(BOISE, ID) – The Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy & Mineral Resources, the Idaho Transportation Department, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality announced the strategic locations for deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. Later this year, the state plans to solicit requests for applications from interested NEVI site developers.
Idaho recently completed its Siting, Feasibility, and Access Study (SFAS), an analysis of various site factors, with the collaboration of expert technical and public involvement partners. The SFAS identifies locations with a goal of maximizing EV charging station accessibility and effectiveness. Several factors were ranked, compared, and categorized based on data and public input, such as average daily traffic volume, connectivity nodes, proximity to electrical substations, adjacent amenities, and benefit to disadvantaged and Tribal communities.
“Idaho has been very diligent in the technical review of potential sites in order to maximize the program’s budget and effectiveness,” said Rich Stover, Administrator of the Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. “Through the strategic selection and prioritization of EV charging locations, Idaho will be able to support the creation of an EV charging network that will help EV drivers travel across our state with ease.”
Idaho anticipates rolling out NEVI funding in multiple rounds over the next several years. Round 1 will include Pocatello, Bliss, and Lewiston, while subsequent rounds will focus on locations along key interstates and highways.
Idaho is hosting an informational virtual public meeting on July 31 at 6 PM MST, offering an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with the state and learn about the SFAS. Potential site hosts, vendors, site developers, EV drivers, municipalities, counties, and others are encouraged to attend. Individuals interested in participating in the virtual meeting can sign up here. The SFAS and other NEVI documents can be found on the Idaho NEVI Program website.