New EV charging stations coming to I-75

A new electric vehicle charging station is plugging in Van Buren off of I-75. Governor Mike DeWine announced 27 new electric vehicle charging stations to be installed along Ohio interstates Thursday, with one location being the Pilot Travel Center in Van Buren off of I-75 at Exit 164. Ohio will be the first state in the nation to announce charging station sites developed as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. "This is an exciting time for Ohio as we continue to lead the charge in electric mobility," DeWine said. "As more Ohioans purchase (electric vehicles), this statewide network of chargers will ensure that our transportation infrastructure is prepared to accommodate these drivers, as well as visitors who travel to Ohio to see all that our great state has to offer." The state will award more than $18 million in program funds for the 27 stations along seven of Ohio's interstate corridors, including I-70, I-71, I-74, I-75, I-76, I-77 and I-90. Additional stations in the area include Exit 118 in Cridersville, Exit 135 in Beaverdam and Exit 210 in Toledo. Charging stations will be installed at existing travel centers, grocery stores, retail shops, hotels, restaurants and banks. They will be located every 50 miles and will be situated no more than 1 mile off the interstate. Each site will include at least four charger ports with 150 kilowatts for each port and will be accessible 24/7 with easy access to food, drinks and restrooms. There are currently about 53,000 registered electric vehicles in Ohio, with that number expected to significantly increase in coming years. In total, Ohio will receive $140 million in program funds over the next five years to support the installation of electric vehicle charging stations across the state.