BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced it will allocate $46 million through FY27 for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support the strategic buildout of EV chargers across Massachusetts. 

The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council (EVICC) – a cross-government effort to develop strategies and coordinate work developing EV charging infrastructure statewide – also released its most recent biennial Assessment outlining next steps in the state's rollout of EV chargers. The MassDEP investments will help match the needs identified by the EVICC Assessment and continue to expand access to EV charging infrastructure statewide, particularly along transportation corridors in western and central Massachusetts and for Medium- and Heavy-duty vehicles.  

"We're making it easier for everyone to get around as more Massachusetts residents choose to drive electric," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "Not only are these vehicles fun to drive but they are typically less expensive to maintain than their gas- and diesel- powered counterparts. We are committed to building a cleaner environment and vibrant economy for everyone." 

The EVICC Assessment establishes strategic actions to ensure that Massachusetts is well-positioned to continue its progress in deploying EV charging. Recommendations include deploying innovative solutions to minimize the potential grid impacts of EV charging, improving information on and customer access to existing EV charging programs, exploring expanded "right-to-charge" legislation for renters with stakeholders and legislative partners, and implementing measures to ensure EV chargers provide clear customer information, and packaging existing incentives for EV chargers at grocery stores, big box stores, small businesses in city centers, and at popular destinations,.  

The EVICC Assessment also recommends that the following gaps in the EV charging network be addressed: 

• Fast charging along secondary transportation corridors particularly in western and central Massachusetts;? 

• Scaling on-street charging and charging at public transit parking lots in residential areas to support residents without off-street EV charging; and, 

• Medium- and Heavy-Duty fleet charging, both for individual fleets and at depots to serve multiple fleets. 

Expanded Funding 

The funding announcement is a critical step toward addressing these gaps and significantly expanding access to EV charging statewide consistent with the findings of the EVICC Assessment, with a particular focus on improving air quality in environmental justice communities.?This funding will be made available both through the scaling up of existing successful programs and the creation of new grant opportunities. 

The grant funding will support approximately:  

• $16 million in grant funding to support the purchase and installation of EV charging infrastructure across workplaces, fleets, multi-unit dwellings, educational campuses, and public access locations.? 

• $30 million in grant funding for medium- and heavy-duty charging at strategically located hubs, chargers along secondary corridors to support light- and medium-duty EVs, and other opportunities. 

Together, the strategic actions included in the EVICC Assessment and today's funding announcement, will enhance affordability by further leveraging existing funding sources, accelerate charger deployment in the areas of greatest need, and give Massachusetts drivers confidence in making the switch to EVs.

Massachusetts EV and EV Charging Infrastructure Progress 

Massachusetts remains a national leader in deploying EV charging, ranking first in charger density nationally. Massachusetts has made considerable progress in deploying charging in recent years, with public EV charging increasing over 50 percent since August 2023. However, the EVICC Assessment finds that EV charger deployment needs to increase to meet demand from EV drivers and the Commonwealth's climate requirements. 

Electric vehicles have grown exponentially in popularity and continue to gain significant market share. According to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, gas and diesel vehicles have now lost 23 percent of their market share since 2016 to electrified vehicles. There are approximately 150 different electric models now available for sale in the U.S. including many with ranges over 300 miles—for perspective, the scenic route between Williamstown and Provincetown is only 251 miles.  

Transportation emissions represent 37 percent of the Massachusetts' total greenhouse gas emissions. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles alone account for approximately 25 percent of all transportation-related greenhouse gas pollution.?Electrification will reduce climate-warming emissions and other harmful air pollution, like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which are linked to heart and lung diseases.