Pennsylvania Adds $100M in EV Chargers to Neighborhoods

Pennsylvania is solving one of the biggest problems holding back electric vehicle adoption: nowhere to charge if you live in an apartment or don't have a garage.

The state Department of Transportation launched a $100 million program last week to install EV charging stations in neighborhoods across Pennsylvania. This is part of the larger $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure project.

The first round of funding went to highway charging stations every 50 miles along major corridors. Now the focus shifts to where people actually need them most: apartment complexes, business districts, and residential areas where installing a home charger isn't an option.

PennDOT divided the state into four regions and has been working with local planners since 2024 to identify the best locations. The southeast region, which has the most electric vehicles in Pennsylvania, will receive about $34 million and kicked off its application process last week.

Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz knows the problem firsthand as one of more than 15,000 EV owners in her county. Right now, there's only one charging station for every 400 electric vehicles. "This round will provide charging stations for people who reside here," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll at the announcement in Chester County.

The southwest region around Pittsburgh will get $22 million to $26 million, with applications opening in April and awards announced next February. The eastern region receives $29 million to $33 million, while the central region gets $9 million to $11 million.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has been identifying neighborhoods that need chargers most. "What's so exciting about this is there are business districts that are going to get chargers out of this," said SPC spokesman D.J. Ryan.

Private operators will apply for the grants, which cover 80% of site costs while the operator pays 20%. Each station typically costs between $750,000 and $1.2 million depending on land prices and electrical infrastructure. Unlike the highway round that favored gas stations and convenience stores, this round opens opportunities for businesses in residential areas.

The Ripple Effect

Making charging accessible in neighborhoods does more than help current EV owners. It opens communities to new residents who might otherwise avoid moving there without charging infrastructure. Apartment dwellers and homeowners without garages can finally consider switching to electric vehicles.

Chester County aims to reduce greenhouse gases to 80% of 2005 levels by 2050, and accessible charging stations are a key piece of that puzzle. As more stations go up in business districts, they'll support local commerce while drivers charge during shopping or dining.

Construction typically takes about a year after projects are awarded, meaning southwest Pennsylvania could see new neighborhood chargers by early 2027.

Pennsylvania is making electric vehicles work for everyone, not just highway travelers with home garages.