Fourteen new vehicle DC Fast Charging stations funded by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control have gone into service.
Grants were awarded to several businesses and one Delaware municipality. The chargers will be accessible to the public 24 hours a day and users will pay a fee for powering their vehicles.
The 14 project locations represent a variety of charging location types and manufacturers and are located throughout the state.
The projects selected for funding will be in downtown areas, shopping centers, hotels and traditional fueling areas.
“These charging stations represent the first wave of major investments in Delaware to build out a network of reliable and convenient fast electric vehicle charging stations for our residents and visitors” said Shawn M. Garvin, DNREC Secretary. “It doesn’t stop here. DNREC and DelDOT are working together on an electric vehicle infrastructure plan that will guide future investments and programs to ensure a smooth transition to a cleaner, more equitable transportation system.”
Transportation is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware, according to DNREC. Building out the state’s charging network will accommodate the growing number of electric vehicle.
The funding builds upon Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Programs, which include rebates for light-duty vehicles and Level 2 charging stations. Funding for the DC Fast Charging Stations comes from the Environmental Mitigation Trust, a negotiated settlement between Volkswagen and the federal government.
The installations come amid a controversy over a plan to end sales of gas-powered vehicles in 2035. Republican legislators are leading the charge to halt the ban, which would also require dealers to have more than a third of their new vehicles on the lot to be EVs. Court challenges are also expected.
Electric vebicles, other than vehicles from Tesla, have been in short supply and are still more expensive than equivalent gas-powered cars and trucks. The state and federal government offer tax credits and rebates that can cut the cost of EVs.
New charging station
New Castle County
Wawa (Claymont): 2621 Philadelphia Pike
ShopRite (Stanton): 1600 W. Newport Pike
Shore Stop (New Castle): 906 S. Dupont Highway
Budget Inn (New Castle) 3 Memorial Drive
Candlewood Suites (Newark): 1101 S. College Avenue
Kent County
City of Milford (Milford): 200 N. Front Street
Comfort Inn Suites (Dover): 1654 N. Dupont Highway
Quality Inn (Smyrna): 190 Stadium Street
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Harrington): 17271 S. Dupont Highway
Sussex County
Quality Inn & Suites (Georgetown): 20530 Dupont Boulevard
Comfort Inn Suites (Seaford): 23420 Sussex Highway
Arby’s (Lewes): 17719 Coastal Highway
Gulf (PepUp Bethany Beach): 32919 Coastal Highway
Arby’s (Millsboro): 28669 Dupont Boulevard
