Arizona’s plan to build more than 70 electric vehicle charging stations along state highways is moving forward after months of delay, with the first stations expected to be operational in 2026.

The move is coming months after a federal court order restored $76.5 million in frozen federal funding.

The Arizona Department of Transportation submitted an updated expansion plan to federal authorities in September after completing a public input period that closed Sept. 8. The agency had finalized contracts for 18 stations in August 2024, but was forced to put the project on hold when federal funding was suspended in February.

ADOT Public Information Officer Garin Groff said the agency expects to launch a second solicitation this fall for 34 additional stations along state highways. ADOT’s current plan, now under federal review, proposes a third phase adding approximately 21 stations on nine new corridor segments including State Route 77 from Tucson to the Pima County line.

The Federal Highway Administration has not specified a timeline for completing its review. If federal approval comes through and Phase 2 solicitation proceeds this fall as planned, the full network could be operational by 2028, establishing reliable fast-charging access along Arizona’s major travel corridors for the first time.

Groff said the federal funding cancellation caused about a seven- to eight-month delay.

Arizona was among 17 states and jurisdictions that challenged the freeze in federal court, arguing the administration lacked authority to withhold funds already appropriated by Congress. U.S. District Judge Tana Lin agreed in June, ruling that the funding suspension exceeded executive authority. The court restored funding to 14 states, including Arizona.

With funding restored, ADOT is moving ahead with a three-phase buildout designed to close gaps in charging access along major interstate and state highway corridors. The network aims to address range anxiety that has limited EV adoption in Arizona, where major cities can be separated by 100 miles or more of highway.

Diane Brown, executive director of the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, said reliable highway charging infrastructure is critical for addressing those barriers. The nonprofit advocacy organization works on consumer protection issues.

“Implementation of ADOT’s plan will ensure EV charging is available on interstates and alternative fuel corridors,” Brown said. “The plan calls for EV charging to be available on highways every 50 miles, which enables EV drivers to know they won’t get stranded.”

The first phase covers 18 interstate locations to be constructed by Tesla, Francis Energy, Love’s Travel Stops, Pilot, Red E Charge and EV Gateway. Construction on those stations is expected to begin this year, with the locations operational by 2026, according to ADOT.

For Tucson drivers, the nearest new station will be Tesla’s seven-port facility at Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q,  2130 E. Ajo Way of Interstate 10.

Statewide impact from Yuma to Flagstaff

The charging network will serve drivers across Arizona’s diverse regions. Phase 1 stations are planned along Interstate 10, stretching from the California border near Yuma through Phoenix and Tucson to New Mexico, as well as along Interstate 8 connecting Yuma to Casa Grande.

Northern Arizona will see coverage along Interstate 40, spanning from Kingman through Flagstaff to Holbrook; and Interstate 17 connecting Phoenix to the Verde Valley and Flagstaff. 

The year’s proposed plan adds State Route 77 from Show Low to Holbrook in eastern Arizona, according to ADOT planning maps.

Private operators, public oversight

Under federal program requirements, stations will be privately owned and operated, with developers contributing 20% of project costs and handling long-term maintenance. Each location must offer at least four high-speed chargers capable of 150-kilowatt charging, available around the clock.

ADOT will oversee the stations for five years after opening, monitoring performance through data collection and reporting. After that period, private developers assume full responsibility for operations, which include technical support, electrical and IT services, routine maintenance, software up dates and cybersecurity.

Utilities like Tucson Electric Power and Arizona Public Service determine whether electrical capacity exists to support charging infrastructure at specific locations, Groff said. While ADOT does not track job creation for the privately built stations, developers will need construction, installation, technical, electrical and IT workers throughout the buildout and ongoing operations.

EV adoption outlook remains strong

The charging network’s expansion comes amid shifting federal policy. Federal tax credits for new and used electric vehicles expired Sept. 30, but Brown said projections for EV adoption in Arizona remain strong as vehicle prices drop and charging infrastructure expands.

Beyond infrastructure, continued EV adoption will require emphasizing the financial and health benefits of electric vehicles, Brown added.

“The facts on consumer savings when driving an EV versus an internal combustion engine along with the air quality in public health benefits, will need to be front and center,” she said, adding that these factors will help drive adoption, “at a rate that will help our economy as well as our air quality and public health.”

“Arizona is known for a cradle to grave EV sector,” Brown said, noting the charging stations complement clean energy work already underway in local governments across the state.

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.