Arizona picks Aecom to plan electric car charging infrastructure
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has selected design and engineering consultancy Aecom to develop a statewide plan for deploying electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Aecom will develop a plan for placing charging stations adjacent to interstate freeways that complies with Federal National Electric Vehicle (NEVI) guidelines. The plan will also aim to reduce “range anxiety” and encourage the purchase of EVs as a viable alternative to gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles.
Arizona expects to receive $78.5 million over five years in NEVI funding for a statewide charging network – with 80% federal funding and 20% private funding. Current guidelines for charging station frequency is one charging station every 50 miles within one mile of the interstate freeway.
Aecom’s deployment plan will be submitted on August 1, and a final implementation plan has a deadline of November 30. The state plans to break ground on charging stations in late 2022 into 2023.
“As a leader in emerging electrification technologies, we’re intimately familiar with NEVI guidance and have a deep bench of capabilities to support our clients as they navigate the transportation-energy nexus. We look forward to partnering with ADOT to deliver a data-driven, strategic plan for the siting of EV chargers and assisting the state in receiving significant benefits from federal funding sources,” Jennifer Aument, chief executive of Aecom’s global transportation business, said.
In addition to the deployment plan, Aecom also expects to deliver services in project management, stakeholder engagement, charging demand and grid capacity assessment, siting and charging location cost analysis, and federal funding compliance support.
“Transportation electrification is key to improving environmental and public health while bolstering transit mobility, parity, and sustainability. Our team of experts, who reflect nationwide best practices and local experience, are thrilled to support Arizona’s deployment of a convenient, affordable, reliable, and equitable EV network in this capacity,” said Travis Boone, chief executive of Aecom’s US West region.
Aecom was recently tapped to develop the environmental master plan for Toronto Pearson International Airport, one of North America’s busiest hubs.
