Electric Vehicles

On September 10, 2025, the AEA and the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) submitted Alaska’s Draft FY26 Electric Vehicle Implementation Plan to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This year’s plan reflects new interim guidance issued on August 11, 2025, which streamlines the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) planning and review process. While the plan is more concise, it remains a critical step in advancing Alaska’s EV charging network and securing over $52 million in federal NEVI formula funding available through FY22–FY26.

The FY26 Plan outlines how Alaska will use NEVI funds, outcomes from community engagement, and strategies for physical and cyber security, with two appendices included for context. Phase 1 (2025–2026) focuses on completing the Alternative Fuel Corridor between Anchorage and Fairbanks with nine previously selected charging sites (including Tesla sites pursued privately.) Phase 2 (2026–2028) expands infrastructure to rural hubs, urban destinations, and the Alaska Marine Highway System, with flexibility in spacing and design to better meet Alaska’s geographic and community needs.

The Alaska Energy Authority will continue to provide updates as the FHWA review process advances.

We welcome public input on the draft plan—share your thoughts via email at electricvehicles@akenergyauthority.org.

The transportation sector is increasingly transitioning to electric vehicles (EV). There are now more options for hybrid and full EVs than ever, and with the recent appearance of the electric truck and other all-wheel drive options, Alaskans will see more and more EVs sharing our roadways. EVs and their charging infrastructure can bring new industries to the state, boosting our economy and saving Alaskans money. Much of the country is already transitioning to EVs. However, many Alaskans have identified barriers to adoption such as range anxiety, unknown performance in cold climates, and high prices that prevent them from confidently making an EV their next vehicle purchase. For this reason, AEA has adopted the goal to lead the effort to minimize barriers that inhibit EV adoption in Alaska.

 

The Alaska Electric Vehicle Working Group (AKEVWG) meets monthly to discuss EVs and charging infrastructure in Alaska. The Working Group has members from across the state including the Alaska Electric Vehicle Association, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), electric utilities, EV owners, EV vendors, municipalities, site hosts, universities, and other stakeholders.

Volkswagen Mitigation Trust EV Fast-Charging Network

AEA developed fast-charging stations along the State’s highway system in a phased approach, as funding allows. Using Volkswagen (VW) Trust funds, SEP funds as an added incentive, and matching private funds from participating site hosts, AEA funded a EV Fast-Charging Network connecting the Kenai Peninsula to Healy. A total of 15 fast chargers of at least 50kW and eight co-located Level 2 chargers were installed at nine locations in the following communities: Anchorage, Cantwell, Chugiak, Cooper Landing, Healy, Homer, Seward, Soldotna, and Trapper Creek. Some sites will become operational as early as fall 2021, with all installations completed by summer 2022.

Deployment of Community-based Level 2 Chargers

AEA has used SEP funds to install Level 2 charging stations at state-owned facilities. In partnership with the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Level 2 chargers were installed in Anchorage at the Linny Pacillo Parking Garage across from the Robert B. Atwood Building and outside the Snowden Administration Building across from the Nestbett Courthouse in summer 2021.