A critical element of North Carolina's plan for the NC Volkswagen Settlement was the funding of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at strategic locations across the state. DEQ allocated the full 15% allowed in the Volkswagen State Trust Agreement for zero-emission vehicle charging. Funds were awarded for two types of chargers: Level 2 chargers, and DC Fast chargers.
In Phase 1 of the VW Settlement, DEQ distributed more than $3.7 million in grants and rebates for new charging projects. In Phase 2, another $9.6 million was distributed, for a total of $13.3 million. Altogether, DEQ has funded 840 EV charging ports at 272 sites across the state. These projects will prevent an estimated 2,100 pounds of nitrogen oxide and 10,700 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere over their lifetimes.
EV Charging Infrastructure Programs
The DC Fast program provided grant funding for eligible projects that would install qualifying light-duty zero-emission vehicle supply equipment. Funding awards were based on charging capacity, the number of ports, and type of applicant (government or non-government). DC Fast chargers offer rapid charging and are suitable along major highways because they allow drivers to quickly continue to their destination.
DEQ funded 163 new DC fast ports at 82 sites across the state. These projects will prevent more than 4,200 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere.
| Ports Funded | Lifetime NOx Reduction (tons) | Lifetime GHG Reduction (tons) | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 163 | 0.42 | 4,287.00 | $9,614,391 |
Phase 1 (2018-2021)
Phase 1 DC Fast Awards Summary
| Ports Funded | Lifetime NOx Reduction (tons) | Lifetime GHG Reduction (tons) | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 0.10 | 1,026.00 | $2,682,360 |
Phase 2 (2021-2025)
In Phase 2, DEQ prioritized charging projects along designated along priority corridors and major coastal evacuation routes, from Murphy to Manteo. Priority corridors include segments along interstates 40, 77, 85 and 95 as well as several highways across the state without existing charging infrastructure. These projects will fill gaps in the charging network along these corridors. DEQ also funded repairs and upgrades at existing DC Fast sites in the state under a separate RFP. In 2025, DEQ allocated another $2 million from canceled projects into a new Community & Destinations Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program to support public charging across North Carolina.
Phase 2 Priority Corridors Request for Proposals
Phase 2 Existing Sites Request for Proposals
Phase 2 Community & Destination Request for Proposals
| Subprogram | Ports Funded | Lifetime NOx Reduction (tons) | Lifetime GHG Reduction (tons) | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Corridors | 86 | 0.23 | 2,262 | $4,388,646 |
| Existing Sites | 13 | 0.03 | 342 | $626,000 |
| Community & Destination | 25 | 0.07 | 658 | $1,917,385 |
| Phase 2 Totals | 124 | 0.32 | 3,626 | $6,932,031 |
DEQ primarily issued funds for Level 2 chargers through rebates on a first-come, first-served basis. This program was designed to expand the state's light duty ZEV charging infrastructure network. Rebates up to a maximum of $5,000 were available to government applicants and up to $4,000 to non-government applicants for each new charging port installed. Rebates helped cover the cost of installing new chargers at workplaces, apartment complexes, parks, urban centers, state attractions, businesses, parking decks, libraries and other locations where a vehicle would be parked and could charge for several hours.
DEQ funded 677 Level 2 ports at 190 sites across the state. These projects will prevent more than 6,400 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere.
| Ports Funded | Lifetime NOx Reduction (tons) | Lifetime GHG Reduction (tons) | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 677 | 0.64 | 6,430 | $3,776,219 |
Phase 1 (2018-2021)
| Ports Funded | Lifetime NOx Reduction (tons) | Lifetime GHG Reduction (tons) | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 222 | 0.20 | 2,026 | $917,534 |
Phase 2 (2021-2024)
In Phase 2, DEQ offered separate rebates for chargers at multi-unit dwellings like apartment complexes and condominiums; workplaces for employee or customer charging; and at public sites. Additionally, DEQ held a competitive grant program for North Carolina state agencies to apply for funding to install Level 2 chargers at universities, community colleges, state parks and aquariums, and agency offices.
Phase 2 Public Access Request for Proposals
Phase 2 Workplace Request for Proposals
Phase 2 Multi-Unit Dwellings Request for Proposals
Phase 2 State Agency Request for Proposals
| Subprogram | Ports Funded | Lifetime NOx Reduction (tons) | Lifetime GHG Reduction (tons) | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Access | 184 | 0.16 | 1,606 | $735,338 |
| Workplace | 68 | 0.06 | 621 | $187,824 |
| Multi-Unit Dwelling | 50 | 0.04 | 427 | $186,000 |
| State Agency | 153 | 0.17 | 1750 | $1,749,523 |
| Phase 2 Totals | 455 | 0.44 | 4,404 | $2,858,685 |