Arizona’s first 3 federally-funded EV charging stations now open

PHOENIX – Arizona’s first three electric vehicle charging stations constructed as part of a federally-funded program to develop a nationwide network of fast-charging stations are now open.

The stations are the first of about 80 statewide locations planned to reduce range anxiety and encourage the use of electric vehicles as an alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. 

The station locations are:

• Tucson: Interstate 10 near Kino Parkway at Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q, 2130 E. Ajo Way
• Green Valley: I-19 at Verde Valley Center, 119 E. Duval Mine Road
• Wellton: I-8 near Avenue 29 E. at Chevron, 28864 Commerce Way

These stations are the first of many in development as the Arizona Department of Transportation administers $76.5 million in federal funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to build as many as 79 charging stations in the state. The program encourages adoption of electric vehicles by building a nationwide network of publicly accessible and reliable fast chargers that will reduce drivers’ concerns about EV range.

Two more stations are planned to open later this year along I-40, in Seligman and Holbrook. Eleven other projects are under construction or in design, and contracts are expected to be issued on another 14 projects by late 2026.

ADOT recently opened bidding for 49 future stations, with an estimated $49 million in federal funding. Those will be located along interstate highways 10, 40, and 40B, US routes 60, 66, 70, 89A, 93, 180 and 191 and state routes 64, 68, 69, 77, 79, 80, 85, 87, 89, 89A, 90, 95, 179, 260, 264, 347, and 389.

These bids are the third phase in a network of fast-charging stations, following an initial round of 16 stations along Interstate 10, I-8, I-40, I-17 and I-19 and a second round of 14 stations along I-10, US routes 60, 89, 93, and 160 and state routes 95 and 260.

The EV charging stations will generally be placed no more than 90 miles apart and within three miles of a highway. Most locations will have at least four 150-kilowatt direct current fast chargers. Most of the stations will have both the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) North American Charging Standard (NACS or Tesla) and the Combined Charging System (CCS) plugs. The chargers are intended to charge a typical electric vehicle in 30 minutes or less.

All stations will be privately-owned and operated, with federal funds covering up to 80% and the private developer covering a minimum of 20% of eligible project costs. No state funds will be used in the construction of these stations.

The latest phase identifies 31 new locations eligible for EV fast-charging stations, along with 18 locations from the first and second phases that were not previously awarded. 

Proposals on the 49 charging stations out for bid are due by 2 p.m., Jan. 15, 2027. Construction is expected to begin in 2028 and take about one year. 

For more information about the Arizona EV plan, visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.