PHOENIX – The Federal Highway Administration has informed Arizona that, barring a federal change, electric vehicles and other currently eligible alternative fuel vehicles with only a single occupant will no longer have access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes during restricted times as of Sept. 30, 2025. 

Based on this notice, ADOT has established a website at azdot.gov/HOVRule to help alternative fuel vehicle owners and others prepare for the change. It explains what’s scheduled to happen upon expiration of a provision of federal code that allows the access.

HOV lanes are available on freeways in the Phoenix metropolitan area. 

A provision of federal code (23 USC 166b) currently allows Arizona to exempt alternative fuel vehicles from HOV lane restrictions that otherwise require two or more occupants except in the case of motorcycles. In addition to electric vehicles, currently eligible alternative fuel vehicles include those operating solely on natural gas, propane, hydrogen, coal-derived liquid fuels, fuels derived from biological materials, methanol, or denatured alcohol or other alcohols.

The decision on whether to allow this provision in federal code to lapse lies with Congress. Even though this is a federal matter, ADOT is sharing early word because the outcome affects travelers in the Phoenix area, owners and prospective buyers of alternative fuel vehicles, and businesses selling and servicing alternative fuel vehicles. ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division also is sharing this information with auto dealers so they are aware and can pass the information on to customers, and with drivers who own a vehicle with an Alternative Fuel or Energy Efficient license plate and will no longer qualify to use the HOV lane with only the driver.  

ADOT offers a resource at azdot.gov/HOV explaining what HOV lanes are for, who can use them and other topics. It also answers many common questions about HOV lanes. 

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced the first set of awards to design, build, operate and maintain a network of privately owned electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways.

ADOT has selected firms to design, build, operate and maintain a network of privately owned electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways. Forty-nine proposals were received for 18 fast charging stations that will fill in gaps in the charging network along I-10, I-8, I-40, I-17 and I-19. 

These stations are the first major step in establishing a statewide network of rapid charging stations. The stations are intended to reduce range anxiety and encourage use of electric vehicles as a viable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.

Construction is expected to take a year to complete after final contracts have been signed, with some stations opening by late 2025. The stations will mostly be located at existing gas stations and travel centers, with several others either at restaurants or hotels. The stations will be equipped with CCS plugs. 

The charging stations are funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, or NEVI, which is allocating $5 billion in funds nationwide through the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy, including $76.5 million for Arizona.

"We are thrilled to see Arizona take this important step toward building out a reliable, convenient, and affordable network of electric vehicle chargers through FHWA's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program," said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. "With funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, drivers can be confident they will find an EV charger no matter where they live or travel in the Grand Canyon State."

“As more Arizona drivers and visitors to our state get behind the wheel in electric vehicles, ADOT is helping develop a network of reliable and convenient charging stations that the public can count on,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “This is an important step in supporting electric vehicle drivers by reducing range anxiety.

The charging stations generally will be spaced no more than 50 miles apart, and must be constructed within a mile of a freeway interchange. Each station will include at least four NEVI-compliant chargers, with some featuring as many as seven. 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 80% of construction costs and the private developer paying 20%. No state funds will be involved in the construction of these stations. 

While this initial round of electric vehicle charging stations focuses on interstates, ADOT plans to expand onto other highways starting with an additional round of bids in 2025. The plans will evolve based on developments within the electric vehicle industry and by studying the usage patterns of the first set of stations that come online.

For more information about the EV plan and additional ways to provide input, visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.
 

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is reminding the public of a virtual public meeting this week to seek input on the proposed update to its 2024 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan that would add nine state highways to a planned network of fast-charging stations. 

The virtual meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 10. The update proposes  adding the following corridors to a list of routes eligible for federally funded, EV fast charging stations:  

• US 60: Wickenburg to Phoenix
• US 60: Phoenix to Globe
• US 60: Show Low to New Mexico
• US 93: Wickenburg to I-40
• US 95: Quartzsite to San Luis
• US 160: US 89 to Four Corners
• SR 68: US 93 to Bullhead City
• SR 80: Bisbee to Douglas
• SR 90: I-10 to Bisbee

Eligible corridors previously identified include all interstate freeways, US 89, and portions of US 93 and state routes 64, 87, 95 and 347.

Please visit azdot.gov/EVPlan to register for the virtual meeting and receive your link to attend. Project staff will be available to share information about the new proposed station locations on state highways and answer questions. 

You can provide feedback on the proposed update through Wednesday, July 17, in the following ways:

• Virtual Meeting: Register at azdot.gov/EVmeeting 
• Online Survey: Available at azdot.gov/EVcomments 
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 800.915.4301
• Mail: ADOT EV Plan, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007

The electric vehicle charging network plan is part of $76.5 million in federal funding Arizona is eligible to receive through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. 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 the range of electric vehicles.

The charging stations will be built with 80% federal funding and a 20% private match. No state funding will be used to build the charging station network. ADOT will administer the contracting process with private companies that will operate the stations.

Planning and construction using NEVI funds is slated to start in 2025, but the buildout will take place over several years. This year, ADOT began seeking bids for private entities to build or upgrade the first phase of electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways. ADOT expects to award contracts for these stations in late summer, with stations slated to be operational in one year from the start of construction.

For more information about the EV plan and additional ways to provide input, visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking public input on a proposed update to its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan that would add nine state highway segments to a planned network of fast-charging stations. 

The virtual meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, on the proposal to add the following to a list that currently includes all interstate freeways, US 89, and portions of US 93 and state routes 64, 87, 95 and 347:

• US 60: Wickenburg to Phoenix
• US 60: Phoenix to Globe
• US 60: Show Low to New Mexico
• US 93: Wickenburg to I-40
• US 95: Quartzsite to San Luis
• US 160: US 89 to Four Corners
• SR 68: US 93 to Bullhead City
• SR 80: Bisbee to Douglas
• SR 90: I-10 to Bisbee

Please visit azdot.gov/EVPlan to register for the virtual meeting and receive your link to attend. Project staff will be available to share information about the new proposed station locations on state highways and answer questions. 

You can provide feedback on the proposed update through Wednesday, July 17, in the following ways:

• Virtual Meeting: Register at azdot.gov/EVmeeting 
• Online Survey: Available at azdot.gov/EVcomments 
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 800.915.4301
• Mail: ADOT EV Plan, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007

The evolving electric vehicle charging network plan is part of $76.5 million in federal funding Arizona is eligible to receive through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. 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 the range of electric vehicles.

The charging stations will be built with 80% federal funding and a 20% private match. No state funding will be used to build the charging station network. ADOT will administer the contracting process with private companies that will operate the stations.

Planning and construction using NEVI funds is slated to start in 2025, but the buildout will take place over several years. This year, ADOT began seeking bids for private entities to build or upgrade the first phase of electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways. ADOT expects to award contracts for these stations in late summer, with stations slated to be operational in one year from the start of construction

To learn more, please visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.

PHOENIX – Advancing plans to support adoption of electric vehicles, the Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking bids for private entities to build or upgrade electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways.

The stations are the first major step in establishing a statewide network of rapid charging stations, with 21 facilities expected to be operating by the end of 2025. These stations are intended to reduce range anxiety and encourage use of electric vehicles as a viable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.

All stations will be privately owned and operated, with federal funds covering 80% of construction costs and the private developer paying 20%. No state funds will be involved in the construction of these stations. Bids are due April 19, with ADOT awarding contracts this summer. Construction of the privately owned facilities is anticipated to take about a year.

The charging stations are funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, or NEVI, which is allocating $5 billion in funds nationwide through the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy and $76.5 million for Arizona.

The charging stations generally will be spaced no more than 50 miles apart, and must be constructed beyond the freeway within a mile of an interchange. The bidding process outlines general areas where stations eligible for funding can be located, with specific locations to be determined through the selection process. Each station must include at least four chargers that can charge a typical electric vehicle within 20-30 minutes.

While the first round of electric vehicle charging stations will focus on interstates, ADOT plans to expand onto other highways starting with an additional round of bids in 2025. The plans will evolve based on developments within the electric vehicle industry and by studying the usage patterns of the first set of stations that come online.

For more information about the electric vehicle charging station network, visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public hearing Wednesday, Oct. 18, to seek public comments on user charges and pricing as part of a first phase in a planned statewide network of fast charging stations.

The virtual meeting is scheduled on Oct. 18 from 6-8 p.m. and will include a formal presentation from 6-6:30 p.m., a question and answer period from 6:30-7 p.m. and public comments starting at 7 p.m. 

The public can visit azdot.gov/EVHearings to register for the meeting and receive a link to attend.

Comments are welcome through Nov. 2 through the following ways: 

• Provide comments at the virtual public hearing 
• Online through our comment form: azdot.gov/EVcomments 
• Email: [email protected] 
• Call: 602.792.8899 
• Mail: ADOT EV Plan, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD126F Phoenix, AZ 85007

The evolving EV charging network plan is part of $76.5 million in federal dollars Arizona has been allocated through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which encourages adoption of electric vehicles by reducing range anxiety and encouraging consumers to consider electric vehicles as viable alternatives to gasoline powered cars.

ADOT will manage the charging station network through a private-public partnership method to build, operate and maintain the stations.

For more information about the EV plan and additional ways to provide input, visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is adding seven state highway corridors to its planned network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, expanding beyond the initial 2022 plan that focused on interstate highways.

The additional corridors are part of ADOT’s 2023 Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Deployment Plan Update, which the public can learn about and comment on at a virtual meeting from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 18. To register and receive a link to participate, please visit azdot.gov/AZEVJuly18.

The recommended plan to build a reliable statewide network of EV charging stations spaced no more than 50 miles apart includes the following additional highways:

• State Route 87 from Mesa to Payson
• SR 260 from Payson to Show Low
• SR 347 from just south of Phoenix to Maricopa
• US 89 from Flagstaff to the Utah state line
• SR 64 from Williams to the Grand Canyon
• SR 95 from Quartzsite to Interstate 40
• US 93 from Kingman to the Nevada state line

The evolving EV charging network plan is part of $76.5 million in federal funding Arizona is eligible to receive through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. The program encourages adoption of electric vehicles as viable alternatives to gasoline powered cars, by building a nationwide network of publicly accessible and reliable fast chargers that will reduce drivers’ concerns about EV range.

ADOT expects to add even more highways and station locations to the charging network in 2024 and 2025 after working with stakeholders, seeking public input and evaluating a range of criteria. 
For more information about the EV plan and additional ways to provide input, visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.