Federal government to install 48 electric car charging stations on nation’s highways

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (UPI) — The federal government is taking steps to encourage the use of electric vehicles, including installing 48 charging stations on highways in 35 states.

The U.S. Department of Transportation will install the highway charging stations to increase the United States’ electric vehicle routes to cover nearly 25,000 miles. The Obama administration says it hopes the measures will help reduce the effects of climate change, increase public access to clean energy technology and reduce the country’s dependence on oil.

“By working together across the federal government and with the private sector, we can ensure that electric vehicle drivers have access to charging stations at home, at work, and on the road — creating a new way of thinking about transportation that will drive America forward,” the White House said in a statement.

The Federal Highway Administration will provide authorized states with signs that will tell electric-car drivers where they can recharge, similar to signs that alert drivers to upcoming gas stations and hotels.

“Drivers can expect either existing or planned charging stations within every 50 miles,” the White House said.

The White House also said it is working with two dozen states and local governments to increase the number of electric cars used on the roads by the federal government by lowering costs for manufacturers.

The efforts are part of Obama’s promise to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2025.