Arizona Seeks Bids for 49 EV Charging Stations
The Arizona Department of Transportation is soliciting private developers to build electric vehicle fast-charging stations across the state using federal funds.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking bids to build 49 electric vehicle charging stations, with potential sites along State Route 95 and other western Arizona highways. The latest round is funded with about $49 million in federal money.
Why it matters
The stations are intended to make long-distance electric vehicle travel more practical by reducing the distance between available chargers. Stations will be privately owned and operated, with federal funding covering up to 80% of eligible construction costs.
Stations are to be spaced no more than 90 miles apart and within three miles of a highway, with most sites offering at least four 150-kilowatt direct current fast chargers. Federal funding covers up to 80% of eligible construction costs, and no state funding will be used for construction.
The players
Arizona Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for the state's highway system, which is overseeing the solicitation and federally funded charging station program.
The details
The department identified 31 new locations and 18 previously identified locations that have not yet been awarded contracts. Arizona's first three federally funded charging stations opened in October in Tucson, Green Valley and Wellton, and two more are expected along Interstate 40 in Seligman and Holbrook before the end of 2026.
Timeline
October 2026: First three federally funded charging stations opened in Tucson, Green Valley and Wellton.
End of 2026: Two Interstate 40 stations expected to open in Seligman and Holbrook.
January 15, 2027: Proposals for the 49 stations are due.
2028: Construction for the latest stations expected to begin and take about one year.
Roadmap
Arizona's buildout follows the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which allocated $76.5 million to the state for a plan of up to 79 stations. The new solicitation extends that rollout beyond the first three stations opened in October, moving from initial sites toward corridor-wide coverage along major highways.
Drivers traveling Arizona's highways, including State Route 95 and Interstate 40, may find fast-charging options spaced more closely over time. Federal funding covers most construction costs, so the stations are expected to be built by private operators without state funds.
The takeaway
Electric vehicle owners planning long Arizona drives should watch for new fast-charging stations along major highways as the program expands. Checking charger locations before departure will remain useful while the network is still being built.
What happens next
Proposals for the 49 stations are due January 15, 2027, and contracts for another 14 projects are expected by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more on the state's charging buildout, see Electric Vehicles coverage.
More information
Find details on the program at the ADOT electric vehicle charging program information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Havasu News.
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