and to establish a network that facilitates data collection, access, and reliability.

In phase one, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program set requirements for electric vehicles and allocated $5 billion nationwide. The goal for Texas is to add about 56 new charging stations, in addition to the already active and planned stations, to meet the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) 50-mile maximum spacing requirement.

Phase Two began with TxDOT’s Texas Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, which delves into key logistics such as plan approval, contracting processes, funding allocation, goals, market conditions, and other critical considerations. In this phase, the Abilene MPO is expected to receive a one-time 1 million for construction and a five-year 200,000 budget for operations and maintenance.

MPO Division Manager E’Lisa Smetana presented this topic to the MPO board, as the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has asked to define the boundaries for the study to install EV charging stations.

“What we’re asking for today is, do we want to look at the whole MPO planning area, or do we want to narrow it down to smaller study areas?” Smetana told the board.

She then showcased information on what the installation of EV charging stations could look like for the area. Using the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator, she highlighted the locations of current alternative fueling stations, with electric vehicle stations indicated by green dots.

The TxDOT Statewide Planning Map displays the current study area plan, along with the locations of existing alternative fueling stations, marked by green dots. Click here to view the full map.

On the Texas Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Plan website, residents can provide input by suggesting locations for EV charging stations using an interactive map. In Abilene, residents have primarily requested a charging station near the northside Walmart on Texas State Highway 351.

EV charging stations come in three main types: Level 1 Charging, Level 2 Charging, and DC Fast Charging. The Texas Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan is focused on installing DC Fast Charging stations at or near county seats in rural areas. Let’s break down the differences between these types:

Level 2 Charging stations are permitted within one mile of a corridor, while DC Fast Charging stations must be located more than a mile away. Smetana mentioned that DC Fast Charging stations have been recommended for Abilene.

“When we asked this at the TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) at their September 24 meeting, after much discussion, we were discussing the study area being the entire MPO planning area,” Smetana explained. “What they’re recommending to the policy board is the DC Fast Charging.”

A board member also recommended using DC Fast Charging stations due to the rate per hour. A motion was made and approved to proceed with the DC Fast Charging stations.

There are a couple of ways to fund this project. The NEVI Formula Program will cover up to 80% of project costs. Additionally, TxDOT offers the Texas EV Infrastructure Grant Program, where applicants submit proposals. Afterward, TxDOT will select the awarded projects for the area, with the price per port determined by the amount of grant funding requested.

Smetana informed the board that they need to decide whether to use the entire MPO planning area before the Technical Advisory Committee presents it to the commission in November.

“I think after that point, they’ll establish the parameters because they’re going to have to put it out for the grant application process, and then the people are going to have to apply. I’m not sure how long that will take,” Smetana shared.

Board member and Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley made a motion to conduct a study of the entire MPO boundary area. After a second to the motion, Abilene Councilman and MPO Chairperson Shane Price announced they would proceed with the full boundary, including the expanded area, if approved by the governor.