Utah and 7 other states take next step to build Intermountain West electric vehicle grid

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Link to original article can be found HERE (KSL.com)

Utah’s participation in the “Charge West” initiative reflects a broader effort to build a regional electric vehicle (EV) grid across eight Intermountain West states. With funding from the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office, the project aims to expand EV infrastructure along scenic byways and rural highways in Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming. This collaboration follows a 2017 agreement among these states, which laid the foundation for the initiative.

The plan focuses on reducing carbon emissions and increasing EV accessibility across both urban and rural areas. In Utah, where EV use has surged—growing by nearly 400% since 2020—charging stations are already available every 50 miles along I-15. By 2025, similar access will extend across all key state highways. Fast-charging stations, which cost about $1 million each and recharge vehicles in 15-25 minutes, have been a priority, thanks in part to federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Utah has allocated $29 million for these efforts and incentivized private businesses by offering up to 80% reimbursement for installation costs.

Private partners, including Rocky Mountain Power and Maverik, have embraced the initiative, covering roughly 60% of the costs on average. In some cases, such as a new Moab station, private entities have funded as much as 90% of the expenses. The stations being built along lesser-traveled routes may not offer the same rapid recharge times as those along I-15, but they are cheaper to install, encouraging wider coverage across rural areas.

The Charge West network also aims to support local economies by encouraging travelers to stop in rural communities and scenic areas. These charging stations not only provide EV access to residents but also create new opportunities for businesses and tourism. Additionally, the infrastructure could prove valuable in emergencies by serving as power sources for communities.

In the future, the network could accommodate alternative fuels like hydrogen, further supporting energy independence and environmental goals. With regular meetings among the participating states, the Charge West initiative aims to strategically place charging stations to optimize coverage. Leaders envision the project setting a national precedent for sustainable transportation infrastructure, combining environmental benefits with regional economic development.

Hannah Hathcock, a regional manager from the U.S. Department of Energy, believes that Charge West could become a model for transportation decarbonization across the country, offering a roadmap for other regions to follow.