The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has approved the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s (WYDOT) National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) plan, certifying that the state’s Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) are fully built out and clearing the way for NEVI funding to be spent on non-interstate highways.
Wyoming becomes the third state to achieve full build-out status, a milestone made more notable by the fact that no NEVI-funded EV chargers had previously been installed in the state. WYDOT identified 39 stations along Interstates 25, 80, and 90 as part of the plan, all of which were privately owned and built without federal funds.
“WYDOT’s strategic, cautious approach to the federal program has allowed the free market to take care of installing stations where it made good business sense,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby. “We have no interest in using these federal funds in a way that is competing with the private sector, and WYDOT felt existing charging stations are appropriately spaced to meet current EV ranges.”
Under previous NEVI guidance, states were required to place chargers every 50 miles or within one mile of an exit. Updated guidance and program changes allowed WYDOT to successfully secure full build-out certification, opening the door for NEVI funding to support charging infrastructure along non-interstate routes, particularly those leading to Wyoming’s major tourist destinations such as Devil’s Tower, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park.
WYDOT plans to work with its consultant HDR to identify initial eligible routes and redraft a Request for Proposal (RFP) in line with the new NEVI requirements.
“NEVI guidance has changed, and we need to make major changes to our existing draft RFP,” said WYDOT Chief Engineer Keith Fulton. “We anticipate that process to take several months.”
The agency’s approach reflects a focus on public-private partnerships, using federal grants to encourage private industry to expand EV charging infrastructure strategically, rather than duplicating what is already provided by existing stations.
With tourism ranking as Wyoming’s second-largest industry, the expansion of EV infrastructure along non-interstate highways is expected to enhance travel access while supporting sustainable transportation growth across the state.
By BSH Staff