Pennsylvania has significantly expanded its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with the opening of six new federally funded stations, including one at a Wawa in East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced the openings on Friday, marking a milestone in the state's efforts to support EV adoption. With these additions, Pennsylvania now boasts 17 charging stations funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, placing it second nationally in federally supported EV infrastructure.

The new stations are strategically located along major highways, including Interstate 81, I-76, and I-79, to ensure accessibility for long-distance travelers. Among the sites are a Tesla station in New Castle, a Love’s Travel Stop in Brookville, and an EVgo station in Monroeville. These locations aim to address range anxiety and encourage EV adoption by providing reliable charging options in high-traffic areas.

Since the first NEVI-funded station opened in Pennsylvania, the network has facilitated over 17,400 charging sessions, powering an estimated two million miles of electric driving and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 950,000 pounds. The federal government has allocated over $9 million to these projects, underscoring its commitment to decarbonizing transportation.

PennDOT officials emphasized the program's role in meeting the Biden administration's goal of a national EV charging network. "These stations are critical to building consumer confidence in EVs and supporting the transition to cleaner transportation," said a spokesperson. The state plans to continue expanding its network, with additional stations expected to open in 2025.