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Following a thorough review and selection procedure, the Highways and Transportation Authority (ACT, as abbreviated in Spanish) declared the awarding of contracts to four firms recognized as competent suppliers for the initiative to construct six rapid charging stations for electric vehicles (EV), under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The selection process, concluded on September 13, was conducted via a request for proposals (RFP). The chosen companies to establish the stations are: Transporte Sonnell LLC, Velocicharge LLC, Tesla Inc., and Deyá Elevator Services Inc. They will undertake the construction of charging stations at 684 Street, Corujo Industrial Zone in Bayamón; Montehiedra Outlets in San Juan; Yauco Plaza in Yauco; Premium Outlet Blvd. in Barceloneta; Ponce Town Center, Ponce; and Aguadilla Mall in Aguadilla.
The forthcoming stations are set to feature a minimum of four 150-kilowatt (kW) direct current fast chargers, enabling simultaneous charging for four vehicles. The charging infrastructure will boast a minimum capacity of 600kW, adhering to established standards to provide efficient and accessible service to all users.
“The establishment of these rapid charging stations is intended to promote the use of electric vehicles across the island, creating an accessible and dependable charging network that empowers drivers to travel confidently,” remarked Dr. Edwin González Montalvo, executive director of the ACT. “This initiative is in harmony with federal strategies to construct a more sustainable transportation framework and encourage the adoption of clean technologies throughout the island.”
This program is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which has $7.5 billion allocated for the development of electric vehicle infrastructure in the U.S. and its territories. The objective of NEVI is to establish a unified, public national electric vehicle network to create robust charging infrastructure along an alternative fuel corridor that is reliable, convenient, affordable, and equitable.
The ACT is presently formalizing contracts with the chosen companies. Construction is anticipated to commence in the upcoming months, following the completion of the necessary environmental evaluations. The aim is for the fast-charging stations to become operational within a timeframe of four to 15 months, contingent on the specific location and requirements of each individual project.
In conjunction with the awarded stations, the ACT is also advancing plans for a new RFP to enhance charging infrastructure in additional corridors across the island, including highways PR-18, PR-3, PR-53, PR-54, and PR-66. The forthcoming RFP is set to be issued by the end of November.
