MassDOT has announced that “Fast Charging” Stations for Electric Vehicles will be available at I-90 Service Plazas beginning later this year. Depending upon the electric vehicle and the state of its current charge, the stations will charge an electric vehicle to at least 80% power in 10-20 minutes.

The 50kW charging stations are expected to be installed at Framingham westbound, Natick eastbound, Charlton eastbound and westbound, Blandford westbound and Lee eastbound. These six are preferred locations pending any site utility or construction issues.

Installation of the Fast Charging Stations supports MassDOT environmental goals for reduced greenhouse gas emissions and support for expanded use of zero emission vehicles.

Charging sites were chosen to meet Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources “range confidence” target locations. The equipment costs approximately $30,000 per station, in addition to utility service connections, upgrades and site work. The project is  supported by a public-private combination of toll funds and expected business support.

Voltrek, LLC of Andover is the contractor for the charging stations installation. The first charging stations are expected to be operational in Framingham and Natick by early fall, with other stations installed by the end of 2016.

MassDOT also plans to install six additional Fast Charging Stations at highway locations off I-90 in the near future.

Tags: highway