The state of Texas has introduced the Texas Electric Vehicle Charging plan which is a comprehensive framework to enable passenger EV travel across the state and spur economic growth.
The aim is to give electric vehicle drivers confidence and flexibility when travelling for work, recreation, or exploration regardless of distance travelled or weather conditions. The plan was developed due to agreements made with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, State Energy Conservation Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of Transportation, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Public Utility Commission, Councils of Government, Counties, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), utilities, energy service providers, and advocacy groups in Texas.
The EV plan supports the goals of Optimising System Performance and Fostering Stewardship of the state’s natural, historic and cultural resources as previously outlined in the Texas Transportation Plan 2050.
Back in 2021, the Texas Department of Transport began internal discussions with planning and legislative staff to understand the law and potential impacts/opportunities of the infrastructure program.
The Texas EV plan was then developed in the spring of 2022 and upon completion of the plan, the Texas DOT will transition to drafting and solicitation for EV charging stations. The aim for the department is to have the solicitation published by October 2022.
The vision of the EV plan is to allow travel of all kinds across the state in an EV. The department will work with private sectors to install DC fast charge stations along Electric Alternative Fuel corridors and also cooperate with Metropolitan Planning organisations to identify suitable locations for charging infrastructures in large urban areas.
The plan is targeted to support 1 million electric vehicles and to put DC charging stations 50 miles apart along the Electric Alternative Fuel Corridors and 70 miles apart anywhere else in the state.
Drivers will have multiple options for EV Charging along their intended travel route. Each location will have at least four ports with pull through spaces for passenger vehicles pulling trailers or recreational vehicles. Each individual charging connector on the Alternative Fuel Corridors will be rated to deliver at least 150kW of power to the vehicle
Texas is already at the heart of electrification with the state having one of the highest numbers of electric cars. This new EV plan will hopefully incentivise those who don’t have an EV to get one and will make it easier and more accessible for those who own an EV to charge their vehicles.
