Under federal law, it is not legal to sell power from highway right-of-way (including rest areas), making these areas unsuitable for charger locations. NDDOT is anticipating that infrastructure will be built on private sites within one mile of the AFCs (I-29 and I-94), through strong partnerships with the private sector to host, operate, and maintain the charging locations.
NDDOT is anticipating that stations will be located within clusters (one station will be awarded per cluster), defined as one or more exits along the state’s AFCs that fulfill the maximum 50-mile spacing requirement. This approach will balance the need for efficient spacing of charging infrastructure while increasing the number of sites that can participate. Proposals will be evaluated and scored against only those from within the same cluster.
Preparation for potential site hosts
Until the NOFO is released, property owners or potential site hosts can perform several tasks (at their own cost) to prepare for the application process. Please note any costs incurred before award are not eligible for reimbursement.
- Verify your property or potential host location are within a NDDOT site cluster and within a one-mile drive from the AFC, shown on GIS map above.
- Begin researching and communicating with DC Fast Charge equipment manufacturers.
- Begin familiarizing yourself with FHWA requirements and proposed rulemaking for DC Fast Charge stations.