In This Issue
AZ’s First 3 NEVI Funded Stations Open & ADOT RFP for NEVI Round 3
Salt River Project Wins NAFA Green Fleet Award
DOE Announcements and Updates
Upcoming Events and Conferences
AZ’s First 3 NEVI Charging Stations Open
ADOT Requests Proposals for NEVI Round 3 Sites
Arizona’s first three electric vehicle charging stations constructed as part of a federally-funded program to develop a nationwide network of fast-charging stations are now open. The stations are the first of about 80 statewide locations planned to reduce range anxiety and encourage the use of electric vehicles as an alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.
The station locations are:
Tucson: Interstate 10 near Kino Parkway at Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q, 2130 E. Ajo Way
Green Valley: I-19 at Verde Valley Center, 119 E. Duval Mine Road
Wellton: I-8 near Avenue 29 E. at Chevron, 28864 Commerce Way
These stations are the first of many in development as the Arizona Department of Transportation administers $76.5 million in federal funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to build as many as 79 charging stations in the state. The program encourages adoption of electric vehicles by building a nationwide network of publicly accessible and reliable fast chargers that will reduce drivers’ concerns about EV range.
Two more stations are planned to open later this year along I-40, in Seligman and Holbrook. Eleven other projects are under construction or in design, and contracts are expected to be issued on another 14 projects by late 2026.
For more information about the Arizona EV plan, visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.
Request for Proposals
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) invites Proposals from entities (Proposers) wishing to design, build, operate and maintain EV charging infrastructure under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the NEVI Formula Program made $5 billion available for the deployment of publicly accessible EV chargers nationwide.
The Request for proposals are for 49 future stations, with an estimated $49 million in federal funding. These stations will be located along interstate highways 10, 40, and 40B, US routes 60, 66, 70, 89A, 93, 180 and 191 and state routes 64, 68, 69, 77, 79, 80, 85, 87, 89, 89A, 90, 95, 179, 260, 264, 347, and 389.
These bids are the third phase in a network of fast-charging stations. The EV charging stations will generally be placed no more than 90 miles apart and within three miles of a highway. Most locations will have at least four 150-kilowatt direct current fast chargers. Most of the stations will have both the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) North American Charging Standard (NACS or Tesla) and the Combined Charging System (CCS) plugs. The chargers are intended to charge a typical electric vehicle in 30 minutes or less.
All stations will be privately-owned and operated, with federal funds covering up to 80% and the private developer covering a minimum of 20% of eligible project costs. No state funds will be used in the construction of these stations.
Prospective proposers should send questions to:
Stephanie Brown, P3 Office Procurement Manager
Email: p3office@azdot.gov
Proposals on the 49 charging stations out for bid are due by 2 p.m., Jan. 15, 2027. Construction is expected to begin in 2028 and take about one year.
Salt River Project Wins NAFA Green Fleet Award
Congratulations to Salt River Project for winning “Best Green Garage Practices” in the 2026 NAFA Green Fleet Awards. The Green Fleet Awards are presented by NAFA Fleet Management Association. NAFA’s Green Fleet Awards recognize peak-performing fleet sustainability efforts and honors fleets who have enhanced practices to make a positive impact on the environment. This annual honor recognizes organizations that execute groundbreaking and inventive programs for their green initiatives.
The Green Fleet Awards is free to enter and is open to both government and commercial fleets in North America. Government fleets consist of all federal, state, and local government fleets, including fleets that are operated by local government personnel or contracted services. The Green Fleet Award is a comprehensive set of criteria specifically tailored around the challenges and requirements of fleet professionals.
Department of Energy Announcements and Updates
Notice of Intent: Up to $60M for Domestic Chemical, Fuel, and Fertilizer Technologies Innovation
CMEI’s AFFO announced its intent to award up to $60 million to expand domestic energy production and distribution through innovative chemical, fertilizer, fuel, and feedstock technologies.DOE will seek research, development, and scale-up projects that harness existing domestic biomass, hydrogen, and pipeline resources to strengthen American supply chains and support affordable, reliable energy. The funding opportunity will focus on three topic areas: biointermediate depots, refinery integration, and hydrogen/natural gas blending. AFFO expects to issue the full Notice of Funding Opportunity in November 2026, followed by an informational webinar covering the application process, eligibility, and partnering opportunities.
45Z Tax Credit Update: New Process for Emissions Value Requests
CMEI’s Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office (AFFO) announced the release of the Emissions Value Request process for the 45Z fuel production tax credit. The credit provides a production incentive for certain transportation fuels, with credit amounts based partly on their life cycle emissions. Under the new process, producers whose fuels are not covered by the applicable emissions rate table can request an emissions value from DOE, which they can use to petition the Secretary of the Treasury for a provisional emissions rate. The new process provides more opportunities for American fuel providers and farmers to lower energy prices, advance fuel innovation, increase American-made energy production, and strengthen U.S. energy independence and dominance.
DOE’s Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Month
This month, the U.S. Department of Energy is highlighting the work and accomplishments of the Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office (AFFO). The AFFO enables research and development of technologies that accelerate the production and use of alternative fuels, chemicals and feedstocks. It focuses on topics such as conversion of feedstocks into strategic fuels, fuel cells, chemical production, and more.
Throughout October, the DOE will highlight the people, research, partnerships, and innovations driving AFFO’s work. The office will also share stories and information highlighting AFFO’s research, priorities, partnerships, and impact throughout the rest of the month. Follow along on the DOE Office of Energy Technologies (E-Tech) LinkedIn. You can test your own knowledge of biofuels, feedstocks and technologies with AFFO’s Bioenergy Basics Game, and share it with colleagues, students, or others interested in learning more about bioenergy.
Upcoming Events
DEAZ’s Sedona EV Ride and Drive
October 25, 2026 - Sedona
The Third Annual Sedona EV Ride & Drive is your opportunity to experience electric vehicles firsthand in one of Arizona's most scenic communities.
Whether you're curious about EVs, considering your first electric vehicle, or simply want to see what's new, come meet local EV owners, ask questions, and get behind the wheel.
Arizona Forward Statewide Sustainability Summit
October 26, 2026 - Tempe
Join Arizona Forward for their annual Statewide Sustainability Summit at the SRP PERA Club, a half-day event bringing together leaders from business, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector to explore the ideas and partnerships shaping Arizona’s future.
Through thought-provoking keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, attendees will examine the opportunities and challenges facing the state while exploring innovative solutions that advance sustainability, resilience, and economic prosperity.
Green Transportation Summit and Expo
November 16-19, 2026 - Las Vegas
The Green Transportation Summit & Expo (GTSE) is officially merging with RE+ 26, the largest clean energy event in North America. This landmark event will take place November 16–19, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to access the complete clean transportation industry, from charging infrastructure, energy storage solutions, solar and wind showcased at RE+ 26 to fleet strategies spanning zero-emission technology, vehicles, and renewable fuels (RNG) at GTSE. This year, fleet managers can connect directly with energy storage, EV infrastructure, and alternative fuel providers they rely on, while clean energy project developers gain direct access to the end users driving demand.
*Use the code “EV7NLY3J” for a 30% discount on your GTSE conference registration!
Clean Fuels Conference
February 1-4, 2027 - Phoenix AZ
The Clean Fuels Conference connects key players of the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industry for one can’t-miss event. Clean fuels for land, sea and sky come together for a week of expert sessions, exhibits and showcases. Attendees include clean fuels producers and marketers, distributors, feedstock providers, fleet managers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and more. See the agenda HERE.
