MassDOT to add I-90 fast charging stations for electric vehicles

Updated Jul 23, 2016

plug-in car charging truckThe Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) plans to add 50 kW “fast charging” stations for electric vehicles at Interstate 90 service plazas by the end of this year.

The agency estimates the stations could provide a charge to 80 percent power in 10-20 minutes depending on the vehicle and its current charge.

MassDOT plans to install the stations at Framingham westbound, Natick eastbound, Charlton eastbound and westbound, Blandford westbound and Lee eastbound. The department picked these sites to meet “range confidence” target locations set by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. It also plans to add six more on the I-90 corridor in the “near” future.

The equipment for the stations costs roughly $30,000 each, with additional expenses depending on utility service connections, upgrades and site work, the agency says.

MassDOT has contracted with Voltrek of Andover, Massachusetts, which are expected to have the Framingham and Natick stations ready by early fall.