South Dakota DOT Electric Vehicle Plan Self-Guided Virtual Meeting

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What is the South Dakota EV Fast Charging Plan?

The South Dakota Electric Vehicle (EV) Fast Charging Plan will be a framework to guide the creation of a network of EV fast chargers throughout South Dakota that will connect to the national network to provide convenient, reliable, affordable, and accessible charging for all EV drivers. The Plan is a Federal requirement in order to obtain National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program funding from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). To be eligible for the federal program, South Dakota must submit the EV Fast Charging Plan by Aug. 1, 2022.

NEVI Program

  • A new Federal program authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
  • Given the expected growth in EVs and the need for more charging stations across the country, the Federal government is using this program to jump start the investment in charging infrastructure.
  • The program will provide funds to states to install DC fast chargers along designated corridors.

Timeline & Process

The Plan will be developed throughout summer 2022. It will involve:

  • Analyzing data and current conditions
  • Engaging stakeholders and the public
  • Studying policy and law related to EVs
  • Providing recommendations for successfully deploying EV infrastructure in South Dakota

Why Should South Dakota Plan for EVs?

Connecting to a national network of chargers will continue to support the state economy by supporting visitors to the state from across the nation. Given the expected growth of EVs manufactured by national automakers, the adoption of EVs is anticipated to increase.

US EV Sales Projection

Pressure is being put on the EV market as consumer demand for EVs increase and the cost of production of batteries decreases.

Global Share of Total Annual Passenger Vehicle Sales by Drive Train

Graph recreated from original contained in BloombergNEF: Electric Vehicle Outlook 2021. View the Executive Summary.

Types of EV Chargers

The EV Fast Charging Plan will focus on the placement of Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) which are also known as Level 3 fast chargers. These can provide 100 miles or more of range in 30 minutes or less. Most of the chargers that currently exist in South Dakota are Level 1 and 2 chargers, which are significantly slower and are currently found in homes and commercial areas around the country.

EV Charging Locations in South Dakota

South Dakota strives to provide reliable and convenient EV fast charging across the state. We want to join other states to create a convenient and accessible EV fast charging network by connecting to the national grid.

SD Chargers

Out of the 59 public charging locations that currently exist in the state, only one location meets the current NEVI Federal requirements.

SD EVs

More than 1,400 electric vehicles are currently registered in South Dakota.

Federal Requirements for Funding

The EV Fast Charging Plan is a requirement to obtain NEVI Program funding from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Available Funding

In Fiscal Year 2022, $4 million in Federal funding is available to South Dakota, with a total of $29 million through Fiscal Year 2026.

Eligibility

We want to take advantage of Federal funds, which is a key driver for the development of this Plan. To be eligible for the federal program, South Dakota must submit the EV Fast Charging Plan by Aug. 1, 2022.

+What is the NEVI Program?

The NEVI Program aims to provide a nationwide network of 500,000 EV chargers by 2030 that ensures a convenient, reliable, affordable, and equitable charging experience for all users.

The $5 billion NEVI Program will provide dedicated funding for states to strategically deploy EV infrastructure and establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. Initially, funding under this program is directed to designated Alternative Fuel Corridors for electric vehicles to build out this national network, particularly along the Interstate Highway System. When the national network is fully built out, funding may be used on any public road or in other publicly accessible locations.

+What is the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)?

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), aka Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) was signed into law by President Biden on Nov. 15, 2021. The law authorizes $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending with $550 billion of that figure going toward “new” investments and programs. Funding from the IIJA is expansive in its reach, addressing energy and power infrastructure, access to broadband internet, water infrastructure, and more. Some of the new programs funded by the bill could provide the resources needed to address a variety of infrastructure needs at the local level.

+Where can I learn more about Electric Vehicles?

There are a variety of electric vehicle options on the market today. Some EVs operate solely on batteries, while others are hybrid models with both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The U.S. Department of Transportation provides an overview on the different types of EVs.

In-Person Public Meeting Materials

SDDOT held two public meetings to present the SD EV Fast Charging Plan process. Both meetings shared the same information, a video of the presentation and access to the slides can be found below. For more information, visit dot.sd.gov/ev.

 

View the Presentation Slides

Final Plan

The South Dakota EV Charging Plan is complete.

Read the final Plan

cover of final plan