The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is seeking proposals from companies who can support the continued development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors in Oklahoma.
As reported by OK Energy Today early this year, Oklahoma was one of five states that had not spent its share of federal funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program overseen by the Federal Highway Administration.
Oklahoma had received $66 million from the EV charging network by February 2026 and ODOT public information officer T.J. Gerlach stated at the time that about $1.6 million had been spent on planning but none toward actual construction. None had been spent on construction but 11 sites were awarded for construction.
|
Awardee |
location |
Address |
Ports |
|
Love’s |
1-40Exit 28 |
214 South HWY100 |
4 |
|
Love’s |
1-40 Exit |
800 S. Morgan Rd Oklahoma City, OK 73128 |
4 |
|
Love’s |
1-44 Exit 5 |
251344 Highway 70 |
4 |
|
Love’s |
1-35 Exit |
2805WFir St |
4 |
|
Love’s |
1-40 Exit |
102 W Coplin St Okemah, OK 74859 |
4 |
|
Love’s |
1-35 Exit |
2700 E OK Hwy-33 |
4 |
|
Love’s |
1-40 Exit |
7401 S. Choctaw Rd. Choctaw, OK 73020 |
4 |
|
Francis Energy LLC |
1-35 Exit 1 |
22983 BROWN SPRINGS Rd |
4 |
|
Francis Energy LLC |
1-40 Exit |
1621WRuth Ave Sallisaw, OK 74955 |
4 |
|
Tesla Inc |
1-44 Exit |
77 W Cherokee St |
7 (20) |
|
EVGo Services LLC |
I-44 Exit 124 |
3535 NW 39th St OKC, OK 73112 |
6 |
Now the EV charging effort is moving ahead as ODOT announced this week. And Gerlach told OK Energy Today that $7.2 million in federal money had been spent on a total of 9 sites.
“We currently do not have any chargers installed due to multiple factors, but primarily the federal suspension of the program last year and delays with the awarded entities reviewing and signing contracts. We now have signed contracts on 7 of the 9 awards and hope to finalize timelines in the upcoming weeks.”
Requests for Proposals may be submitted through a link on ODOT’s webpage until 2 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2026.
Companies selected to receive funding will be required to adhere to the Federal Highway Administration National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program final rules as well as comply with Oklahoma state laws. Key documents outlining the requirements include the:
- FHWA NEVI Formula Program Guidance
- NEVI Formula Program Q&A
- NEVI Standards and Requirements – FINAL RULES
- ODOT NEVI Plan
Eligible sites for NEVI funding must be within 50 miles of pre-existing or planned sites in designated corridors, within a one-mile driving distance of an exit, equipped with at least four charging ports capable of simultaneous 150kW or higher charging, accessible 24/7/365 and have broadband or cellular capability.
ODOT recommends that interested applicants coordinate with the electric distribution utility serving their prospective NEVI site to assess power capabilities and engage with the local municipality to determine permitting and zoning requirements. The federal funding can cover up to 80% of eligible NEVI project expenses, with a minimum 20% non-federal cost share required.
Oklahoma’s development and installation of EV chargers has been slow compared to other states. Former Public Utilities Division Director Mark Argenbright at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission reported last year on the development.
He told state regulators he expected that 740 EV chargers would be installed by the end of the year. As mandated by state law, OAC 165:14-3-5, the Corporation Commission is responsible for regulation of the public EV ports.
