Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $46 Million and Next Steps for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Boston — Today, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced it will allocate $46 million through FY27 for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support the strategic buildout of EV chargers across Massachusetts. 

The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council (EVICC) – a cross-government effort to develop strategies and coordinate work developing EV charging infrastructure statewide – also released its most recent biennial Assessment outlining next steps in the state’s rollout of EV chargers. The MassDEP investments will help match the needs identified by the EVICC Assessment and continue to expand access to EV charging infrastructure statewide, particularly along transportation corridors in western and central Massachusetts and for Medium- and Heavy-duty vehicles.  

“We’re making it easier for everyone to get around as more Massachusetts residents choose to drive electric,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Not only are these vehicles fun to drive but they are typically less expensive to maintain than their gas- and diesel- powered counterparts. We are committed to building a cleaner environment and vibrant economy for everyone.” 

“Expanding our robust network of public EV chargers will enable electrification of passenger vehicles as well as highly polluting medium- and heavy-duty vans and trucks,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “This funding allows MassDEP to cut air and noise pollution in communities across the state — driving real change for a healthier Massachusetts.”   

EVICC Assessment 

The EVICC Assessment establishes strategic actions to ensure that Massachusetts is well-positioned to continue its progress in deploying EV charging. Recommendations include deploying innovative solutions to minimize the potential grid impacts of EV charging, improving information on and customer access to existing EV charging programs, exploring expanded “right-to-charge” legislation for renters with stakeholders and legislative partners, and implementing measures to ensure EV chargers provide clear customer information, and packaging existing incentives for EV chargers at grocery stores, big box stores, small businesses in city centers, and at popular destinations,.  

The EVICC Assessment also recommends that the following gaps in the EV charging network be addressed: 

• Fast charging along secondary transportation corridors particularly in western and central Massachusetts; 
• Scaling on-street charging and charging at public transit parking lots in residential areas to support residents without off-street EV charging; and,
• Medium- and Heavy-Duty fleet charging, both for individual fleets and at depots to serve multiple fleets. 

Expanded Funding 

Today’s funding announcement is a critical step toward addressing these gaps and significantly expanding access to EV charging statewide consistent with the findings of the EVICC Assessment, with a particular focus on improving air quality in environmental justice communities. This funding will be made available both through the scaling up of existing successful programs and the creation of new grant opportunities. 

The grant funding will support approximately:  

• $16 million in grant funding to support the purchase and installation of EV charging infrastructure across workplaces, fleets, multi-unit dwellings, educational campuses, and public access locations. 
• $30 million in grant funding for medium- and heavy-duty charging at strategically located hubs, chargers along secondary corridors to support light- and medium-duty EVs, and other opportunities. 

Together, the strategic actions included in the EVICC Assessment and today’s funding announcement, will enhance affordability by further leveraging existing funding sources, accelerate charger deployment in the areas of greatest need, and give Massachusetts drivers confidence in making the switch to EVs. 

Massachusetts EV and EV Charging Infrastructure Progress 

Massachusetts remains a national leader in deploying EV charging, ranking first in charger density nationally. Massachusetts has made considerable progress in deploying charging in recent years, with public EV charging increasing over 50 percent since August 2023. However, the EVICC Assessment finds that EV charger deployment needs to increase to meet demand from EV drivers and the Commonwealth’s climate requirements. 

Electric vehicles have grown exponentially in popularity and continue to gain significant market share. According to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, gas and diesel vehicles have now lost 23 percent of their market share since 2016 to electrified vehicles. There are approximately 150 different electric models now available for sale in the U.S. including many with ranges over 300 miles—for perspective, the scenic route between Williamstown and Provincetown is only 251 miles.  

Transportation emissions represent 37 percent of the Massachusetts’ total greenhouse gas emissions. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles alone account for approximately 25 percent of all transportation-related greenhouse gas pollution. Electrification will reduce climate-warming emissions and other harmful air pollution, like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which are linked to heart and lung diseases.  

EVICC Members & Statements of Support 

Transportation Secretary & CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt: 

“This ongoing and expanded investment is about more than just charging stations; it’s about creating a future where every community, no matter how small or remote, is part of our clean energy transition. Access to EV charging is essential if we’re serious about reducing emissions and developing a transportation system that’s resilient, fair, and prepared for the challenges of climate change. I’m deeply thankful to the EVICC members for their passion, vision, and steadfast dedication to building a cleaner, more just future for all of us.” 

Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba: 

“Expanding access to EV charging infrastructure is essential to our clean energy transition and a powerful driver of economic growth. These strategic investments will create jobs, spur innovation, and strengthen the transportation corridors that connect communities and businesses across Massachusetts.” 

MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng: 

“Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Massachusetts is leading the way, improving quality of life for all. Transportation is essential to that. Expanding access to EV charging, including at MBTA parking facilities, and especially in communities that rely on transportation options, means we’re giving people the freedom to move, and building a better future for generations to come.”   

Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony: 

“The pace of MOR-EV rebate participation shows that demand for electric vehicles continues to grow in Massachusetts, but those vehicles need a reliable charging network. The EVICC Assessment sets a clear direction for the Commonwealth on EV charging. And, as we build out the needed charging infrastructure to support our residents and fleets, we’re focused on ensuring the electric grid is ready to power our homes and vehicles.” 

DPU Commissioner Staci Rubin: 

“I value the conversations we’ve had with stakeholders and the coordination to expand the charging opportunities for current and future electric vehicles users. At the DPU, we’re ready to review the proposals that expand access to EV chargers equitably across the state, including those that support electrification of rideshare cars and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.” 

Dr. Emily Reichert, CEO, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center: 

“Massachusetts is taking a coordinated, data-driven approach to building a cleaner transportation system. We have identified critical gaps in charging and are directing funding where it will drive the most impact, especially for underserved communities and high-pollution vehicles. This investment is a key step toward ensuring every driver in Massachusetts has access to the infrastructure needed to go electric.” 

Mark Fine, Assistant Secretary for Operational Services, Operational Services Division: 

“At the Operational Services Division (OSD), we oversee the Executive Department fleet and are working diligently to meet state goals for fleet electrification. Beyond helping residents, the expansion of charging infrastructure to more locations also will help Executive Departments lead by example in reaching their electrification objectives.” 

Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director & CEO, Massachusetts Municipal Association: 

“We applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their efforts and strategic investments to expand access to EV charging across the Commonwealth. Today's announcement reflects the significant work done by the EVICC to ensure all communities have more opportunities to utilize electric vehicles.”  

Eric Bourassa, Transportation Director with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council: 

"It is critical to continue to build out the state's network of EV chargers not only to achieve the Commonwealth's climate goals, but to meet the needs of the increasing number of EV drivers across the Commonwealth and in the Boston metro area. EVICC continues to provide the coordinated planning across state and local government needed to make this happen. MAPC appreciates the emphasis EVICC has placed on providing municipalities with tools to support EV charging."  

Clete Kus, Transportation Program Manager, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission: 

“In rural regions like the Berkshires, residents must travel longer distances and access to EV charging is not readily accessible compared to more urbanized areas. As the number of EVs increases, so does the need for more charging infrastructure. BRPC appreciates the efforts of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordination Council to increase the number of EV fast charging stations in our region.” 

Seth Gadbois, Clean Transportation Staff Attorney, Conservation Law Foundation: 

"The Council’s assessment is an important step toward a cleaner, healthier Massachusetts. By laying out clear, actionable solutions for electric vehicle infrastructure needs—including for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles like buses, box trucks, vans, and tractor-trailers—it helps slash pollution from the transportation sector, our state’s largest source of toxic emissions. Communities most affected by traffic pollution have long called for cleaner air and better health, and the assessment's recommendations will help deliver.”  

Anna Vanderspek, Electric Vehicle Program Director, Green Energy Consumers Alliance: 

“Replacing gas- and diesel-powered vehicles with electric vehicles in Massachusetts is critical to reducing climate-warming air pollution and protecting public health. We are glad to see the Commonwealth planning for a reliable, accessible charging network, especially at a time when the federal government is actively reversing progress. Massachusetts residents switching to electric vehicle s are benefiting from lower fuel and maintenance costs, and increasing electric vehicles adoption is benefiting all ratepayers by exerting downward pressure on electricity rates. We look forward to working with EEA and other EVICC members in the coming years to implement the actions identified in this Second Report.”  

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