In June, the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy and the local utility NV Energy announced the Nevada Electric Highway joint initiative, an effort to facilitate electric vehicle (EV) transportation on U.S. Route 95. The roadway connects the two major urban centers in the state, Las Vegas and Reno. To help offset costs for installing the charging stations along the route, Nevada will leverage funds allocated by the Energy Department’s State Energy Program.

The state is requesting that business and government entities in communities along U.S. Route 95 declare interest in hosting the charging stations that will form the new electric highway. Sites will be selected based on their cost-effectiveness, proximity to Route 95, and sustainability. In this context, a “sustainable” host is a stable business or government entity with a history of clean energy or energy efficiency practices.

Once approved by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy and NV Energy, each station will feature one fast charger and two level 2 EV chargers. The new stations are scheduled to open by the end of the year. They will join an existing network of 95 EV charging stations scattered across the state.

EVs could play a key role in the future of sustainable transportation in Nevada. Because the state’s electricity sources produce relatively low carbon emissions, the average Nevada EV will produce about half the carbon pollution of a conventional gas vehicle, minimizing drivers’ contributions to climate change. 

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) success stories highlight the positive impact of its work with businesses, industry partners, universities, research labs, and other entities.