The infrastructure bill that provided billions for EV charging stations marks a significant step forward. Although it may have initially sounded straightforward to spend big money and get stations every 50 miles along the interstate highways, the process was quite complex. The money was distributed to state departments of transportation, and each state had to develop and execute its own individual plan. As a result, the progress varied from state to state, with some states moving rapidly to get the first stations up and running, while others faced delays in getting the funds to contractors.
Following this process, New Mexico was among the states that experienced slower progress. NMDOT received 17 applications in the first round of funding, ultimately awarding $11.9 million to six companies for the construction of the first 20 EV charging locations. This allocation will result in the installation of 84 new EV chargers across the state. While the specific addresses of these stations have not been released, the cities they will be located in have been announced.
“With the assistance of USDOT, the ideas supported by these awards constitute a leap forward in achieving a low-carbon future and assist in building a comprehensive charging infrastructure network that will open New Mexico’s electric drivability,” said Ricky Serna, NMDOT Cabinet Secretary.
Locations
Las Cruces will be home to the first station on the list, a significant development as the city serves as the meeting point for Interstates 10 and 25. Although Las Cruces currently has two charging stations at dealers and one Tesla Supercharger, the addition of a CCS station by EV Gateway will significantly enhance the corridor’s capacity. Other locations, including Truth or Consequences, Los Lunas, Socorro, Raton, Jamestown, Moriarty, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Grants, Maxwell, Bernalillo, and Deming, will also see the construction of new charging stations by various companies, providing essential infrastructure for EV drivers across the state.
Impact on EV Drivers
While the first phase of the NEVI program primarily focuses on interstate highways, it is evident that NMDOT is working to expand capacity for EV drivers in several areas, even in places where NEVI-compliant charging stations already exist. This expansion will provide alternative options for drivers, improving accessibility and reducing wait times for charging. Furthermore, the anticipated availability of additional funding in the Spring indicates that progress is likely to accelerate, offering hope for continued development of EV infrastructure in the state.
Featured image by Jennifer Sensiba.
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