Tritio DCFC, a high-speed electric vehicle charger manufacturer, announced on Tuesday its first federal-funded order from Hawaii. This marks the initial implementation of the U.S. government’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI).

El programa, de cinco años de duración y destinado a fomentar el uso de vehículos eléctricos, prevé asignar 1.400 millones de euros a los Estados para que instalen 500.000 cargadores en autopistas y carreteras interestatales.

Hawai obtuvo $2,6 millones en la primera ronda de financiación en septiembre, que utilizó para adquirir 32 cargadores Tritium de 150 kilovatios y 16 unidades de alimentación.

“These fast chargers are expected to be among the first funded and installed under the NEVI program,” Tritium, based in Brisbane, Australia, declared in a statement.

In total, Hawaii is projected to receive over $17.6 million from the NEVI initiative. The funds have been instrumental to President Joe Biden’s strategies for addressing climate change and job creation locally. To qualify, companies must incorporate the U.S. standard Combined Charging System (CCS) into their chargers.

“Hawai’i is committed to leading the nation in our e-mobility transition and grateful for Tritium’s partnership in this effort,” said Hawai’i Department of Transportation Director Edwin Sniffen. “We’re confident that Tritium’s chargers will provide the fast and reliable service Hawai’i needs as we bolster our EV infrastructure statewide.”

However, this comes as states like Texas and Washington have expressed intentions to require the North American Charging Standard (NACS) used by Tesla, alongside CCS.

Esta decisión, motivada por la adopción de la tecnología por parte de los principales fabricantes de automóviles, ha provocado la resistencia de algunas empresas de recarga. Alegan que se necesita más tiempo para normalizar, probar y verificar la seguridad y la interoperabilidad de los conectores Tesla.

“The State of Hawai’i has long been dependent on petroleum for their energy supply, but with this new influx of DC fast-charging infrastructure, we are paving the way for a significant shift in their energy mix and a substantial leap towards greater energy independence,” said Mike Calise, Tritium’s President of the Americas. “NEVI has created an unprecedented opportunity for states across America to revolutionize their EV charging infrastructure. By creating more equitable access to fast chargers, we are not only shaping a sustainable and resilient future for American communities, but also driving a nationwide transformation towards clean transportation.”

No obstante, Tritium, que prevé incluir conectores NACS en sus cargadores a finales de 2023 o principios de 2024, apoyó la medida. Así se confirmó en una carta que Tritium envió a Texas el lunes, según Reuters.

Este avance subraya la evolución del panorama de la infraestructura de vehículos eléctricos y el compromiso permanente con las soluciones de transporte sostenible.

Foto cortesía de Tritium.