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County EV-charging survey highlights demand at transit hubs, malls; NEVI funding uncertainty noted
Summary
A county survey identified public transit hubs and shopping centers as top preferred locations for community EV charging; staff reported survey results were forwarded for the NEVI plan but federal NEVI funding was reported briefly on hold and then subject to new guidance.
Erie County planning staff presented results of an alternative-fuels survey that ranked preferred public charging locations and identified priority corridors and community locations for electric vehicle (EV) charging.
Natalie (Erie County staff) summarized the survey: “The top rated locations for community charging views were public transportation hubs and shopping centers and retail locations. The lowest rated locations for community charging use were dense residential neighborhoods, sports and entertainment venues, and industrial and business parks and marinas.”
The staff report listed priority communities, with the City of Erie and EMTA’s Intermodal Center among the top-ranked locations. Open-ended responses recommended geographic distribution across the county, siteing chargers near malls, municipal parking lots, and along I‑90 and I‑79.
Staff said the survey results were submitted to PennDOT for incorporation into the state's NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) plan, but noted federal NEVI funding had been temporarily on hold at the time of the meeting; one committee member reported an email had arrived the day before suggesting new guidance might be forthcoming.
Public and member comments at the meeting stressed distinguishing charger types: one committee member noted “level 1 chargers just don't — they're very, very slow,” and emphasized that DC fast chargers require a significantly larger installation. Members discussed locating chargers where users spend time — malls, grocery stores and large retail sites — rather than isolated roadside locations.
Staff also noted some municipalities and parking authorities are already installing Level 2 chargers that could operate as paid public charging; no state funding sources other than federal programs were cited at the meeting.
Why it matters: survey results will inform NEVI submission and local planning for public chargers; charger type and site selection affect cost, expected use and benefits to residents and visitors.
Next steps: staff will circulate the full survey results and any new NEVI guidance to TAC members when available.
