Electric Vehicles

State of Alaska Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Implementation Plan FY24

The second annual State of Alaska Electric Vehicle Implementation Infrastructure Plan by the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) and the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has been approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). With the approval of the updated plan, an additional $11 million will be available for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the state. This funding is in addition to the $19 million already allocated for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. The announcement of additional funding includes the approval of all discretionary exception requests. Read the full press release here.

Alaska's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Implementation Approved

On September 27, 2022, the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) and the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) received approval from the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to implement Alaska’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Deployment Plan (The Plan) to build a network of EV charging stations along Alaska’s highway corridors.

As part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, AEA will receive $7.8 million in federal fiscal year 2022 and $11.1 million in federal fiscal year 2023 under the FHWA National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. AEA anticipates receiving approximately $52 million over the next five years through this program.

“Now, the work begins to turn The Plan’s vision into a reality,” said Curtis W. Thayer, AEA Executive Director. “We look forward to continuing our efforts with DOT&PF and other agencies and stakeholders to use these federal dollars to build a statewide interconnected EV charging station network making EV charging infrastructure more accessible and equitable for all Alaskans.”

Read the full press release here.

AEA will continue to be open to questions and comments on The Plan, and those can be submitted to electricvehicles@akenergyauthority.org. We encourage the public to periodically visit this site for installation progress, FAQs, and further planning updates. AEA thanks the public for its input and looks forward to working with you as it develops. For more information, visit Alaska NEVI Plan.

 

Reducing Barriers to Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption

The transportation sector is increasingly transitioning to electric vehicles (EV). There are now more options for hybrid and full EVs than ever, and with the recent appearance of the electric truck and other all-wheel drive options, Alaskan’s will see more and more EVs sharing our roadways. EVs and their charging infrastructure have the ability to bring new industries to Alaska, helping to promote our economy and save Alaskan’s money. Much of the country is already in a rapid transition to EVs, however, many Alaskan’s have identified barriers to adoption such as range anxiety, unknown performance in cold climate, and costs that prevent them from confidently making an EV their next vehicle purchase. For this reason, the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) has adopted mission to lead the effort to minimize barriers that inhibit EV adoption in Alaska.
 

Alaska Electric Vehicle Working Group

AEA has dedicated funds from the State Energy Program (SEP) towards EVs. The Working Group meets quarterly to discuss EVs and charging infrastructure in Alaska. The Working Group has members from across the state including the Alaska Electric Vehicle Association, the Department of Transportation (DOT), electric utilities, EV owners, EV vendors, municipalities, prospective charging sites, site hosts, universities, and other stakeholders. For more information on the Working Group’s mission, goals, and structure view the Working Group Charter here.

Development of EV Fast-Charging Network

AEA plans on developing fast-charging stations along the State’s highway system in a phased approach, as funding allows. Using Volkswagen (VW) Trust funds, SEP funds as an added incentive, and matching private funds from participating site hosts, AEA is currently developing an EV Fast-Charging Network connecting the Kenai Peninsula to Healy. A total of 15 fast chargers of at least 50kW and eight co-located Level 2 chargers will be installed at nine stations in the following communities: Anchorage, Cantwell, Chugiak, Cooper Landing, Healy, Homer, Seward, Soldotna, and Trapper Creek. Some sites will become operational as early as fall 2021, with all installations completed by summer 2022. AEA will be opening a future solicitation using VW Trust funds to install fast chargers at three locations in the Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Tok and Glennallen area.

Deployment of Community-based Level 2 Chargers

AEA is using SEP funds to install Level 2 charging stations at state-owned facilities. In partnership with the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Level 2 chargers were installed in Anchorage at the Linny Pacillo Parking Garage across from the Robert B. Atwood Building and outside the Snowden Administration Building across from the Nestbett Courthouse during summer 2021. AEA has set aside SEP funds to install additional Level 2 chargers at state facilities in 2022.

Cost to Charge an EV at Home

Curious to know how much it would cost to charge an EV at home in Alaska? And what the carbon emissions would be? Use this calculator to find out.

Costs to Host an EV Charging Station

Costs associated with installing a charging station differ depending on location, charger type, and utility rates. To make it easier for potential site hosts to estimate the costs, AEA developed a calculator that can be downloaded here.
 

Contact

If you are interested in hosting an EV charging station, please contact us by email at electricvehicles@akenergyauthority.org.

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