Frequently Asked Questions

These are routes that are part of a national network of corridors that support alternative fueling infrastructure. This initiative was established in July 2016 when the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) called on states to nominate national plug-in EV charging, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling corridors along major roadways as a part of the "Fixing America's Surface Transportation" (FAST) Act. More information on AFCs can be found online at Alternative Fuel Corridors South Carolina's AFCs include numerous interstate corridors throughout the state as specified at All Designated Corridors by State.

Yes. The NEVI Formula Program requires a diverse and robust public engagement initiative as part of the program. SCDOT will facilitate ample opportunities to share thoughts and comments about this program. Public engagement will occur through a combination of online and in-person meetings to ensure fair and equitable access for all people.

The funding will be provided over a five year period. South Carolina will receive $10.36 million in the first year. The expectation going forward is to receive approximately $15 million per year for the remaining four years of the program.

A small portion of the funds will be utilized to secure a consultant with expertise to assist with public engagement and to analyze an extensive amount of data to strategically identify candidate sites for placement of EV charging equipment along South Carolina's AFCs. The remaining majority of the funds will then be used to facilitate construction of EV charging equipment at these sites.

The NEVI Formula Program has minimum requirements that are included in a program guidance document available online at Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)Formula Program Guidance

A basic summary is:

• Ports must be Combined Charging System (CCS);
• A minimum of four (4) 150kW DC Fast Chargers per site capable of simultaneously charging four (4) electric vehicles with 150kW per port
• Sites must be publicly accessible; and
• Sites must be located at a maximum of 50 miles along the interstate highway system and be within one (1) travel mile upon exiting the interstate

South Carolina's NEVI Plan places a priority on locating EV charging infrastructure along the state's interstate corridors, with particular focus on corridors in rural areas where the lack of urban facilities makes it less feasible for investments from the private sector.

It is imperative that a diverse and robust public engagement initiative occurs to ensure the public's needs are met as part of this program. The findings of this robust engagement may impact the schedule as the program moves forward. Public engagement is expected to initiate in mid/late-2023 and is expected to be completed in mid-2024. Contracts for construction of EV charging equipment are expected to be advertised in late-2024. We will adapt our timeline as we obtain feedback from the public, industry experts, electric utility providers, manufacturing, owners of candidate host sites, and many other stakeholders that are critical to the process.