The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced Monday that 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.”
MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple added that “expanding our robust network of public EV charges will enable electrification of passenger vehicles as well as highly polluting medium- and heavy-duty vans and trucks. This funding allows MassDEP to cut air and noise pollution in communities across the state — driving real change for a healthier Massachusetts.”
The EVICC Assessment established strategic actions to ensure 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
- Implementing measures to ensure EV charges provide clear customer information
- 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 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
- Medium- and heavy-duty fleet charging, both for individual fleets and at depots to serve multiple fleets.
Monday’s 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.
“Massachusetts is taking a coordinated, data-driven approach to building a cleaner transportation system,” said Dr. Emily Reichert, CEO of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. “We have identified critical gaps in charging and are directing funding where it will drive the most impact, especially for underserved communities and high-pollution vehicles. This investment is a key step toward ensuring every driver in Massachusetts has access to the infrastructure needed to go electric.”
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 Monday’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 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% 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% 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% of Massachusetts’ total greenhouse gas emissions. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles alone account for approximately 25% 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.
“This ongoing and expanded investment is about more than just charging stations — it’s about creating a future where every community, no matter how small or remote, is part of our clean energy transition,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Access to EV charging is essential if we’re serious about reducing emissions and developing a transportation system that’s resilient, fair and prepared for the challenges of climate change.
“I’m deeply thankful to the EVICC members for their passion, vision and steadfast dedication to building a cleaner, more just future for all of us,” said Tibbits-Nutt.
