Driving PA Forward - DC Fast Charge

The DC Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the Driving PA Forward initiative. This program was developed in response to the Commonwealth's significant air quality challenges, particularly from diesel emissions, and is part of a broader effort to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and encourage the adoption of clean transportation technologies. The program leverages Pennsylvania's $118.5 million allocation from the State Mitigation Trust, part of a settlement resulting from the Volkswagen emissions cheating case. It aims to improve air quality by expanding zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure across the state. The grant program specifically supports the installation, acquisition, operation, and maintenance of electric vehicle (EV) direct current fast charging (DCFC) infrastructure and hydrogen fuel cell fueling (HFCF) stations. Projects must be publicly accessible and operational 24/7 and fall within one of three strategic site categories: community hubs, transportation corridors, or destination locations. Public accessibility, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other technical and safety standards are required. Charging sites must include at least two dual-cord units offering both CCS and CHAdeMO connectors, while hydrogen fueling stations must comply with NFPA 2 and SAE standards and dispense hydrogen at 700 bar. Funding for the 2021 cycle totaled $2.2 million, with individual DCFC projects eligible for up to $250,000 and HFCF projects up to $500,000, depending on capacity. At least $1 million of the funding was earmarked for Corridor Expansion projects, which help bridge gaps greater than 50 miles between stations along interstate highways. DCFC Corridor projects receive higher cost-share reimbursement (65%) and can have lower charging power thresholds than other project types. The grant is a reimbursement-based program, and funds are disbursed after DEP and Trustee approval of completed work and paid invoices. Eligible applicants include businesses, incorporated nonprofits, federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies, and regional transportation or air quality organizations. Ineligible applicants include individuals applying outside of an eligible entity or businesses not registered in Pennsylvania. Projects must be located in Pennsylvania and publicly accessible. Projects already started, not publicly accessible, or limited to Level 2 charging only are not eligible. Applications had to be submitted through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) eGrants system, with two deadline periods: August 27, 2021, and January 28, 2022. Applications were scored based on location, cost-effectiveness, expected usage, technical viability, readiness, and contribution to an existing or planned fueling network. Priority was given to projects located in high-pollution areas, in underserved gaps along interstates, and within major metropolitan statistical areas such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg. Applicants were advised to consult a recorded presentation available on the Drive PA Forward website for guidance. Additional application support was available through the DCED Customer Service Center. For program-specific questions, applicants could contact the Bureau of Air Quality at the Pennsylvania DEP at RA-EPVWMITIGATION@pa.gov or call 717-787-9495. Projects were expected to be completed within 24 months of award, with site control finalized within the first 12 months. Projects are required to remain operational for at least three years and submit annual utilization reports to DEP for that duration.