Photo Credit: Maryland Department of TransportationMaryland is investing more to answer a practical question many drivers still have about electric vehicles: Where can I charge when I'm away from home?The state conditionally awarded five new public fast-charging projects that would add 24 ports across Prince George's, Frederick, Montgomery, Charles, and Baltimore counties.Here's what to knowTesla, ElectraStop, and Universal EV are among the conditional awardees. In the Maryland Department of Transportation's third National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding round, the projects would receive about $3.7 million in federal support plus roughly $918,000 in private matching funds, Baltimore Fishbowl reported.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf the schedule holds, the stations are expected to be available to the public by late 2028. The proposed sites are an Exxon station in Reisterstown, the Hyatt Center shopping center in Frederick, a BP station in Gaithersburg, a Wawa in District Heights, and a Holiday Inn Express in Charles County.Since Maryland launched its NEVI program in 2024, 70 public fast-charging ports have opened; another 104 from the first two rounds are still in the pipeline.As of July 31, the state had 158,734 registered electric vehicles.More backgroundFor many people, whether an EV feels practical depends heavily on access to reliable public fast charging away from home, especially for apartment residents or households trying to avoid the expense of a home electrical panel or service upgrade.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhen drivers can rely on chargers along major travel corridors, some of that charging demand is taken off residential meters, which can keep monthly utility costs manageable.Maryland's third funding round shows the state is using infrastructure dollars to expand access. Putting stations in five counties at places people already stop folds charging into both everyday errands and long drives.Predictability can reduce range anxiety, one of the biggest barriers that keeps consumers from feeling fully comfortable making the switch from gas vehicles.What's being done?With Round 3, Maryland's NEVI investment rises to $19.7 million. The program allows awardees federal reimbursement for up to 80% of eligible costs as long as they supply at least a 20% match.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat structure is meant to make public funding go further while drawing private companies into building and operating the stations.More public fast chargers can make it easier to own an EV without depending on at-home charging, which could open the door for more renters, commuters, and households in homes with limited electrical capacity."These awards represent a major step forward to filling remaining EV charging gaps along Maryland's major travel corridors and making drivers feel at ease knowing there is a reliable charger in range," Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson said in a statement, per Baltimore Fishbowl.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
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