Pennsylvania Offers Grants for EV Charging Stations
The funding comes from Pennsylvania's $118 million settlement with Volkswagen Group of America for cheating on EPA emissions tests, and the grants and rebates are available through Gov. Tom Wolf's Driving PA Forward initiative, which aims to permanently reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution from vehicles.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has rolled out new grant and rebate programs for zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling stations to increase options for their owners and encourage more people to consider these clean vehicles. The funding comes from Pennsylvania's $118 million settlement with Volkswagen Group of America for cheating on EPA emissions tests, and the grants and rebates are available through Gov. Tom Wolf's Driving PA Forward initiative, which aims to permanently reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution from vehicles.
"Electric vehicles reduce air pollution that can trigger asthma attacks and other health issues, especially in children and elderly residents. Reducing tailpipe emissions also helps Pennsylvania attain and maintain air quality standards," said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. "I'm excited to make electric vehicles more feasible for Pennsylvania residents by expanding the network of charging stations available."
Up to $3 million in grants is available for acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of ZEV fast-charging equipment and hydrogen fuel cell equipment through 2019. Grants are awarded as reimbursements after completed projects, with a maximum amount of $500,000. The amount awarded depends on the charging or fueling capacity of the proposed equipment. Application deadlines are 4 p.m. on Jan. 25, July 15, and Dec. 16, 2019. All applications from each period will be reviewed.
Another $3 million is available in rebates for Level 2 (240-volt) charging stations for 2018. Stations can be located on publicly accessible, government-owned or non-government-owned property or at workplaces or multi-unit dwellings that are not publicly accessible. Successful applicants will receive a rebate voucher that may be redeemed once project work is complete. Applicants will have 180 days to complete projects. The application period is continuous until funds are exhausted, and vouchers will be issued on a first come, first served basis. The application period opened Sept. 20, with businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations eligible to apply. Applicants will find program guidelines, eligibility requirements, instructions, and links to the online applications at www.dep.pa.gov/DrivingPAForward.