Ohio drivers are about to see a lot more places to plug in.
The Ohio Department of Transportation just announced a major expansion of the state’s electric vehicle charging network, with $51 million going toward 64 new charging sites across Ohio.
Private developers are adding another $26 million to the effort, which means these stations won’t just live along highways. Many will be built in everyday spots like grocery stores, gas stations, and retail centers, places you’re already stopping anyway.
Each site will include at least four fast-charging ports with 150 kilowatts of power, making it much quicker to top off your battery and get back on the road.
Ohio currently has around 126,000 registered electric vehicles, and that number keeps growing. But one of the biggest barriers to going electric has been convenience. Range anxiety is real, especially if you’re trying to leave the city or take a longer trip.
Adding more fast chargers in more places helps take some of that pressure off.
The new stations will be spread across the state, with some differences depending on the region. In Central Ohio, drivers can expect more options closer to metro areas like Columbus. In Northeast Ohio, sites are a bit more spread out, with planned locations in communities like Medina, Kent, and Beachwood.
The goal is to build a network that actually feels usable, whether you’re commuting, running errands, or heading out for a weekend drive.
This expansion is part of a much bigger year for infrastructure in Ohio.
ODOT is kicking off a $3.4 billion construction season in 2026, with hundreds of projects focused on improving roads, bridges, and overall safety across the state.
Construction on the new charging stations is expected to begin in early 2027, with many opening by the end of the year.
It’s not the flashiest update, but it’s a meaningful one. The more accessible charging becomes, the easier it is to picture an electric vehicle fitting into everyday life in Ohio.
