The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced the opening of the first federally funded electric vehicle (EV) charging station on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This station, located at the Blue Mountain Service Plaza at Exit 202 westbound, was built using funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Another station is expected to open next week at New Stanton, Exit 77 westbound.
“The Shapiro Administration’s goal is to use federal NEVI funds to build out an accessible and reliable EV charging network by meeting EV drivers where they are,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. He emphasized that the Pennsylvania Turnpike is a crucial route for long-distance travelers, especially during the holiday season.
PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton expressed enthusiasm about expanding EV charging options: “Our EV charging program offers reliable and convenient options along our roadway, improving customer experience while also reflecting our long-term commitment to being a good neighbor across the Commonwealth.”
The initiative at Blue Mountain and New Stanton is part of a broader systemwide effort by PA Turnpike in collaboration with Applegreen Electric. The plan aims to install 80 new universal EV stations across all 17 service plazas by 2027. These efforts complement recent installations funded through Pennsylvania’s Driving PA Forward program, which added stations at North Somerset, South Somerset, and Hickory Run service plazas.
These sites provide high-speed chargers with four ports per location that support all EV types without adapters. The project received funding from Alternative Fuel Corridor Round 1 of PennDOT’s NEVI program. The next phase, Corridor Connections, will focus on implementing EV stations along major roadways to facilitate long-distance travel beyond designated corridors.
Governor Josh Shapiro has been active in legal actions against the Trump Administration regarding withheld federal funding for EV infrastructure in Pennsylvania. His efforts have resulted in reinstating the NEVI program after a successful lawsuit alongside 15 other states.
For more information on this initiative and eligible locations for future projects, visit PennDOT’s website. Motorists can also check road conditions via www.511PA.com or its smartphone application.
