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 $3.5 million in grants and rebates for new charging projects. In Phase 2, another $10 million was distributed, for a total of $13.6 million. Altogether, DEQ has funded 994 EV charging ports at 318 sites across the state. These projects will prevent an estimated 3,500 pounds of nitrogen oxide and 16,700 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere over their lifetimes. 

EV Charging Infrastructure Programs

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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.

DC Fast awards list

DEQ funded 155 new DC fast ports at 78 sites across the state. These projects will prevent more than 4,000 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. 

DC Fast Awards Summary
Ports FundedLifetime NOx Reduction (tons)Lifetime GHG Reduction (tons)Award Amount
1550.434,082.00$9,198,685 

 

Phase 1 (2018-2021)

Phase 1 Request for Proposals

Phase 1 DC Fast Awards Summary
Ports FundedLifetime NOx Reduction (tons)Lifetime GHG Reduction (tons)Award Amount
390.111,066.00$2,682,360 

 

Phase 2 (2021-2024)

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. 

Phase 2 Priority Corridors Request for Proposals

Phase 2 Existing Sites Request for Proposals

Phase 2 DC Fast Awards Summary
SubprogramPorts FundedLifetime NOx Reduction (tons)Lifetime GHG Reduction (tons)Award Amount
Priority Corridors1030.282,678.00$5,890,325 
Existing Sites130.04338.00$626,000 
Phase 2 Totals1160.313,016.00$6,516,325 

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. 

Level 2 awards list

DEQ funded 839 Level 2 ports at 240 sites across the state. These projects will prevent more than 12,600 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere.

Level 2 Awards Summary
Ports FundedLifetime NOx Reduction (tons)Lifetime GHG Reduction (tons)Award Amount
8391.3312,618.94$4,406,778 

 

Phase 1 (2018-2021)

Phase 1 Request for Proposals

Phase 1 Level 2 Awards Summary
Ports FundedLifetime NOx Reduction (tons)Lifetime GHG Reduction (tons)Award Amount
2220.383,572.82$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

Phase 2 Level 2 Awards Summary
SubprogramPorts FundedLifetime NOx Reduction (tons)Lifetime GHG Reduction (tons)Award Amount
Public Access2670.484,511.13$1,071,338 
Workplace890.121,118.76$239,824 
Multi-Unit Dwelling1080.181,682.95$394,000 
State Agency1530.181,733.28$1,784,082 
Phase 2 Totals6170.959,046.13$3,489,244 

 

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