Ohio Invests $51M in 64 New EV Charging Stations

Ohio just became an even better place to own an electric car.

The state announced it will install 64 new fast-charging stations at businesses across Ohio, from Aldi grocery stores to Love's Travel Stops. The $51 million federal investment, matched by $26 million from private companies, will make charging as convenient as stopping for snacks or a bathroom break.

Each station will have at least four charging ports capable of powering up vehicles quickly, along with access to restrooms and food. You'll find them at familiar spots like Sheetz, Pilot Travel Centers, BP stations, and even Tesla locations. Construction starts early next year, with most stations opening by the end of 2027.

Ohio has been leading the charge on electric vehicle infrastructure since the beginning. The state was first in the nation to announce charging sites and start construction, and it opened America's first federally funded charging station in late 2023. Right now, 19 stations are already up and running, with 12 more coming this year.

Last fall, federal officials confirmed that Ohio's highway charging network is complete. That means drivers can now travel major routes without worrying about running out of power. It also gives the state freedom to add chargers in more neighborhoods and smaller towns, not just along interstates.

The Ripple Effect

This charging network does more than help current EV owners. It removes one of the biggest barriers stopping people from going electric: charging anxiety. When drivers know they can power up as easily as filling a gas tank, electric vehicles become a real option for more families.

The timing couldn't be better. Ohio now has over 126,000 registered electric vehicles, and in September 2025, EVs made up 5% of new car registrations for the first time. As charging stations multiply and more people see their neighbors driving electric, that percentage will likely keep climbing.

These stations also create jobs in construction, maintenance, and operation while keeping more money in local communities instead of sending it to oil-producing countries. Companies like Aldi and United Dairy Farmers will see more customers stopping by while their cars charge.

More charging stations mean cleaner air in Ohio's cities and quieter neighborhoods as electric vehicles replace gas-powered cars.