Georgia-based EnviroSpark said it will build four DC fast chargers (DCFCs) at a Tifton Waffle House and four DCFCs at a Shell station in Metter, using National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding awarded by GDOT. EnviroSpark, which won two of the five open Phase 1 eligible sites, was the only company selected to build more than one location in the first round of funding for Georgia’s NEVI deployment. The company said it will host all eight stations on its national EnviroSpark charging network.
The new Waffle House charging stations mark the second collaboration with EnviroSpark. This February, the Tennessee Department of Transportation selected the network operator to build stations in Lakeland, TN.
According to GDOT, Georgia is among the top 10 states for EV sales, and three of the top five largest investments in the EV supply chain are in Georgia. Georgia has approximately 1,193 publicly available EV charging stations, but only 14 stations have DCFC ports that meet both the distance and power requirements under federal rules (minimum of four 150 kW ports and located within one mile of an Alternative Fuel Corridor).
“The Georgia NEVI Deployment Program outlines the state’s approach to using our federal funding to address EV infrastructure gaps in our state’s Alternative Fuel Corridors,” Andrew Heath, P.E., Georgia DOT deputy chief engineer, said. “In order for us to be successful, we are turning to the private sector to deliver this innovative infrastructure at strategic locations across our state through Public-Private Partnerships.”
The Georgia NEVI Deployment Program is funded by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The program provides nearly $5 billion nationally over five years, which started in the fall of 2022. Georgia’s allotment from the formula program is approximately $135 million to develop its portion of the national network.
EnviroSpark said it will begin construction and installation of the eight NEVI-compliant DC fast chargers later this year at these two locations:
- Waffle House: 706 7th Street West, Tifton, GA 31794;
- Shell Super Stop Gas Station: 1205 S. Lewis Street, Metter, GA 30439.
